Choosing The Right Type Of Generator For Your
House
Author: Joe Goertz

Nowadays, can anyone live without electricity? Me neither. If
the power goes out for even a short time, it's pandemonium
around our house. No television, no microwave, no dishwasher,
no dryer, no stove, no hot water. How will we survive? How will
you? If you have a generator, you may never have to find out.

Portable and permanent are the two basic types of generators.
The names say it all. Portable generators can be carried with
you, and permanent generators are just that – permanent.

Since portable generators can only generate a small amount of
electricity, they will only allow certain small appliances to
run. Obviously, you will not be able to use a portable
generator to apply power to your entire house in the case of a
power outage.

Portable generators usually operate on gas or propane. Fuel
tanks are built into the generator. Some portable generators
can be plugged into an outlet. These are great for activities
that require electricity without having to run three or four
extension cords.

There are a couple of disadvantages to using a portable
generator. One is that you have to manually start it. The other
disadvantage is that you have to be sure to have the fuel
on-hand for immediate use of the generator, if the power goes
out. Once the main power has returned, you must also manually
turn off the portable generator.

Portable generators can range from delivering less than 1 kW to
delivering 15 kW. Of course, larger generators are available
that can be towed to wherever you need the generator that
produce 200kW or more. There are some portable generators that
will produce up to 6,000kW!

Permanent (or standby) generators can power your entire house
or business in case of a power outage. This type of generator
is direct-wired to the building's electrical system, and it is
fueled by the city (or other entity) using gas or propane
lines.

The advantage of having a permanent generator is that you don't
have to manually start it, and it can produce up to 20,000 kW of
electricity. It automatically comes on when the power goes out
and goes off when the power is restored. The disadvantage is
that you cannot remove the generator, once it's installed
without a large sum of money, time, and manpower.

Regardless of which type of generator you use, be sure to
install it with a transfer switch. This will turn off the home
or office's electrical current connection from the utility
company before the generator starts running. By doing so, the
generator's electrical current does not back feed into the
utility lines, thereby creating a safer environment for the
utility workers.

Different generators with different wattages are offered at
different prices. This is to be expected. Before purchasing a
generator, whether portable or permanent, be sure to examine
your specific needs. You need to purchase a generator that will
help you when it's supposed to.

Check the manufacturer's warranty and installation/use
instructions. Be sure to use your generator safely at all
times. Again, be sure to purchase a generator that will sustain
you and your family in a time of crisis.


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