Just like an automobile, most standby generators have an internal combustion engine, complete with pistons, cooling fans, and spark plugs. But instead of propelling a pair of axles, the engine's sole purpose is to spin the alternator's rotor at 3, revolutions per minute, making a stream of of appliance- and light-friendly electricity in the process.
Smaller units those producing less than 16 kilowatts generally have air-cooled engines; more expensive water-cooled engines will work harder and longer without complaint. Just like a car, a generator has oil to change, filters to replace, and, if it's water-cooled, antifreeze to check. These tasks must be done every two years, even if you never use the unit in an emergency, or every 50 to hours of running time if you do. If you'd rather not mess around under the hood, so to speak, sign a maintenance contract with a dealer who specializes in your brand of generator.
A generator's output, measured in kilowatts, needs to be enough to supply all the electrical devices you want to keep running in an emergency, plus a 20 percent cushion.
That extra power means the engine doesn't have to operate at top speed to meet the expected demand. It also assures there's enough reserve power for the extra surge that electric motors, such as those in air conditioners and refrigerators, need to get started. To figure out how big your generator should be, make a list of all the appliances you want to supply with emergency power, then use the online calculator at thisoldhouse.
You can get a sense of your household's power needs from the list of common appliances below. A miniature power station, fueled by natural gas, diesel, or propane, that automatically turns on in the event of a power outage. Operates continually until electricity is restored or fuel runs out , then shuts itself off.
When the power fails, the automatic transfer switch instantly shuts off the main supply, fires up the generator, and directs its electrical output to the designated emergency circuits in the house. When the power returns, the switch shuts down the generator and restores the house's connection to the power grid. Cookie banner We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from.
By choosing I Accept , you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Power on Demand: How It Works. In an outage, any generator is better than no generator—but recreational models are still best-suited for a campground. If you already own one and the power goes out, you can keep a single room toasty or cool, or keep the lights on, charge your phone, and even keep the contents of your fridge from going bad until power is restored.
From to more than people died of carbon monoxide CO poisoning while using portable generators, according to data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, some new generators feature a built-in sensor that triggers an automatic shutoff if CO builds up to dangerous levels in an enclosed space, and some also have engines that emit less CO in the first place.
Recent test data from CR shows that these safety features probably save lives. Consumer Reports now only recommends portable generators that pass our new CO safety technology test.
Two of the recreational models in our ratings have these safety features, and both are recommended. Whether a portable generator has these safety features or not, you should never operate a generator indoors.
Position it at least 20 feet from your home with the exhaust directed away from it, as well as from any windows, doors, air conditioners, or other structures. Damaging storms can happen at any time.
As a classically trained chef and an enthusiastic DIYer, I've always valued having the best tool for a job—whether the task at hand is dicing onions for mirepoix or hanging drywall. When I'm not writing about home products, I can be found putting them to the test, often with help from my two young children, in the s townhouse I'm restoring in my free time.
We respect your privacy. All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story. By Paul Hope. Recreational models are compact enough to toss into the back of a pickup to power a TV and cooktop at a tailgate. Go Wildcats! Consumer Reports recommends only portable generators with a built-in sensor that triggers an automatic shutoff if CO builds up to dangerous levels in an enclosed space.
Most models weigh around 60 pounds. It's extremely quiet, has no installation costs, and is easy to store and transport. You can pair most units to increase output. Many come with user-friendly features such as fuel-level indicators and smartphone apps.
Cons: It's enough to power a fridge, some lights, and a phone charger, but not much else. The most expensive models cost as much as a portable generator, which can do far more. It's also efficient, capable of keeping the fridge running and the lights on for 8 to 18 hours using only 2 to 3 gallons of gas. Cons: It can generally power only volt items with a standard two- or three-prong plug, ruling out well pumps and heating and cooling equipment.
You can now find special volt transfer-switch kits, but the installation cost makes them an impractical choice because you could opt for a portable generator with a volt transfer switch for the same amount. Certain models produce enough energy to meet all the power demands in a home. It can be connected to a breaker panel with a transfer switch to run hardwired equipment, such as a well pump.
It's noisier than large inverter and home standby generators. It usually runs only on gasoline and uses a lot of it compared with inverters. And it's bulky; most weigh close to pounds. It shouldn't be used in rain or snow without protection, such as an open-sided tent. It can be connected to your breaker panel to run hardwired equipment, such as a well pump. It's quiet and produces steady power ideal for sensitive electronics, such as stereo equipment.
And it's fuel-efficient. Cons: It's expensive. It can power everything in a typical home simultaneously, up to its maximum output. It can be set up to run indefinitely on natural gas or can be fueled by propane. There's no need to connect cables, flip a switch, or start the engine. Cons: With few exceptions, it's more expensive than other types of generators.
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