Selecting a Residential Generator Gasoline, Natural Gas and Propane Models

In the author's experience (30 years in the generator business) this is what I have told my friends about buying a residential or light commercial generator.

Gasoline Portable Generators

• $600 to $1200 range will get a 3600 rpm, air cooled gasoline powered generator. In this price range, the are typically very loud - (79db), with rope start (electric or key start models start around $2000 - but are invaluable if you or someone in your family is not prepared to rope start a 12 horsepower motor) and most importantly - these models do not have AVR or automatic voltage regulation. (Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR): (AVR=The ability of the Generators AVR to monitor output voltage based on fluctuating loads. Industrial Standards are no more then 2% as the load varies from zero to full load at rated power factor). What this means is that if you have a big load such as airconditioner, freezer or well pump that starts and stops frequently the generator should be able to react quickly to the increase or decrease in load conditions and maintain the same level of power to your home regardless of load. The inexpensive generators do not have this feature and you should be cautious about running sophisticated electronics powered by those generators. At a minimum have quality surge protectors in line for TV's, Stereos and computers. At any rate $600 is a modest investment (remember to check sizing and to purchase a generator with 240v twistlock connectors) to be able to have some lights and heat and preserve the contents of your refregerator and feezer. Do not run your generator in your home or garage, beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Operate your generator outdoors, with a sheet of plywood (not plastic tarp- the generator must have adequate air movement for proper cooling) over the generator to protect it from the element and use a cable lock between the generator and something secure to prevent theft. Do not "backfeed" the generator to your appliance outlets - this is dangerous to utility workers should the power feed back up the line.
• We do not supply these generators but would recommend you purchase them from home depot or similar store. Remember to select an engine brand that will allow you the opportunity for local parts and service support
  • An additional $400 or so (plus install costs) will give you the option to connect your generator directly to your circut breaker system via a "Gentran Switch" .. The generator is connected via a removable power cord directly to a device which will feed your circuit breaker panel...this allows you to operate your 240v (if you generator is capable) appliances such as heater, stove and clothes dryer.

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$1500 to $4000 range will get a 3600 rpm, air cooled gasoline powered generator. In this price range, you should be able to get electric start (key start with rope start backup), AVR with +/-2% voltage regulation, super quiet muffler with levels in the 67 db range, brand name engine with local parts and service support we offer

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Chinese Diesel - NOT RECOMMENDED

Most customers then buy Lister Petter products then to get the best available after the horrible experience with Chinese Diesels Not Recommended - no local parts and service support - you are the mechanic

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Natural Gas or Propane Stationary Emergency Standby 3600 rpm

$3000 to $5000 range will get a 3600 rpm, air cooled natural gas or propane (not gasoline) powered generator. In this price range, you will get auto start (fully automatic start systems) - similar to that used in hospitals and emergency applications), AVR with +/-2% voltage regulation, super quiet muffler with levels in the 65 db range, brand name engine with local parts and service support. These units sit outside away from your house and are fueled by your natural gas or propane fuel supply system - you don't have to ever refuel a generator again. The unit will start when the power goes out and turn it's self off when the power comes back on! These systems even exercise (start and run for fifteen minutes once a month) themselves to keep the engine seals lubricated. Automatic battery chargers are included to charge the battery for optimum starting.

Natural Gas or Propane Stationary Emergency Standby 1800 rpm

Natural Gas or Propane fueled 1800 rpm stationary generators up to 6000 hours - overhaul or exchange engines available in the $10,000 range will get a 1800 rpm, air cooled natural gas or propane (not gasoline) powered generator. In this price range, you will get auto start (fully automatic start systems - similar to that used in hospitals and emergency applications), AVR with +/-2% voltage regulation, super quiet muffler with levels in the 65 db range, brand name engine with local parts and service support. Check our low prices . These units sit outside away from your house and are fueled by your natural gas supply system - you don't have to ever refuel a generator again. The unit will start when the power goes out and turn it's self off when the power comes back on! These systems even exercise (start and run for fifteen minutes once a month) themselves to keep the engine seals lubricated. Automatic battery chargers are included to charge the battery for optimum starting

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