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Alternative-Heating-Info.com
Portable Gas Powered Generators: Part I
In Part II of this guide I'll show you four best value portable gas powered
generators that should satisfy the power and pocketbook requirements of most
homeowners.
One method of classifying generators is by power output. According to Consumer
Reports, small generators produce 3,000-4000 watts; mid-size units, 4,500-7,000
watts; and large units around 10,000 watts.
Portable generators run on gasoline, diesel, natural gas, or liquid propane (LP). A few
models use multiple fuel sources, but gasoline powered units are the most popular
with consumers. A market study report by Frost & Sullivan indicated only 2 percent of
light duty portable generators run on fuels other than gasoline.
Three firms dominate this market: Briggs and Stratton (27%), Coleman (18%), and
Honda (13%).
Portable Generator Alternators
A generator is basically an engine and an alternator. There are two types of
alternators: standard and inverter.
Standard alternators consist of heavy copper coils, which generate a raw form of
electricity. The electricity produced by standard alternators isn't as clean as utility
power and is not recommended for power sensitive electronics like computers.
The engine must maintain a constant speed of 3,600 rotations per minute to produce
AC power. In other words, it must run at full speed, regardless of the load needed,
consuming more fuel and generating more noise.
Inverter generators utilize a different type of alternator to generate very clean AC
power and are best suited for use with computers.
The inverter technology reduces the generator's weight and allows the engine to run
at varying speeds, significantly reducing the noise level and fuel consumption.
Portable Generator Transfer Switches
The transfer switch is a smaller version of your home's circuit breaker box. It eliminates
the tangle of extension cords and enables the generator to power motors and
appliances that can't be plugged into you generator. Examples of these are the well
pump, submerged sump pump, furnace motor and electric range.
The transfer switch also prevents the generator from "back-feeding" power into utility
lines. Back-feeding poses a danger to utility linemen working on supposedly dead
power lines. Inversely, it will prevent restored utility power from entering your home
while the generator is running.
The transfer switch is installed next to the main circuit breaker box and connects to
the circuits you'll want running during a power outage. For example, a 6 circuit, 30 amp
transfer switch for mid-size generators would allow you to connect the furnace fan,
well pump, electric range and individual room circuits for small appliances to your
generator in one easy step.
The transfer switch is then wired to an outdoor receptacle (power inlet) and the
generator is connected to the power inlet with a specially designed power cord.
Sizing the transfer switch to the generator is a simple matter of matching the power
outlet on your generator to an appropriately sized transfer switch. If your generator
has a 30 amp power outlet you need a 30 amp transfer switch.
Most manual transfer switches come equipped with a watt meter. Until you get a feel
for your system, this is an indispensable tool for monitoring power usage and
preventing system overload.
< Home Improvement with Alternative Energy Heating Portable Generators Part II >
generators that should satisfy the power and pocketbook requirements of most
homeowners.
One method of classifying generators is by power output. According to Consumer
Reports, small generators produce 3,000-4000 watts; mid-size units, 4,500-7,000
watts; and large units around 10,000 watts.
Portable generators run on gasoline, diesel, natural gas, or liquid propane (LP). A few
models use multiple fuel sources, but gasoline powered units are the most popular
with consumers. A market study report by Frost & Sullivan indicated only 2 percent of
light duty portable generators run on fuels other than gasoline.
Three firms dominate this market: Briggs and Stratton (27%), Coleman (18%), and
Honda (13%).
Portable Generator Alternators
A generator is basically an engine and an alternator. There are two types of
alternators: standard and inverter.
Standard alternators consist of heavy copper coils, which generate a raw form of
electricity. The electricity produced by standard alternators isn't as clean as utility
power and is not recommended for power sensitive electronics like computers.
The engine must maintain a constant speed of 3,600 rotations per minute to produce
AC power. In other words, it must run at full speed, regardless of the load needed,
consuming more fuel and generating more noise.
Inverter generators utilize a different type of alternator to generate very clean AC
power and are best suited for use with computers.
The inverter technology reduces the generator's weight and allows the engine to run
at varying speeds, significantly reducing the noise level and fuel consumption.
Portable Generator Transfer Switches
The transfer switch is a smaller version of your home's circuit breaker box. It eliminates
the tangle of extension cords and enables the generator to power motors and
appliances that can't be plugged into you generator. Examples of these are the well
pump, submerged sump pump, furnace motor and electric range.
The transfer switch also prevents the generator from "back-feeding" power into utility
lines. Back-feeding poses a danger to utility linemen working on supposedly dead
power lines. Inversely, it will prevent restored utility power from entering your home
while the generator is running.
The transfer switch is installed next to the main circuit breaker box and connects to
the circuits you'll want running during a power outage. For example, a 6 circuit, 30 amp
transfer switch for mid-size generators would allow you to connect the furnace fan,
well pump, electric range and individual room circuits for small appliances to your
generator in one easy step.
The transfer switch is then wired to an outdoor receptacle (power inlet) and the
generator is connected to the power inlet with a specially designed power cord.
Sizing the transfer switch to the generator is a simple matter of matching the power
outlet on your generator to an appropriately sized transfer switch. If your generator
has a 30 amp power outlet you need a 30 amp transfer switch.
Most manual transfer switches come equipped with a watt meter. Until you get a feel
for your system, this is an indispensable tool for monitoring power usage and
preventing system overload.
< Home Improvement with Alternative Energy Heating Portable Generators Part II >
No matter what the season,
not a week goes by without
hearing about a weather
related power outage in one
part of the country or
another. Odds are you've
experienced one within the
last year.
With reliable well made
portable generators priced
from only $250, there's no
reason for any homeowner to
suffer the inconvenience and
discomfort of a power outage
anymore.
not a week goes by without
hearing about a weather
related power outage in one
part of the country or
another. Odds are you've
experienced one within the
last year.
With reliable well made
portable generators priced
from only $250, there's no
reason for any homeowner to
suffer the inconvenience and
discomfort of a power outage
anymore.
