Lots 2 Learn about Portable Generators

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Home generators provide electricity for a short duration of time during power shortages or outages. They can be used to run house lights and, if of sufficient capacity, can run necessary appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, furnaces, heaters, televisions and radios.

Home generators come in two ways, either portable or stationery (or standby) generators. When the power goes out, these small generators can be used to keep lights and selected appliances running until normal power returns. Portable generators come in differing sizes with capacities ranging from 1 kilowatt to 100 kilowatts. They can be run on either diesel, gasoline, propane or natural gas with gasoline being the least expensive.

Choosing the size, and whether to go with portable or stationery generator, is really up to you. There are several factors to consider. Do you want it to run the entire house or just a few appliances in an outage? To determine size, you'll need to add up all the wattage requirements for each of the things you want to power with it. Some appliances with compressors (like refrigerators) have a higher starting wattage rating that must be used. Once the total wattage has been determined, look over the generators with a capacity larger then the total that you need. If you choose smaller generator than you need, it could cause the generator to shut down. If some of the appliances are 240 volt, the generator must have that capacity to cover that as well. Home generators rated at 5KW start at around $600.

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You should never connect a portable generator to the home wiring system due to electrical hazard. Any extension cords used should meet recommendations for electrical capacity. Too much wattage on an extension cord can cause a fire. Cords should not be placed under rugs or carpet so no one trips on them. If the generator has multiple outlets, the load should be balanced as evenly as possible between them. A portable generator must always stay outside the house due to carbon monoxide in their exhaust. Generators should be allowed to cool before refueling to prevent fire hazard.

Stationery home generators must be installed by a professional or licensed electrical contractor. These generators are connected to the home wiring system with an automatic transfer switch. An automatic power monitoring system recognizes any power disruption and immediately starts the generator. When normal power is restored the monitor turns the generator off. This is a very cool feature, wouldn't you agree?

The primary fuel for this type of generator is natural gas and can be hooked into the home's natural gas line (eliminating the need for refueling). Other models can run on LP gas or diesel. Stationery generators in the range of 8KW to 17KW are large enough to run an average houses lights, computers, kitchen appliances, medical equipment and heat or air equipment. These generators should be contained in a ventilated structure due to the heat and smoke they produce. Depending on the model of generator, the price could range from $2,000 to $10,000.

To power any electronic equipment, make sure the generator provides 60 hertz power.

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