FCIV 'S- Homesteader's Notebook©

Generators are a reasonably affordable way to temporarily ensure that your air conditioner, lights, home office equipment, security system, well pump, furnace, refrigerator, computer and other appliances are operating when grid power is out or unavailable. Finding the right one can be confusing. Hope this helps. Types of Generators There are two types of standby generators, portable and permanent. Portable Generators These generators are: mobile, gasoline fueled, and started manually. They can power the necessary household items in case of a power outage, and can cost anywhere from US $500-1,500. The wattage is typically 4,000-10,000 watts. A Manual Power Transfer System, is an important accessory to complement a portable generator by providing a means to quickly and easily connect to your home's electrical system, eliminating the need to use extension cords. A Manual Power Transfer System is a must if you plan to operate your central air-conditioning, water heater or furnace units, since these items are hard-wired directly into your home's electrical system. These systems typically range from US $300-400 and should be installed by a licensed electrician. Permanent Generators These generators are: permanently installed outside your home or office by a licensed electrician, connected directly to a natural gas or propane fuel supply, able to sense a power disruption and automatically start and shut off as needed. These units are generally priced around US $5,000-10,000 installed, and the wattage range is usually 5,000-20,000 watts for residential use. Selecting a Generator Selecting the right standby generator for your power needs can be tricky. A generator system should be within your budget, power the tools and appliances you have selected in the event of a power outage, and include features and benefits designed to accommodate your needs. The three steps to determine what type of generator system is best suited for your needs are: Determine the type of generator you need Generator system costs vary depending on whether you are interested in a portable standby system or a permanently installed standby system. A portable generator setup will cost US $500-1,500 depending upon wattage and additional features. Permanently installed systems run US $5,000-10,000, but provide a level of performance and convenience that is critical for some home and small business owners. Determine your wattage requirements Generally, most homes need between 5,000-7,500 watts to power essential items during a power outage. Select appropriate features Generators come with many additional features that can make owning and operating your system more convenient, including: Engine Features - Having a reliable engine to power your generator will increase your confidence in the generator’s ability to provide power when you need it. Briggs & Stratton manufactures engines specifically for generator applications with a number of different features designed to make operating and maintaining your generator quick and easy. Engine Brand: With state of the art design, unsurpassed quality and reliability, and a nationwide network of authorized service centers, Briggs & Stratton engines will provide you with power when you need it. Overhead Valve (OHV): Briggs & Stratton OHV engines are designed for longer maintenance-free run times, as well as improved efficiency, reduced noise and emissions and more power Low Oil Shutdown: Automatically turns the engine off if the oil level drops below a safe operational level. Easy Starting: Briggs & Stratton engines are equipped with Magnatron® electronic ignition, providing easy, reliable starting. Generator Features - Wheel Kit: Makes the generator easier to move around. Run Time: The size of the gasoline tank determines the amount of time a generator can run on a single tank of gas. Automatic Voltage Regulation: This maintains proper generator voltage, protecting sensitive electronic equipment (such as computers) from power fluctuations. Full Capacity Outlet: An outlet built into your generator system, which allows you to draw all of the generators' wattage capacity for one application. Electric Start: Assisted by battery power, an electric start will provide starting power to the engine without having to pull a starter rope. Back to top

Generator Safety Portable generators are valuable emergency appliances, but it's important to remember to be safe. Observe the generator manufacturer’s instruction for safe operation. Always run your generator outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Maintain your generator engine according to the maintenance schedule for peak performance and safety. Do not operate the engine near combustible materials. Place generator on level ground to operate. Keep gas fresh. If you do not plan to use the generator for a while, stabilize the gas with a gas stabilizer. Briggs & Stratton has the Fuel Stabilizer Plus. When using extension cords, be sure they are heavy-duty outdoor rated cords, they're grounded, and are a sufficient wire gauge for the appliance load. Never plug your generator directly into your house circuit. Protect your generator from exposure to rain and snow. Operate generator under an open canopy whenever possible. If connecting a generator into your home electrical system, have a qualified electrician install a Power Transfer System. Back to top

Maintaining Your Generator Maintaining your generator engine is quick and easy. With proper maintenance, your generator engine will provide efficient, reliable power for years to come. Keep gas fresh. Stabilize gas that will sit more than 30 days with a gas stabilizer. Check Oil Level with every fill up. Change Oil after 50 hours of operation, or every season. Replace air cleaner after 25 hours of operation or every season. Replace air cleaner equipped with pre-cleaner after 100 hours of operation or every season. Replace spark plug after 100 hours of operation or every season. Replace in-line fuel filter if equipped after 100 hours of operation, or every season. See your owner’s manual for more information. Back to top

Frequently Asked Questions About Generators Q: Which generator should I buy? A: Generators come in many sizes, depending on the application and wattage requirements. To determine which generator to buy: 1) Establish your budget. 2) Determine your wattage requirements. 3) Select the appropriate features. Q: How do you determine the wattage requirements? A: A 5,000-7,500 running watt generator will run an average home's essential appliances. Q: What is the difference between rated and maximum surge watts? A: The generator's rated watts is the amount of power the generator can produce continually. The maximum surge wattage is the power the generator can produce for short periods of time. Q: Can I connect my generator directly into my home electrical system? A: Yes. Power Transfer Systems are designed to connect generator power directly into your home electrical system for emergency back-up use. Q: Can I vent exhaust out of an enclosed area? A: No. Never operate a generator inside an enclosed area. Carbon monoxide gases produced by the engine can be deadly. Always operate generators outside in a well-ventilated area. Back to top Terminology Run Wattage– The amount of electricity necessary to run an appliance continuously. Surge Wattage - The amount of electricity necessary to start an electric motor found in some tools and appliances. Load - The amount of electricity required to run an appliance. Power Transfer System - A system used with a portable generator to safely connect your generator to your home’s electrical system.

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