Category: Portable Generators

Inverter Generators / Portable Generators / Tips

Tips for Choosing a Generator

Tips for Choosing a Generator

These handy tips should help you know when and how to choose the right generator for your needs.

Advice for Business Owners

Running and managing a company is not easy. The supply of electricity – or lack of it can challenge the success of your business. You need a continuous supply of electricity to remain productive. Have you thought of buying a generator? If so, head over to Best Generator and check out some of their reviews! They can quickly help you find the right type and model for your project. If you still need more advice, read below:

Advice for Homeowners

History tells you how unreliable the weather can be. Power outages happen more often and last longer. Being without power means you could be sitting in a darkened house and/or sweltering in the heat without air conditioning while the food in your refrigerator spoils.

Also, your lower level might be full of water because your sump pump stopped working. Your children will continuously demand attention because they can’t watch TV or use their computer.

If you have been left without an electrical supply for any length of time, it’s time to act by purchasing a generator. Portable generators are smaller but power the essential household appliances such as the fridge and the microwave.  Large stationary generators can provide power for all your household needs.

Which Type of Fuel? Diesel or Petrol?

Diesel generators are more expensive than petrol and are more expensive to maintain.  Diesel generators last longer, are more durable and require less frequent maintenance. If you require a generator for emergency usage,  buy a petrol one.  If you need a generator to operate large systems, buy a diesel one. Diesel generators are more efficient than petrol ones.

A portable generator is best used for occasional or emergency requirements in small firms. Portables are cheaper than stationary generators, but stationary (stand by) generators cost more. Stationary generators last longer and require less maintenance. You need to consider the size of the air conditioning unit and other appliances in your building.

The generator needs to be stored outside the office building as it emits unhealthy carbon monoxide. Choose your generator as per your building voltage requirements.

Other Considerations for Choosing a Generator

The easiest way to supply backup power to your home is by operating an easily moved generator in your backyard. Use extension cables that connect to your fridge, stove and microwave. This method is the least costly method as it does not require installation by an electrical company. Some disadvantages are that you will need to install an extension cord wherever you require power, and also you can only plug a certain number of things at one time. You will have to be present to turn the generator on and keep the generator running.

Extension cords need to be at least 14 gauge to carry enough power. The cord’s maximum wattage rating will be listed on the label attached to the cord.

The generator must be installed at least 12 feet from your home. Be careful not to install it under an overhang of any building or inside your home or inside any other building. When using a portable generator, plug in a carbon monoxide detector. The CO2 detector will alert you if carbon monoxide levels are too high inside the house. Options include:

Wheels – have them installed – generators are very heavy to lift.

Electric – starts with a key rather than pull-starts.

April 8, 2019
0
Inverter Generators / Portable Generators

Different Types of Generators and Their Uses

Different Types of Generators and Their Uses

Electricity is just one which we cannot do without, can you imagine life without power? How then do we run our heavy duty machines to our household appliances? Even in developed countries, we can’t overemphasize the need for consistent power supply.

Generators are machines for generating electricity. They are primary sources of electrical supply when there is no mains supply (industrial range) or an alternative source during a power outage (emergency range).

There are various types of generators ranging in sizes and uses. The four main types of power generators include:

  • Electromotive device Generators (EMD)
  • Diesel Generators
  • Portable Generators
  • Natural Gas Generators

Electromotive Device Generators (EMD)

These are devices that generate electricity using electromotive force.

  • Electric Diesel motors are some of the most efficient engines available, and they serve a large number of industries because of their durability and efficiency.
  • It powers dc generators which in turn provide electricity to electric engines attached to the drivetrain.

Diesel Generators

Diesel generators are a combination of diesel engine and electrical generator, often an alternator to generate electricity. Widely used to provide backup or standby power to facilities in case of power failure.

The use of diesel generators is essential in the following settings:

  • Widely used in Mining and Constructions Industries, providing over 80% of all power needed to drive heavy duty machines like drillers, crane, draglines, excavators.
  • Diesel engines in the hospitals help to power equipment and devices used in the Intensive Care Unit or in the Surgical theatres where an uninterrupted power supply is needed.
  • Manufacturing Industries cannot under look the importance of constant power supply to drive their heavy machinery which in turn improve their volume of production and optimize the quality of output.
  • Data Centers. many industries have their data stored in servers, and power interruptions will cause inaccessibility to the information needed at hand, thus halting their business operations.

Portable Generators

A portable generator is the combination of an electrical generator, and an engine mounted together to form a single piece of machine. It runs on gasoline as fuel.

The use of portable generators includes the following:

  • Emergency Backup in a situation like a blackout where immediate power is required. It is also convenient and easily transported.
  • A Portable generator can be used to organize Concerts, Events, Camping and Backyard Parties.
  • Natural Emergencies like hurricanes, earthquakes, and there is a disruption in power supply to a particular location
  • Power Source for farms, to drive the water pump and some agricultural machines

Natural Gas Generator

It is a widely used and efficient way of generating power, using natural gas as the source of energy to start the generator. Natural gas generators are in larger cities where the supply of fuel is made readily available through pipelines.

  • The natural gas-based generator and gas turbines are very popular worldwide due to their easy start and stop and also for meeting high load demand.
  • Natural gases burn cleaner than other fuels, reducing the greenhouse effect that causes global climate change

Conclusion

Generators are essential in sustaining electricity to improve the quality of lives as well as increasing the productivity of industries.

April 8, 2019
0