Guides

There are a lot of things to think about when buying a portable generator, whether you’re getting ready for an emergency, need to power a job site, or want to use it for fun.

To help you sort through the many options, we’ve put together a list of the things that our expert team looks for when looking for a new one.

What Should You Look for in a Generator?

Different kinds of generators

You can choose from different kinds of generators. Home generators are always there, can run on natural gas or propane, and turn on by themselves when the power goes out.

Depending on how big it is, a generator can be carried and comes in many different sizes. Some should be left on your property as a backup power source, while others should be taken to the tailgate party.

Indoor generators, also called portable power stations, are the only option for people who live in apartments and can’t safely run a generator outside.

Fuel Type

The ones that use gas are the most common. Fuel is easy to find, except when there is panic before and after big hurricanes. If you want to spend more money, diesel generators use fuel more efficiently. You will also get rid of the stuck carburetor, which always seems to get stuck when you need it the least. If you want a whole-house generator, diesel is a good choice. Diesel is sometimes harder to find than gasoline.

A propane generators or dual fuel generators are another alternative.

It’s a good choice if you want to use a fuel that’s better for the environment and don’t mind that it’s a little more complicated.

Inside generators that are powered by batteries can run quietly, are good for the environment, and can be charged by solar panels. But they are expensive, take a long time to charge, and sometimes don’t have enough power.

Power surges and outlets

Before you buy a generator, you should figure out what size will work best for your needs. That means you’ll have to figure out how much power you’ll need. Even though your refrigerator may only need 700 watts of power to run, what happens when it needs 2100 watts of power to start? Make sure you know how many watts you’ll need to start up and run the equipment you want to connect to the generator.

The other part of the question is what kind of outlets you need. Most small inverter generators have two 120V AC outlets and maybe two USB ports. When you reach 4000 watts, you’ll see more 120V outlets and 240V plugs. You’ll need a 240V plug if you want an electrician to connect your generator directly to your panel. If you’re going to use your generator outside, make sure it has outlets that are protected by GFCI.

(THD)

If you want to run sensitive electronics like laptops or lab equipment, you need to know what the waveform looks like. Total harmonic distortion should usually be less than 6% to keep electrical circuits from getting damaged. It is a voltage level that is more stable and predictable. It is often called “clean power” or “pure sine wave.”

Pure sine wave generators cost more and, with few exceptions, are usually only found in lower-wattage models.

Not all battery inverters have low THD, by the way. Some make waves that are square. If you know you need clean power, find out what the rules are.

Occasional or Regular Use

Most generators come with a warranty that lasts for a few years. Any well-known brand can be used in an emergency or for fun.

If you have a team that needs a generator almost every day, you should look for one with a real commercial engine. Not only will it fit better, but you’ll probably also get a warranty that lasts a lot longer than a year. Most of the time, these are more expensive, which is an obvious downside.

Noise Level

A silent design is possible for smaller generators. There are some that aren’t as loud as others. If you are tailgating or camping in a place where generators are allowed, your neighbors will enjoy it. When you get to the 4500 watt class, there isn’t much in the “less noise” class. One thing to think about is where the fuel comes from. Diesel engines make more noise than gas engines.

Fuel Tank & Runtime

If you have a larger fuel tank you can go longer. That’s obvious. Most generators can run for up to 8 hours at 50% load on one tank of fuel. If you use less power, you’ll run longer. If you use more power, the fuel will run out faster. It will get heavier though when the gas tank is full. There are also gas tanks and tanks made of plastic. Both have their good points and bad points. Plastic is good because it doesn’t rust or corrode.

Manual or Electric Start

If you like to pull a rope to start an engine, don’t use an electronic start. Electric start engines are a great choice if you can pay the extra cost. Lead-acid batteries, like the ones in cars, are still used in most portable generators. There are some with lithium-ion batteries. Before you use the battery, make sure it is fully charged. Most generators will work fine if the charging point is left plugged in when they are not being used.

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Having electronic fuel injection is a great thing. No longer do cars need carburetors. Even if you don’t take care of it, you could still have problems, but none of them would be caused by a clogged carburetor. In the winter, your generator will be easy to start.

Detection of carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are built into generators by more than one company. Honda wants to use it on all of their products. If there is too much carbon monoxide near the engine, these can be used to shut it down. They work better than the ones you put in your home to keep you from getting sick or dying from CO. The trend in the industry seems to be toward putting this feature in newer models.

Hook Bar

If you buy a portable generator for a business or factory, you will probably have to move it to a higher floor at some point. A lift hook bar can be a big help that can save you a lot of time and work.

Wheel Kit

Even though generators are big and heavy, not every one of them comes with a wheel kit. Before you buy one, check twice because some stores will make you buy it separately. There are generators with two wheels and generators with four wheels. You can buy aftermarket generator dolly kits to add wheels to a model that doesn’t have them.

In summary

Size and Power Output: When shopping for a generator, the size and power output are two of the most important things to think about. The generator’s overall power output will depend on its size, and the number of appliances and devices it can power at the same time will depend on how much power it can put out. When choosing the size of a generator, think about how much power you’ll need at any one time and how many appliances and devices you’ll be running off of it.

Portability and mobility are important things to think about when buying a generator, especially if you want to use it for things like camping, tailgating, or construction work outside. Portable generators are made to be easily moved from one place to another, while stationary generators are made to be set up in one place. When choosing a generator that’s easy to move, think about how much it weighs and whether or not it has wheels and handles.

Price and Budget: The price of a generator depends a lot on its size, how much power it puts out, and what features it has. When making a budget, you should think about how much the generator itself will cost, as well as how much fuel, maintenance, and accessories will cost. A more expensive generator may have more features and capabilities, but it’s important to choose a generator that fits your budget while still giving you the power you need.

Reputation and dependability of the brand: The reputation and dependability of a generator can have a big effect on how well it works and how long it lasts. Choose a reliable brand that has a history of making high-quality generators, and look into the brand’s customer service and support options in case you need help in the future.

Warranty and Guarantee: Most generator makers offer a warranty or guarantee on their products, so it’s important to know the terms of the warranty before buying a generator. The length of the warranty can vary. Some only last a few months, while others may cover the generator’s entire life. Make sure to keep all receipts, manuals, and warranty information in a safe place so that you can use the warranty if you need to.

Extra Features and Accessories: Generators can come with a variety of extra features and accessories that make them easier to use and more flexible. USB ports, the ability to work in parallel, automatic voltage regulation, and remote start are some of the most common features. Think about the extra features you need and choose a generator that has them or can be easily modified with the right accessories.

Maintenance and Upkeep Needs: A generator needs regular maintenance and upkeep to make sure it works well and lasts as long as possible. When choosing a generator model, think about how often and how much it will cost to change the oil, replace the air filter, and do other regular maintenance tasks.

Energy Efficiency and Fuel Efficiency: A generator’s energy efficiency and fuel efficiency can have a big effect on how much it costs to run and how it affects the environment as a whole. When choosing a generator, think about how much fuel it uses and how much pollution it puts out. If you want to save money and have less of an impact on the environment, choose a generator that uses less energy and fuel.

Concerns about the environment and emissions: Generators can release gases that are bad for the environment, so it’s important to choose one that doesn’t do that. Think about the generator’s emissions when choosing a model, and choose one that meets the most recent standards and rules for emissions.

Options for Storing and Moving: When your generator isn’t in use, it’s important to store and move it in the right way to keep it from getting damaged and to make sure it lasts as long as possible. Think about how you can store and move your generator, including its size, weight, and whether or not it has handles and wheels. Choose a generator that is easy to move and store, and if you need to, spend money on protective covers and storage containers.

Review and Ratings from Customers:
Lastly, when choosing a generator, don’t forget to look at customer reviews and ratings. Customer reviews can tell you a lot about how well and reliably a generator works, as well as any problems that customers have had with it. Before you buy a generator, you should read a variety of customer reviews to get a good idea of its strengths and weaknesses.
By thinking about these things, you’ll be able to choose a generator that fits your needs and requirements and protects your investment at the same time. If you do your research and buy a good generator, you’ll have reliable power for years to come.

Have you noticed that when you’re running on backup power, machine speeds change or lights flash? This kind of behavior is called “surging.” When your generator causes a power surge, it means that something isn’t working right.

What Is Surging? How can you tell?

When a generator or other electrical part, appliance, or device changes its behavior in a noticeable way at regular intervals, this is called “spiking.” The gaps can be random or they can follow a pattern. What does this really mean? Let’s look at a few examples.

If the generator surged, the lights would flicker back and forth, making it look like they were flickering. Machines can change speed quickly, like a fan that speeds up and slows down for no apparent reason.

Why do generators sometimes surge?

Something causes a surge in a generator. The main things that cause surging are using too much fuel, not doing enough maintenance, getting old, a broken capacitor or another part, a clogged carburetor, an unbalanced load, and many other things. Let’s talk about each one.

1. Fuel Related problems

One of the three things that can cause fuel-related surging is using the wrong fuel, not having enough fuel, or using bad fuel. Any type of fuel that isn’t allowed can cause a surge, and most generators have specific fuel needs.

Fuel can make a generator surge, which doesn’t happen very often. Check the fuel filters and the quality of the fuel to make sure that nothing is blocking the filters or lines.

Fuel pumps that don’t work right could cause surges. Making sure that your fuel pump is in good shape is a key step in figuring out what’s causing the surge. If fuel flow is reduced because of a leak or blockage in the fuel line, check it out.

2. Component Problems

If you’re looking for what’s causing surges, it could be that parts of the generator are broken. A broken capacitor is one example of a single part that could stop your generator from making and distributing power. This would cause your power supply and distribution to change in unpredictable ways.

3. Old Age

Due to normal wear and tear, parts of generators can break down and cause them to surge. If your generator is getting close to the end of its expected life and you start to notice surges, you might want to think about getting a newer model.

4. Poor Maintenance

Generators need to be taken care of like any other piece of equipment if you want them to keep working well. Neglecting your maintenance intervals can lead to more wear and tear and other, more serious problems, like your generator becoming more likely to surge.

5. The surge watts of equipment that is connected

The increase in load can be caused by starting up big machines that are running on backup power. If this uses up all the power your generator can produce, it will be hard for it to keep up with demand. This can sometimes happen. After a brief loss of power to other devices, everything evens out and you don’t notice a difference in the power quality. Sometimes the extra load is too much for your generator to handle, which can cause power spikes or even cause the generator to shut down completely.

6. Load Balancing

Depending on what you’re trying to connect to, the load can change very quickly. It’s important to make sure that the load is evenly spread across the three phases. This is also a good time to make sure the generator isn’t overloaded, either all the time or just for a short time when something starts up. Motors are often the main cause of an unbalanced load because they use a lot of electricity when they first start up.

7. AVR Failure

The Automatic Voltage Regulator is a type of regulator. An AVR, which is attached to your alternator, checks how much power your generator is putting out. Its job is to keep the voltage across the equipment load constant. This is done when the load on your generator changes a lot. The AVR smooths out the power that comes from the generator. If the AVR breaks down, it could cause power surges.

Less-Common Reasons

1. Damaged Spark Plugs

Check your spark plugs for damage or wear. If the porcelain insulator is broken, the electrode is broken, or there is a lot of carbon on the plug, it should be changed. Use a spark plug tester to find out if the spark plug is broken. When you turn the engine over, you should see a bright spark between the tester’s two ends. If you can’t see a spark, you need to change the spark plug.

2. Clogged Carburetor

One of the most common ways to get a clogged carburetor is to leave fuel in the generator for a long time. Some of the parts in the fuel may make it thicker and stickier so that it can’t move through the fuel system. If this sticky fuel gets stuck in the engine, it could stop or run badly. If the carburetor is clogged, you should use a cleaner to clean it. If cleaning the carburetor doesn’t make it work better, you might need to rebuild or replace it.

3. Blocked Fuel Filter

Most of the time, old fuel is what makes a fuel filter stop working. Over time, some of the parts of the fuel evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. If sticky bits of fuel get stuck in the fuel filters, the engine could stop or run in a strange way. If the fuel filter is broken or full, it needs to be changed.

A generator is more than just a way to get power. It’s also a way to protect your money. During natural disasters, people often lose power for weeks at a time. This also leads to losses that can’t be made up for, not to mention a lot of other problems.

When the weather changes and the power goes out, a generator with a steady supply of energy will help keep the house or business running.

Generators that run on gasoline are becoming more common, but propane is being used more and more as a backup fuel. Consider some of the best propane generators on the market today if you want to replace an old one or buy a new one.

With a portable generator made for home use, you can power some of your home’s most important appliances. Generators help businesses lose less money and keep people from running out of food and other things that need to be kept cold at home.

When compared to diesel generators, propane generators have many advantages because the fuel is safe and easy to get. Don’t just buy a generator if you need one. Pick one that runs on propane or some kind of natural gas.

Here are some good reasons to use propane as your power source:

Propane’s shelf life

The generator is a good safety net, but you don’t want to use it too often. Propane never goes bad and doesn’t need extra stabilizers to be stored for a long time, so you don’t have to worry that your propane-powered generator won’t work in cold weather. It would help if you knew your generator would work when you needed it.

Spill-Proof

Because propane tanks have safety valves, they are less likely to leak than containers for gasoline and diesel, which don’t have valves. Protection valves in storage tanks also trap gases, but most fuel and diesel storage tanks don’t, at least not to the same extent.

Even though evaporation isn’t really a diesel problem, it is a problem with fuel that is very hard to predict. If you let it spill out of its bottle, a lot of the fuel can be lost just because it evaporates.

And there is no danger if the propane leaks out of its tank. When it’s not being burned, propane is a “green” fuel. It doesn’t harm the environment like gasoline and diesel do.

Propane Is Cleaner

Propane is a resource that can be made again and again. Reduced emissions are not only better for the environment and local air quality, but they also mean that propane generators usually need less maintenance, which makes them more stable and last longer. But keep in mind that all generators, whether they run on propane or gasoline, must be kept outside of homes, houses, and garages so that carbon monoxide can escape.

More and more people are working together to cut down on pollution and keep the air clean. Propane makes it easier to burn safely. What exactly does it mean? Carbon monoxide gets into the air when gasoline and wood are burned.

Propane Generators Are Easily Available

If the gasoline generator runs out of gas, it won’t work. Propane generators are easy to use and work well. All you need is a place to store propane and a road to get it to the generator. A tank monitor can be put in place to automatically tell you and your provider when you need a refill. This can give you more peace of mind.

Carbon monoxide is a small greenhouse gas, but it has big effects on the environment, most of which are indirect.

To keep the air safe, everyone needs to cut down on the amount of carbon monoxide they release into the air. Propane doesn’t leak, is safe to move, and doesn’t make any waste. It has a direct effect on the environment and on the safety of your home.

Good for Allergy Sufferers

You don’t have to risk your health if you have asthma or just don’t like the smell of diesel.

Propane doesn’t have a color or smell, and it’s easy to turn into a gas. But some businesses add ethyl mercaptan so they can smell a slight odor that tells them where a leak is.

With propane, it only takes 20 minutes to heat up a hot water tank, while it takes an hour with electricity. So, it can send out air that is a little bit colder than the human body. So, when the generator is turned on, it will heat up by about 15 degrees. This is a very powerful way to heat a home that doesn’t have access to electricity.

Without a stabilizer, propane is reliable and stable

Unlike gasoline and petrol, propane doesn’t go bad over time, so you don’t have to use it all up at a certain point. Its shelf life mostly depends on how clean the storage tank is. Because the fuel is so long-lasting, you don’t have to use expensive stabilizers to keep it from going bad.

When the temperature changes, propane moves around. So when you buy the gallon, it’s only about 80% full. Even if that happened, this gallon would still give your house 27 kilowatt hours of power.

If you keep the tank in good shape and full, it will help you get the power you need.

Most people only think about propane when they are grilling outside, but it can also be a great way to heat your home and power kitchen appliances. It also gives you many different kinds of power and choices. So, you’ll save money and have a stable source of electricity.

You won’t even have to worry about where to put it. The propane tanks are 20 times harder to puncture, so there is less chance that they will leak.

Some businesses can connect your home to their supply of propane through underground pipes. So, you’ll still be able to get gas when you need it. You can spend less money and still get more benefits.

There is no need for pumps

If your gas or diesel generator runs out of gas, you’ll need to fill up at a gas station. But if the power goes out at the station, you’re out of luck. But propane doesn’t have as much trouble with this.

Propane is easy to get from gas stations and places that make it on their own (provided the station, at least, is open and will accept cash). If you already have other things in your home that run on propane, you can already have a big propane tank. If this is true, it’s not as bad if you run out of gas.

Yes, all generators would help you out a lot when the power goes out, but what if the gas stations are also out of service and you can’t get gas?

No one knows how long a power outage will last, which is its biggest problem. In some cases, they only last a few hours, but in more serious cases, they can last weeks or even months.

With a generator that runs on propane, you can be sure that you will still have power. Propane doesn’t break down or evaporate like oil does, so you’ll always have power.

Even if the power goes out, you will keep your tank full. Gas stations may not work when the power goes out because they need electricity to work. Natural gas doesn’t have an expiration date, so you can store it for many years.

Not a Single Thing Depended on Supply Pipes

Propane has been compared to diesel and gasoline for the same reasons that have already been given. We haven’t talked about natural gas yet.

Propane is the same as natural gas in terms of how well it works, how stable it is, and how much pollution it puts out. But propane has one clear advantage: it is easy to get. Pipes bring natural gas to homes and businesses, while propane is stored in containers. If a hurricane breaks these gas lines, the generator will run out of gas.

In rural areas, natural gas is often hard to come by, so propane, LPG, diesel, and gasoline are the only options for fuel.

How well do propane generators work when it is cold?

When it’s cold outside, diesel and gasoline get thicker, which makes them harder to use. Diesel, in particular, has a hard time starting when the weather gets very cold.

When diesel engines run at temperatures that aren’t ideal, they run into a problem that can hurt the engine and make it make less power.

Propane, on the other hand, doesn’t care about how hot or cold it is. Because of this, it is a good way to get power in an emergency for people who live in places where winters are very cold.

There are still important safety rules to remember if you want to land one. Finding out if your generator needs to be grounded and how to do it are two of the most important steps in generator safety, even if you are using a battery-powered generator inside.

Do you need to ground the portable generator? – It depends on what you want to do. If you’re only using extension cords, you don’t need a ground rod (If you have a portable bonded neutral generator)

When you connect your generator to an electrical panel (such as a home’s electrical system, a transfer switch, etc.), you must connect it to a ground rod. The ground rods must be driven into the ground and then connected to the ground lug on the generator with a ground wire. At least 8 feet of the rod must be put into the ground.

We strongly suggest that you look into and follow all federal, state, and local grounding laws.

What is being grounded?

Grounding is the process of connecting the electrical system to the ground. The NEC calls ground “the earth” and says that electrical systems that are grounded must be connected to earth in a way that limits the voltage caused by thunder, line spikes, or unintentional contact with larger lines and keeps the voltage to earth stable when the system is working normally.

How important it is for electrical systems to be properly grounded and bonded?

When electricity flows through a set of wires, it always tries to find a way to lose energy by going back to the ground. In a typical electrical system, like the one in your generator, electricity flows from “hot” wires to a set of “neutral” wires.

But if the normal electrical circuit is broken, electricity will go where it meets the least amount of resistance. If your generator isn’t grounded, electricity could go where it shouldn’t, which could lead to electrocution, fire, or other dangerous situations.

Grounding makes a path for electricity to flow that has little resistance. The term “grounding” is used because the backup paths of many electrical systems go straight into the ground, where there may not be much danger.

Grounding vs. bonding

When it comes to bonding and grounding, generators and other electrical systems have their own needs. Grounding is the connection between an electric circuit or piece of equipment and a reference ground, such as the frame of a generator. Bonding is the act of making a connection between the grounded neutral circuit conductor and the frame of a portable generator.

So, making sure that the neutral conductor is properly connected to the frame of the generator is also important for the safe operation of the equipment. A professional electrician with the right tools can test the neutral terminal of a power outlet to make sure it is properly bonded. The resistance should be close to zero.

Requirements for grounding a generator

Article 250 of the NEC says how generators that are linked through transfer switches have to be grounded.

When you use a portable generator, make sure it’s connected to the ground. The frame of a portable generator doesn’t have to be grounded, but it could be used as the ground:

The generator frame is connected to the metal parts of the fuel tank, the internal combustion engine, and the generator housing that don’t carry electricity. It is also connected to the equipment grounding conductor terminals of the power outlets that come with the generator.

Instead of being connected to a grounding electrode system like a ground rod, the grounding electrode is the frame of the generator.

A qualified electrician must be licensed to use a transfer switch and install it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

How to connect a portable generator to the ground?

Most people think that grounding a generator is a hard job that should only be done by professionals. But that’s not the case. In fact, it’s likely that you already have almost everything you’ll need for the job. All of these are easy to find online or at a Home Depot near you.

List of Tools and Equipment You’ll Need to Ground Your Generator

Most people think that grounding a portable backup generator is a hard job that should only be done by professionals. But that’s not the case. You probably have almost everything you need for the job already. All of them are easy to find online or at your local Home Depot.

You’ll need the following things to ground your portable generator:

Grounding Rod: A grounding rod is meant to be pushed into the ground so that any electrical current can safely flow away from it. Most portable generators need a copper rod that is at least four feet long. A longer copper rod can help you drive it deeper into the ground.

Grounding Wire: The grounding wire connects the grounding bolt on your generator to the grounding rod. How far away your portable generator is from the copper rod will tell you how long a wire you need. Make sure to keep some extra wire on hand in case you need to drive the rod into the ground.

Hammer: You’ll need a heavy, blunt tool like a hammer to push the copper grounding wire into the ground. Depending on the terrain, a shovel may also be helpful.

Pliers and Wrench—You will need wire strippers, pliers, and a wrench to strip the copper grounding wire and connect it to the copper grounding rod and the bolt on your generator.

Three Steps to Ground a Generator

Step 1: Hit the rod with a hammer.

The copper rod should be buried or pounded into the ground at least 8 feet deep. Any generator will have an 8-foot cord. This depth makes sure that anyone on the ground won’t get hurt if the grounding rod leaks electricity. If you are in rocky or hard terrain, you can hammer the rod in at an angle.

Step 2: Plug the copper wire in.

Using wire strippers or pliers, remove about 6 to 12 inches of insulation from one end of the copper wire. Then, use your pliers to wrap the wire tightly around the top of the grounding rod.

Step 3: Plug the generator in.

Connect the generator to the copper grounding rod using the other end of the copper wire. Make sure the generator is turned off before you do this.

Find the grounding bolt on your generator and loosen the nut a little. After stripping the end of the copper wire by one to two inches, use your pliers to wrap it around the grounding bolt. Tighten the nut when you’re done to keep the wire in place.

Lastly, test the connection to make sure it works.

The connection between the frame of the generator and the copper rod grounding terminals is important for the safe operation of the machine. A qualified electrician with the right tools can test the connection to make sure it works. The ohmic resistance should be close to zero and shouldn’t change, because that means the connection isn’t tight.