Blue Max Generator Buyers Guide:
Buying a generator? Don’t forget to ask these important questions!
- Is it easy to move around? Does it have built-in wheels and handles for portability?
- Start-up surge power required by some equipment?
- How large is the fuel tank and how long will it last?
- How noisy is the generator? Are there noise restrictions in your neighborhood?
- Does it have enough outlets?
- What type of fuel does it use?
- What is its wattage capacity and will it support your needs?
- What accessories will I need to run the generator (fuel, heavy-duty extension cords, and transfer switch)?
How Many Watts Will Your Generator Need to Produce?
Add up the wattage of the things you want to run at the same time like tools, appliances, and a TV. Then Select a generator with the running wattage rating to match or exceed the total load.
Keep in mind that tools and appliances with electric motors require additional tool/appliance SURGE wattage at startup that can be double or triple the normal running wattage requirement. Look at the surge watts required and make sure you choose a generator with enough additional wattage to start them. Keep in mind that you typically are not starting more than half of the items at the same time.
- Most home appliances and power tools are 120 Volts.
- Larger appliances like electric stoves and clothes dryers may be 240 Volts.
- Generator power is measured in Watts: Amps x Volts = Watts.
Portable Generators for Emergency Power The Most economical way to supply power during a power outage is to use at least a 4000 Watt Portable Generator.
Two options:
1. Run extension cords into the house to power chosen appliances.
2. Have an electrician install a power transfer switch, connected to the house's main electrical panel. Just start up the generator, run a single extension cord into the transfer switch and power the circuits you need through the main circuit breaker. This eliminates many risks. (Safer route)
Portable generators:
A small portable gasoline-powered electric generator can supply power for TVs, some kitchen appliances, lights, etc. Portable generators can be used on construction sites providing clean, consistent power to operate saws, drills, air compressors, heaters and other AC-powered tools. Most generators are gasoline-powered, some run on diesel, and various models have multi-fuel capabilities, running on gasoline, propane or natural gas. These are generally full-featured machines with engine idle control, GFCI receptacles and 120 Volt full power switch.
Residential Standby Systems (Not Offered By Homier)
- A home standby generator system can quickly restore power to your house in within 20 seconds. As soon as the power goes out, the generator automatically turns on and continues to run until the power is restored. You can pick a small generator to power selected circuits, or you could choose a full-size unit that powers your whole house.
- These all-weather generators are installed outside the home and are wired through an automatic transfer switch to the main electrical panel. The use of an automatic transfer switch is essential when generators are connected to home wiring.
- Home standby systems can be fueled by natural gas, LP gas or diesel fuel. Numerous models can be linked to the home's natural gas line, eliminating the need to fill fuel tanks. Standby system capacities range from 6,000 Watts to over 40,000 Watts and start automatically-even if you are not home.
Commercial Standby Systems (Not Offered By Homier)
If you have a business that requires power, you will need an industrial generator. An Industrial Generator is a heavy-duty unit that generates single (approx.120 Volt) or three-phase (approx.120, 240 or 480 Volt) power.
These massive systems are powered by water-cooled diesel engines, with various models generating up to 200 KW (200,000 Watts) of power. With the use of an automatic transfer switch, these generators can serve as backup power for large operations, such as nursing homes, refrigeration operations, farms, large buildings and other businesses that need power due to an outage.
PTO and Belt-Drive Generators
PTO and Belt-Drive Generators form power on demand by attaching a generator to the PTO on your tractor or construction equipment. The Engine is not included with this type of generator because the PTO on your tractor acts as the engine while the generator creates the power need to operate your tools.
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