Some salient features of our lean burn Natural Gas fuelled. Amazon.com : Generac 6439 Guardian Series, 11kW Air Cooled Standby Generator, Natural Gas/Liquid Propane Powered, Steel Enclosed, CARB Compliant : Generator Accessories : Patio, Lawn & Garden. Installation Information and Pipe sizing. Typical Natural Gas & Low Pressure Propane Installation. TYPE A, TYPE C, and TYPE 3 and TYPE 4 KITS are for natural gas and low pressure propane. These kits are all the same in that.
Home Generators Guide: Generators for Home Use. A fuel- powered device that can supply electricity to your house during power outages is casually referred to as a home generator. During an emergency, it allows you to continue using essential appliances such as air conditioners, heaters, refrigerators, as well as lights. Most hydroelectric power comes from the potential energy of dammed water driving a water turbine and generator. The power extracted from the water depends on the volume and on the difference in height between the source and. This information is provided to aid in the safe and proper installation of Generator Systems. Technically speaking, an electric generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electric energy. In the AC power generators for home use the mechanical energy is produced by small engines. Basically, the spinning shaft of the engine is used to create an alternating magnetic field through a coil, which induces voltage. Since such a system includes an engine and an alternator mounted together, a more technical term for this appliance is an engine- generator set or genset. HOW TO CHOOSE A GENERATOR. Home generators are usually stationary (standby), although they can be portable as well. They run on a variety of fuels, such as gasoline, diesel, natural gas (NG), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Not surprisingly, each type has its pros and cons. Portable gas models are relatively cheap. However, such devices have short run time: you would need to refill their tank several times a day if you run them continuously at rated load. In addition to this, they are not suitable as a long- term power backup since the pumps may not work during a wide spread blackout. For a long term emergency one should consider standby sets. They can provide continuous power for the home because they are hooked up to an external fuel source, such as NG line. Some portable devices can also be fueled from an external source and can therefore provide extended run time too. The main differences between them and stationary models are in their connection and activation. A portable device has to be rolled out from the storage, filled with fuel or hooked up to a fuel line, manually started, and connected to your loads. A fixed standby generator by contrast is already connected to both the house wiring and the fuel source. Therefore it can start immediately either by a push of a button or automatically depending on the setting you chose. Automatic systems include an auto transfer switch. It can sense a power outage, isolate your electrical wiring or designated emergency circuits from the grid, and start up the genset. When grid voltage is restored, such a system will connect you back to the utility lines and will turn itself off. You don't even have to be at home to activate it. Note that the typical transfer time of an automatic system is 1. It can prevent data loss during the transfer time. Note that even though permanently installed natural gas powered gensets can provide practically unlimited run time, you still need to periodically shut them down to change the motor oil. With some engines you will need to do it as often as every 5. This is another reason why a supplemental UPS will be useful. Their rating ranges anywhere from 5 kilowatt up into hundreds of k. W. Such systems also increase the value of the house. All this makes them the best whole house generators for power outages, especially for the long- lasting ones. Of course, they are more expensive and require professional installation, which are their main disadvantages. If you want something that can be used right away, obviously, a portable device is your only choice. Aside from wattage and cost, the main things to consider are the duration of time you may need emergency power, fuel availability, and convenience of use. SELECTING THE FUEL. Note that most residential generators are bi- fuel and can run on both natural gas and LPG (casually called propane). You may need a simple field adjustment to convert from one type to the other. See our detailed standby genset review for ratings and characteristics of various systems. Among major brands, the Generac's Guardian. In my view, given their 5- year warranty and a relatively low cost, they are the best buys. You just need to pick the right size. CR magazine's pick in 2. W model 6. 23. 7. Generac now have a newer model 6. However, this size may not be sufficient if you have a central air conditioner. As a rule of thumb, an average house with 5- ton a/c typically needs a system rated 1. W or greater. Here are some lesser known details you need to know when you are selecting a natural gas generator for your home. A typical gas meter is rated to 2. CFH. This may not be enough if you are adding a large genset. An engine will not provide full power if it is not supplied with the fuel amount specified by its manufacturer. In this case, you will need to ask your utility company to upgrade your existing meter to a higher- volume one. Also, some older models may require the gas pressure to be greater than the standard delivery pressure available to your house. Be sure to check the model's requirements. The typical pressure in residential installations is 0. If you choose a device that requires greater psi, you may need to install a split- meter with two regulators. One will provide a higher pressure, and the other one will drop it to the normal level for the rest of your appliances. The above upgrades may cost anywhere from zero to $5,0. Nevertheless, in an unlikely case of a major natural or other disaster the gas supply may be interrupted as well. In this case, you may switch to propane tank if you have a bi- fuel system. If NG service does not exist in your neighborhood, you probably have a large propane tank that is periodically refilled by a local distributor. Propane has practically unlimited shelf life and it is normally obtainable during power outages. In can be used in both fixed and portable devices. In my view it is the best choice for portables. Of course, one may also consider a diesel system. Diesel engines are the most efficient and maintenance- free of all types. However, they are also the most expensive. This makes them more appropriate for industrial applications. In addition to this, diesel, like gasoline, may not be available during a major blackout. For the current deals on some of the top rated residential models see our discount generators picks and review. INSTALLATION TIPS. Normally, a stationary genset is mounted outdoors on a cement pad. Preferably it is placed near the fuel source. Many models already come with a mounting pad. In any case, you still need to prepare a location that is flat and has provisions for water drainage. To prevent exhaust gases from entering the house, locate the unit in a well- ventilated area away from doors or windows (2. Edition of NFPA 3. Due to the heavy weight, you may want to request lift gate service when the freight company calls you to schedule the delivery. Otherwise, have at least four strong persons present to unload the device. A standby power backup device connects to the house wiring via a transfer system, which is usually installed indoors. It also protects your device from damage by preventing utility from applying voltage to your house wiring while it is running. In any case, without a transfer switch your genset will likely be overloaded or damaged by the loads of neighboring houses that are served by the same line transformer. Many standby generators for home use come with a pre- wired transfer switch. Generac. This is how a typical model looks like. Depending on your local regulations, you may be required to get the installation approval by your electric utility. You may need this certificate if you later sell your house. If you are going to store a large fuel tank, you may also need to obtain a respective permit. The fuel pipe sizing, construction and layout must comply with NFPA. Gensets are available direct from manufacturers, from authorized dealers, hardware stores, as well as online from independent retailers. Buying online has certain advantages, such as broader selection, lower prices, and possibly no sales tax in some states. Among reputable online places to buy at a discount is Amazon's Home Improvement Department. It has the widest selection I've seen yet of Generac GUARDIAN. It usually offers free shipping on the gensets it carries. Alternatively, you may request a quote from a local dealer. Note that with most manufacturers, you can usually order the installation and maintenance from their local service provider regardless of place of purchase, i. Of course, you can always hire your own contractor to do the installation. If you prefer a silent, environmentally friendly and low- maintenance backup energy source, consider a battery- based system, such as solar- powered one. Below you will find additional guides and reviews of residential gensets, safety recommendations and other facts you need to know. They will help you make an informed decision about the best emergency back up generator for home use.
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