A Buyer's Guides to Diesel Generators

Understand Your Generator Options

Power generators have two main components. A motor that burns fuel to supply power and a generator head that turns power into electricity. Together, the motor and the generator head comprise a standard generator. Generators come in two basic designs: standby generators and portable generators.

Portable generators:

Portable generators provide power in remote locations, such as construction sites, for short periods of time. In a pinch, they can also power essential equipment during a power outage. Portable generators tend to be smaller and less expensive than standby generators. They have built-in fuel tanks, which allow them to run anywhere, and standard power outlets that can plug into ordinary extension cords. Portable generators should never be run indoors as they can produce fumes that can cause serious health problems or death if used indoors.

Standby Generators


Standby generators offer anywhere from 7 kW to several hundred kW of power. They help offset the harmful effects of power outages. Installed permanently as an emergency power source for your home, cottage or business, standby generators are hardwired to your home or building electrical system and often get fuel from built in larger fuel tanks able to run for longer periods of time. Safety features can prevent injuries as well as damage to your generator.

Quality standby generators will shut down if they lose oil pressure, overheat, or are being worked too hard. Standby generators also have solid steel or aluminum enclosures, good mufflers to reduce noise, and be compliant with all relevant emissions regulations. Standby generators should be started up once a week and run for 15 minutes to "exercise" them - making sure they're ready when needed.

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