Gas Generators

A diesel generator is a good choice for larger commercial applications, such as providing power at construction sites. For portable generators, the most common choice for fuel is gasoline. A primary advantage of a gas generator is that gas is the most common fuel source and is easily obtained. The only drawback of a gas generator is that gasoline cannot be stored for long, so if you intend to keep a portable generator around for emergencies, you may want to consider propane instead.

Whichever fuel you choose, ensure that the fuel tank is large enough to give you an appropriate amount of running time, and look for a fuel indicator gauge - knowing how much gas is left in the tank can give you important peace of mind. Both portable and standby generators are sometimes available in dual- or tri-fuel configurations, where switching from natural gas to gasoline to propane is made simple. Gas generators are among the smallest and lightest electrical generators available. They are designed for use in places where there is no regular electrical service, i.e. remote construction sites, camping, and hunting. A small portable gasoline-powered generator can provide power for TVs, small kitchen appliances, hair dryers, power tools, lights and other comforts of civilization when you are camping in the woods. Quiet, powerful gasoline generators can also be installed in your RV, 5th wheel trailer, truck camper, tent trailer or travel trailer to provide electrical power.

Like any motor, a gas generator motor creates quite a bit of heat and needs a cooling system to prevent overheating. Gas generators are usually air-cooled, which makes them lighter and easier to maintain, but also means they run louder and not quite as cool as larger liquid-cooled generators. Gas generators also run at 3600 RPM, which makes them smaller and lighter than larger 1800 RPM models. However, while gas generators pack a lot of power into a small package, they sacrifice the ability to run for long periods of time. Gas generators' air-cooled, high-RPM motors aren't suited for supplying power continuously for days. That's why gas generators are not typically used as backup power systems. It's more common to see natural gas or propane used as fuel in standby generators.

Gas generator motors: All electric generators have two main components. A motor burns fuel to supply power, and a generator head turns that power into electricity. Note that generator manufacturers don't actually build their own motors. They use engines from well-known names like Ford, GM, and Honda to power their generator heads. When choosing a gas generator, look for one that comes with a brand name motor: it will be much easier to find parts and service for a well-established brand than for some no-name model.