Buying A Home Electric Generator

Homeowners interested in buying a home electric generator face many options. Buyers must take into consideration wattage, voltage, motor type, size, and, of course, the price. Even with this variety however, the basic purpose of any home generator remains the same. Electricity is an essential part of the home; people often forget just how essential it is until they lose it. A generator can help a homeowner avoid many problems that accompany a loss of electricity.

A home electric generator, with all the variables, is still based on two elements: the motor, and the generator head. The former burns gas (natural, diesel, gasoline, etc) to generate power, which the generator head uses to create electricity. Depending on the size, a home generator can produce up to several hundred kW, though most produce only 10 to 40 kW. This is enough to power half the circuits in a large home, or all circuits in a small home, for the duration of a short-term power outage.

A common fuel choice for a home electric generator is gasoline or diesel, but many home standby generators use natural gas or propane. Usually they draw this fuel from the main fuel line to the house, provided the house has a natural gas or propane line. In a severe power outage, gasoline and diesel may be unavailable at gas stations, so portable generators may not be as reliable for the homeowner in all circumstances.

Finally, every homeowner with a home electric generator should know and understand basic safety and maintenance for the generator. Users should ensure that the home electric generator is properly installed and connected; improper connections could result in electrical backfeed, which could damage the generator and create a fire. Also, a generator motor can create carbon monoxide, so it must be properly ventilated.