How to Choose the Right Electric Power Generator
Choosing an electric generator can be a confusing process
for many people. The wide variety of options and models available from
the many different manufacturers and retail outlets can overwhelm many
consumers. This confusion can make it difficult to obtain the convenience,
security, and peace of mind that an electric generator can provide.
Best Power Generators presents the following information in an effort to reduce the complexity of the generator selection process by identifying a few key questions and providing answers that are as simple as the subject matter allows. In no way is the information presented here intended to be an exhaustive treatment of the topic.
What’s the single most important thing I shold consider? Without a doubt, the most crucial piece of information that you need to know is how much electrical power you will need to meet your specific situation. Nothing will be more disappointing to you than to buy a generator that does not produce adequate power for your needs.
In order to determine your power requirements, you will need to understand a little about how electricity is measured. It may help to understand electricity flowing through a wire by comparing it to water flowing through a hose. To keep the following explanation from being quite so dry (pun intended,) we will use the water hose analogy.
The first unit of electrical measurement is one you already know — volts. Your home has appliances that run on one of two voltages, 120 volts or 240 volts. Most lights and small appliances are 120 volt devices and most bigger items (e.g. electric stoves and clothes dryers) are 240 volt devices. In our water hose analogy, volts may be thought of as the pressure of the water in the hose.
The next electrical term that you need to know is amperes, often shortened to amps. Amps are used to measure the flow of electric current. Think of electricity flowing in a wire just as water flows in a hose.
The last unit of electrical measurement you will need to consider is watts. Watts ratings are printed on light bulbs; other devices like hair dryers and electric heaters are also defined by their wattage requirements. Watts are a measure of electrical power and are calculated by multiplying volts times amps. In our water hose example, the water coming from the end of the hose, taking into account both pressure (volts) and flow (amps), provides the power (watts) to do the work.
OK, I know what watts are, but how do I determine how many I need? That’s probably the hardest question of all to answer because there are so many variables to consider. But in the simplest terms possible, follow these steps.
First, determine what electrical devices you will want to run from the generator and look at the application guide to determine the watts required for each electrical device. (Remember that the guide is just a guide; actual wattage requirements vary significantly among brands and types. The most accurate way to determine the actual power requirements for any given device is to read the label on the device itself or the manual that came with it.)
Second, look to see if the electrical device you want to run has a starting wattage requirement that is larger than the running wattage requirement. If it does, use the starting wattage requirement.
Finally, add together the wattage requirements for all the electrical devices that you want to run or start at the same time. This is the minimum wattage you will need from a generator. You should also consider the current ratings of the electrical outlets (receptacles) on the generator as well as the outlets’ mechanical configuration. Be sure that the outlets are the right match for the electrical devices you want to power. And remember that watts are like dollars — it’s always better to have more than you think you will need.
What are the major parts of a generator? There are four major components of an electric generator: the engine which provides the mechanical power, the alternator (often called a "genhead") which is attached to the engine and turns the mechanical energy into electricity, an output/control panel which provides a place for the electrical outlets (receptacles), circuit breakers, and controls (switches), and a metal frame to hold the whole thing together. In addition to these four major components, there may also be a fuel tank separate from the engine and often mounted on top of the frame.
What do I need to know about engines? Your first concern should be the types of fuel they can use. Generators are available with engines that run on gasoline, diesel fuel, liquefied propane (LP) gas, or natural gas. Unless you have expertise with some other fueling system, gasoline power is your best choice
With engines, the second thing you need to think about is the brand name. Choose one that you know and trust, and for which you can obtain service in your area. DeVilbiss Air Power Company sells generators equipped with Honda, Briggs and Stratton, and Tecumseh engines, all of which have an excellent network of service centers.
There are two technical issues that you should also consider. First and most important is whether the engine is an OHV (Overhead Valve) engine. OHV engines start easier, run quieter, last longer, and produce lower emissions than non-OHV engines. They also cost more, but if your budget allows it, an OHV engine is the best choice. The second issue is whether or not the engine has a cast iron sleeve (often abbreviated CIS) in the cylinder. This CIS is actually a liner in the cylinder of the engine which reduces wear and makes the engine last longer. Most OHV engines also have cast iron cylinder sleeves, but you should check to be sure; the added cost of a CIS is small and is well worth looking for. Both features are very important if you expect to use your generator often or for long periods of time.
What do I need to know about alternators? The alternator is the "business end" of the generator and actually produces the electricity, so it’s important to look for an alternator that is built to last. Look for an all-metal design because plastic housings can warp over time and cause the moving parts of the alternator to come out of alignment and break or wear excessively. Get an alternator that uses "ball bearings" instead of "needle bearings;" it will last longer. "Brushless" designs require less maintenance and produce cleaner power that is more suitable for electronic equipment.
What other generator features should I look for? There are a few other features that fall into the "nice to have" category. We will provide a short description of some of them and you can decide which ones are important to you.
Low oil shutdown is a feature that helps protect the generator engine from the user’s negligence. It shuts the engine down if the oil level drops below a safe operating level. We especially recommend it on generators with large fuel tanks.
The best way to contact us is via our secure online contact form. We are able to respond to online info requests far more quickly and accurately than any other method of contact, usually within 24 hours.
Currently we are supplying only gensets with a rating of 500 Kvw and greater.
Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we cannot respond to information requests for smaller power systems.