| From the dizzying array of choices one is presented | | | | However, in the case of portable generators in an |
| with when beginning a search for the proper | | | | emergency, your neighbours aren't likely to mind if |
| emergency residential generator to suit your needs. | | | | you're generous with charging batteries for flash lights |
| However, if one is new to the practice of managing | | | | and otherwise sharing your power when everyone is |
| their electrical power generation, the choices might not | | | | out. |
| even make sense. There are few features that can | | | | Regardless, residential generators can be found that |
| make the use of a standby generator far more safe, | | | | are not nearly as loud as many of the less expensive |
| efficient and pleasant. And since they all cost money, | | | | types by looking for some characteristic engine types |
| it's good to have a feel for just how important each of | | | | and styles. Often times noise is the result of something |
| these features is to you. | | | | that is causing friction or some other type of loss in the |
| Though it seems like a very simple thing, the inclusion | | | | system, so quiet engines are often more fuel efficient, |
| of wheels on the portable generator chassis can save | | | | though sometimes a bit choked. |
| you from a life-long injury. Even relatively small farm or | | | | Overhead valve type residential generators also have |
| residential generators can weigh more than most | | | | the advantage of being relatively quiet to operate. |
| people should or could lift, unassisted. This might be the | | | | Whether diesel, gasoline or propane / LP, generator |
| least expensive upgrade you can look for in a system, | | | | designs that include this more direct type of valve |
| but it could ultimately save you more money in any | | | | action are more reliable. They are more resistant to |
| other given the high cost of health care. | | | | friction damage and rarely "throw a rod" or suffer |
| Another simple adaptation is a large fuel tank. Many | | | | from nearly the same incidence of poor valve fit than |
| small, portable generators have inadequate tanks - | | | | older types of internal combustion residential |
| some as small as 5 or 10 gallons. Safe filling | | | | generators. |
| procedures require at least a few minutes to cool off | | | | Automatic idle control keeps the engine from running at |
| before they can be safely filled, since the surfaces of | | | | top speed when it's not necessary. This graduated |
| residential-sized generators often get hot enough to | | | | type of throttling automatically ratchets the available |
| actually ignite petroleum vapours. Obviously, that would | | | | residential generator power down while allowing the |
| be a problem. | | | | You can also expect relatively quiet operation during |
| Because of this gap in run time, it's nice to not have to | | | | these low power events, though the performance |
| fill them every few hours. A 30 gallon tank means the | | | | when they're pushed to maximum is no quieter than a |
| average standby generator only needs to be filled | | | | similarly equipped residential generator without an |
| every day or so. Many petrol tanks are 300-600 | | | | automatic idle control. |
| gallons. If you have a heating system that uses the | | | | Of course, the main advantage of idle control is the |
| same fuel, you could combine the storage facilities, and | | | | greater fuel economy it affords. This savings can be |
| it's something to consider when considering purchasing | | | | quite dramatic in the case of a well designed residential |
| a diesel or gasoline generator versus LP/propane | | | | generator system with enough headroom to handle |
| generators. | | | | just about any contingency. |
| This does, of course, presuppose you have 30 gallons | | | | Another very handy feature is an automatic switch |
| of fuel lying about. If you don't, you should. It is never a | | | | that shuts down any standby generator when the level |
| bad idea to have fuel in storage, on site, though it does | | | | of engine oil is too low to ensure proper lubrication. |
| no good for anything other than as a pyro-accelerant | | | | Such a calamity is far more likely to happen with a |
| or industrial solvent if not properly stored for more than | | | | residential generator (as opposed to the family |
| 30 days. After a month, any fuel should be considered | | | | automobile) since you're not right next to it to hear |
| suspect unless preservation methods have been | | | | when odd noises start. An engine that is not observed |
| employed. | | | | and maintained can seize up and cause severe engine |
| As such, your fuel shoud be well-contained: not liable to | | | | damage. |
| be blown up by anything or evaporate into varnish. | | | | Many of manufacturers employ such features in their |
| Also, it should be protected from getting water (or, | | | | designs, including most of the big names such as |
| more precisely, water vapour) in it. Unless you're | | | | Winco, Gillette and Parmac. Once you've decided how |
| storing your fuel in a desert cave, there will be | | | | much power and what the requirements of your site |
| temperature fluctuations that can cause water to | | | | are, the rest is what impacts how you'll actually use |
| condense on the sides of the tank and cause poor | | | | the device. If you'll only be using a standby generator |
| performance in this "distilled" state. | | | | once every 20 years, some minor inconveniences are |
| Because backup or standby generators are often | | | | just that whereas some are extremely burdensome. |
| quite noisy, most urban and suburban areas have laws | | | | Knowing what your options are will allow you to make |
| and ordinances that ban the use of generators. | | | | the best choice to avoid trouble later. |