Nowadays, all aspects of our lives are dependent on electricity. From air conditioning to cooking to washing, all our gadgets rely on consistent electricity supply. But there can be times when the weather conditions get worse and your power supply gets disrupted. In times like these, all your work can stop which is why it is important to have a generator as a backup. A generator can provide electrical power whenever you need it. However, to meet your requirements, you need to buy a generator that is best suited for you.
When it comes to buying a generator, there are numerous things that you should look into as you will find many different kinds of generators in the market. Each generator will offer its own set of features and functions while having its own pros and cons. To make your decision-making process easier, this article will serve as a guide to buying a generator that best suits your needs.
Let’s get started!
Types of Generators:
You will find many different kinds of generators in the market. Each generator functions in a different way. Here is a list of a few types of generators:
1, Standby Generators
These generators are usually used to supply power to an entire house. These generators can be a complicated installation process where each and every connection of your house gets connected. But once this process is done, you can turn on the generator to supply power to your entire house. Making use of natural gas or propane, these generators are able to generate power up till 22kW. Even within this category, you will find different sizes and types of generators.
2, Inverter Generator
These generators might be small in size but they are extremely efficient in terms of fuel consumption. Inverter generators make use of an alternator to produce electricity. You can find inverter generators in all kinds of sizes, depending on your needs.
3, Propane Generator
Mostly used at workplaces, these generators make use of propane as their main energy source. Propane generators are ideal for running small tools and items on them. You can even use it in your home for small gadgets and appliances, depending on the Watts.
4, Diesel Generator
As the name suggests, these generators run on diesel and are generally more efficient as compared to other fuel sources. Such generators are safe to use and can handle high load, depending on the wattage of the generator itself.
5, Gas Generators
These generators are extremely common among households and workplaces, mainly because of how cheap and readily available gas is. These generators can be maintained easily, however, they can run out of gas quickly.
Wattage
When buying a generator, you should always look for its wattage specifications. Each generator has two types of wattage that includes the running Watts and the starting Watts. The running watts is generally used to describe the amount of power the generator produces while the starting watts is the extra power that the generator uses to start different items. While choosing a generator, make sure that it has enough wattage that can handle all your appliances.
Generator Transformer Switch
Generator transformer switches are used to turn the generator on as soon as power shuts down. These switches are automatic and do not require you to get up or make the effort to go turn on the generator. The switch also ensures that your appliances get only one source of power supply rather than both. These switches are something that a generator should definitely have. You can find many different types of switches, including open transition, closed transition, soft loading, and bypass isolation. See what works best for your generator and appliances and choose accordingly.
Extra Features for Generators
While your priority should be the functioning of your generator, you should also look for the following features:
- Portability: While large generators are generally immovable, you can find many portable generators in the market. These generators usually have wheels that help us in moving around. You can easily use the generator for multiple purposes this way.
- Outlets: Ideally, a generator should have multiple outlets that can supply power consistently and efficiently. A good generator is able to withstand a large amount of load at a time.
- Console: Although this feature is not as common, some generators have removable consoles that allow you to plug your gadgets directly on the generator.
- Multiple fuel options: Some generators are able to function on more than one fuel so that your options are not limited if you run out of one type of fuel. This feature especially comes in handy during emergencies.
Conclusion
If you are still unclear about what is the best generator for your specific needs, you can read more about the different generator features at Generator Whiz.
Now that you know everything you need to buy a generator, you can make your days productive and energy efficient by getting the best generators.