The Lowdown on House Generators

So what are house generators? These are devices that supply electricity to your homes during a black out. They are very convenient as they allow you to continue using essential appliances like air conditioner, heater, refrigerator, lights, etc.

This device converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. It utilizes small engines to produce the mechanical energy. The spinning shaft of the engine is used to create an alternating magnetic field through a coil. This induces electromotive force. This type of device is also called genset, as it is a system that includes an engine and a generator mounted together.

So if you are planning to buy one, there are two types of this device that you should know about. Home or house generators may be portable or stationary. They also run on a variety of fuels. They can be run by gasoline, diesel, natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas. If you want to buy something cheap, the gasoline run model is usually the cheapest. You can buy one with a 3000W set for about $300.

However, buying the gasoline-fueled model also has some disadvantages. They have short run time. You would have to refill the tank several times a day if you run them continuously at the rated load. They are also not suitable for long-term power backup since the gas pumps may not work during a widespread blackout.

If you plan to use your house generators for long-term emergency, it is better to choose a standby or stationary model. This model can provide continuous power because they are hooked up to an external source like a natural gas line. This external source provides an extended run time for the device. Some portable devices can also be hooked up to an external source, which can provide them with an extended run time.

The connection and activation of the device is what differentiates a portable one from a stationary one. Portable devices have to be rolled out from the storage, connected to your loads, filled with fuel or hooked up to a fuel line and manually started. A permanent standby device, on the other hand, can start immediately either by a push of a button or automatically. These types of house generators are already connected to the house wiring system and to the fuel source. They have an auto transfer switch that can detect a power outage, isolate your electrical wiring or designated emergency circuits from the grid, and start the genset. When power is restored, the automatic system will connect you back to the utility lines and will turn itself off. Thus, you do not have to be at home to activate it.

However, you have to remember though, that an automatic system transfer time is 10-30 seconds. Thus, if you are running important computer applications, it is recommended that you have an UPS to prevent data loss during transfer time. Another advantage of automatic or standby house generators is that it offers a higher power level than portable types. Their rating ranges from 3 kilowatts up to a hundred kilowatts.

House generators are beneficial. However, before deciding to buy one, it is recommended that you know what you will use the device for. This will help you choose the type of model that you will have to buy.

Autor: Martin Applebaum

Your guide to information on various types of generators such as portable power generators. We also provide information for consumers on various brands as well. For more information please visit our site today. http://www.generatorsinfosite.com/
By Martin Applebaum

Added: July 22, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/