The Peace-of-Mind of a Home Generator
As summer draws to a reluctant close, responsible homeowners should start making an early evaluation of their home needs for fall and winter. Every year, thousands of Americans deal with power outages firsthand. Many homeowners keep generators on hand in the event that the lights go out.

A Safety Blanket
After particularly strong wind or ice storms, power outages can stretch for days or even weeks depending on the severity of the damage and the number of people affected. Running a generator can be an effective way to power your home’s core systems and essential appliances while utility crews work to restore regular service.

Types
Every generator has two primary components: a motor that burns fuel to supply power and a generator head that converts that power into electricity. Most generators utilize engines made by respected companies such as Yamaha, Honda, Ford and GM. In general there are two different kinds of generators: portable generators and standby generators.

Portable generators provide power in remote locations or emergency situations for short periods of time. These generators have built-in fuel tanks and standard power outlets that can be hooked up to regular extension cords. The best portable generators have large fuel tanks for increased running time, a fuel indicator gauge and multiple outlets to plug in all essential devices.

Standby generators are installed permanently as an emergency power source for a business or facility. Standby generators are hard-wired into a building’s electrical system and typically have a direct fuel line (gas or propane). While standby generators are most often used by businesses, hospitals and the like, residential models are available. While more expensive than portable generators, they are sound investments in areas that experience frequent power outages.

Usage
When buying a portable generator for emergency situations, it’s important to look at models designed specifically as backup power systems. Styles of generators to avoid:

Recreational/Camping Generators are designed for camping or tailgating. While their compact size makes them ideal for recreational outings, they do not generate enough electricity to power more than a few small appliances. Additionally, their relatively small gas tanks would require refueling every few hours or so.

Jobsite/Professional Generators are larger than standard portable generators and often must be towed by truck. While their larger fuel tanks allow for longer continuous running, typically the power output of jobsite generators exceeds the needs of a single home.

Fuel
Gasoline is the most common fuel for portable generators. Gasoline should be stored in approved containers and should not be stored in the house. Gasoline cannot be stored indefinitely, so the stored gasoline stock should be used and replaced every six months or so.

Propane is a popular fuel for both hard-lined standby generators and portable generators. Propane is easier to store than gasoline and just as easy to replace.

Diesel generators are more reliable and less expensive to operate than propane or natural gas generators, but the fuel is not clean burning. Typically used in larger commercial generators, diesel must be stored in proper tanks.

Natural Gas can be used by both standby and portable generators, but is more common in standby generators.

Power/Generator Size
Voltage is essentially a measure of the “pressure” of an electrical current. Standard household current in the United States is single phase, 120 volts. Most houses have 120v/240v service – two 120v circuits that can team up to provide 240v for power-needy appliances (water pumps, air conditioning units, electric stoves etc). In general, 120/240v generators should supply a sufficient current for most homes.

Wattage measures the “volume” of electricity created by a generator. Depending on the wattage output, generators can power everything from a small lamp to a number of big appliances. The smallest generators produce around 800 watts, while large commercial generators can pump out 500,000 watts (or 500 kilowatts) or more.

Before buying a generator, make sure you have an accurate idea of your power needs rather than rough estimates. To keep your costs down, limit your choices to those appliances or devices that will be truly essential during a power outage. Many appliances list their power requirements on nameplates or in their instruction manuals. Remember that many appliances require additional wattage for starting the equipment (see example table below). The initial load is brief, but this is the wattage that should be used when calculating overall use.

Appliance Running Wattage* Startup Wattage*
Portable heater 1500 1800
Furnace fan 1100 2000
Refrigerator/freezer 1200 3000
Light bulb 50 0
Television 400 0
Microwave 750 0
Toaster oven 1500 0
Water heater 4000 0
Radio 225 0
* Wattage numbers are estimates. They will vary based on the wattage rating of the tool or appliance being used.

As an alternative, you can hire a certified electrician to measure the wattage needs of the systems and appliances in your home. Some general guidelines:

Medium-sized portable generators (3,000-6,000 watts) will power multiple core appliances such as your refrigerator, sump pump, furnace fan and portable heater.





Large portable generators (7,000-9,000 watts) will restore power to multiple rooms in your home (minus a central air conditioner).




Extra Large portable generators (10,000+ watts) will supply enough electricity to restore power to small homes, including some central air conditioners.



Safe Operation
Generating power on your own is not risk free. Exhaust from generators contains carbon monoxide (CO), fumes that can cause asphyxiation in interior confines. Carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible to the naked eye, and can be difficult to clear from confined spaces. Every storm season hospitals around the country admit patients harmed by improper use of home generators.

Never use a generator indoors or in attached garages. Always operate the generator in well-ventilated areas outdoors. Make sure to set the generator up away from the home’s air intakes and any open doors or windows. Keep the generator at least 10ft away from the home and be mindful of wind direction that may push CO into the house.
Protect the generator from direct exposure to rain and snow.
Use only heavy duty, outdoor rated extension cords with an appropriate wire gauge.
Do not attempt to exceed the generators stated wattage output.
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