What Kind of Generator Do I Need?
There are a wide variety of portable generators that are currently available for customers to purchase. Some are more suitable then others for connecting to your house.
When selecting a generator to connect to your house, you should ensure that the generator:
• will not damage sensitive electronic appliances/equipment,
• provides the capability to start large motor loads such as a
well pump, if needed,
• has a 120/240-volt connector(s) and
• has a four wire 20- amp, 30-amp or 50-amp
receptacle.
ABOUT GENERATORS
Choose a generator that has the following features:
• a peak rating sufficient to start the largest motor you will be running during an outage
• an automatic voltage regulator
• ‘low oil’ shut down
• 1420,1430 or 1450 locking receptacles
The quality of power produced by a portable generator is also an important factor to consider when selecting your generator. If the voltage output is too low, it could cause motors, such as your refrigerator or furnace motor to overheat. If the voltage output is too high, it could damage sensitive electronic equipment such as your computer or the digital controls on your heating system.
To maximize your generator’s power quality, it is recommended that your generator have automatic voltage regulation. Electronic voltage regulation is preferred over capacitor or condenser type regulation in instances where sensitive electronic equipment is being operated.
Engine Durability
During extreme situations, such as the aftermath of a major storm, your generator may have to operate continuously for several days. Lower cost generators using lawnmower type engines, are simply not up to this task. When purchasing a portable generator to run your home, you should look for one that has an "industrial" or "commercial grade" engine. The following types of features typically distinguish these engines:
- Cast iron cylinder sleeves for longer life
- Upright cylinders with overhead valves for better oil lubrication, vs horizontal cylinders and side valves
- Low oil consumption
- Low oil shut-down to protect the engine if it runs out of oil
Power Quality
The power quality output from a portable generator is not the same as what you receive from your utility. To protect your sensitive electronic equipment, only connect a high quality generator with good power quality output to your home. You should also use certain precautions in operating personal computers when a portable generator is powering your home.
When evaluating an engine generator's power quality output, you should be primarily concerned with voltage regulation. If the voltage output from your generator is too low, it could cause motors such as your refrigerator motor or furnace motor to overheat and burn up. If the voltage output is too high, it could damage sensitive electronic equipment such as the digital controls on your furnace or your computer. When purchasing a portable generator, you should make sure it has automatic voltage regulation (AVR). You should never power sensitive electronic equipment with a portable generator that has "mechanical voltage regulation" as is commonly found on lower priced portable generators.