Spring storms are here and when power goes off for extended periods due to storms or equipment failure, having a backup emergency generator can be very beneficial. There are various types and sizes of generators out there that differ upon your needs. If you are a homeowner considering investing in one below are some helpful tips that can help you.

Types of Generators

Generators come in different sizes and deciding which generator type you need is determined by your power need in emergencies. The more items you plan to to provide power to, the bigger and more costly the generator.

Stationary Generators

A stationary generator is equipped with a forced air or other type of cooling system that allows it to be enclosed typically outside mounted on a concrete pad similar to a central air conditioning unit.

  • Permanent generators are installed as part of the electrical system and provide power to the building wiring.
  • Electrical current from the generator may back-feed into the home's electrical system and cause damage or fire and ruin equipment if it is not properly installed. It is recommended a qualified electrician install a generator to a home electrical system.
  • Stationary generators are far more powerful than any portable unit, a stationary generator will allow you to weather any outage for an extended period of time.


Portable Generators

  • Best for use of a few selected circuits such as  for lights in the general living area, heating or cooling systems, or refrigerator.
  • If deciding to use a portable generator, it is important to select one that is adequately sized. Some electrical motors in home appliances and equipment can be ruined or damaged if they do not receive enough electrical current.
  • Portable generators are least expensive and can be transported for camping, trips or other locations where temporary power is needed

Noise Level

The noise level of your generator is a major factor in determining the right model.

•Many areas have noise ordinances that may impact generator usage, particularly at night.
•Noisy generators are unsuitable for many applications, including camping, powering outdoor events, and RVing.

Most generators are labeled with a decibel rating. For every increase in 10 decibels, the noise level is 10 times more powerful. A generator that runs at 70 decibels is ten times as loud as a generator that runs at 60 decibels.

Before you purchase a generator be sure to you have determined the total watts needed to power the items you need. This is important to help you determine what size generator is required. An electrician can help make this determination or you can check the manufacturer information for each appliance.

Whether you choose a portable or a stationary, all generators burns fuel and must be run outdoors. Always follow the manufacturers instructions and never run it in the garage or inside the home.

 

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