RV Generators

The introduction of RV generators has made it possible for people who use smaller and towable RVs to enjoy the modern amenities of life.

Modern RVs have installed generators behind the drivers’ seat, which provide electrical power. They draw their fuel supply from the engine’s fuel tank and can be operated while traveling. The generator automatically shuts down as soon as the fuel in the tank reaches a certain level.

Smaller RV’s do not come equipped with installed generators, and they need generators specially designed for them. These generators provide sufficient power to run appliances such as television, microwave, air conditioner and refrigerator.

RV’s are normally equipped with a 30amp or 50 amps electrical system. A 4 KW generator can power a 30amp electric system, while a larger generator with a wattage capacity of more than 6500 watts is needed for 50amps electric system.

RV generators are available in varying size and capacities. 5500 to 12500 watts class of diesel-powered generators can run two or three air-conditioners leaving some spare additional power for some other use. 5000 to 7000 watts generators come in models that are gasoline powered, or run on LP. Compact and lightweight generators, run on LP or gasoline and are available from 2500 to 4000 watt. For smaller RVs and conventional truck campers and travel trailers, specially designed gasoline powered generator ranging from 2500 to 4000 watts are available.

Gasoline powered generators are the cheapest. A 5.5 KW generator may cost around $3000, while diesel generators are the most expensive costing around $6000 for a 5.5 KW generator.

Specially designed RV generators produce less noise and are built tough to run for many hours. The latest RV generators have very low noise and vibration level and come with value added features like remote control, electronic ignition, automatic voltage regulator, low fuel alert system and alert systems for overheating.

Portable Generators

Portable generators are used in homes and in places where there is no power or the need for power is minimum. Portable generators are generally smaller and are designed to use for a few. A portable generator of 5KW has enough power to keep lights, refrigerators, computers and televisions running for 7 to 8 hours. Portable generators are normally powered by gasoline, diesel, propane or natural gas. They are the most popular of all portable generators. Gasoline generators are relatively less expensive but require frequent maintenance and have a shorter life span. Gasoline has a short shelf life and cannot be stored for a long time unless treated with stabilizers.

Diesel generators, on the other hand, are fuel-efficient, consume less fuel per kilowatt of power produced, have longer life and require less maintenance. Diesel can be stored for longer periods of time. However, they are harder to start in cold weather and noisy. Portable generators powered by natural gas or propane is the best choice if available. The generator lasts longer and burns cleaner.

Before choosing a portable generator, the total wattage of all appliances to be powered by the generator must be calculated. This includes the starting wattage required by appliances with motors, such as refrigerators and freezers that use two or three times their normal wattage power to start. The generator should not only meet the normal wattage, but the start up wattage of the appliances. Moreover, the generator must have the necessary voltage ratings to run electric appliances such as the ovens and clothes driers that are rated at 240 volts. A portable generator should have at least two receptacles of 120 volt each. Generators that provide a longer runtime per tank of fuel or having a fuel tank capacity of around 5 gallon of fuel are preferred especially, by people living in areas where power failures are quite frequent.

A portable 7KW generator that can power lights, furnaces, sump pumps, televisions and refrigerators may cost $1000 or more depending upon the quality and the type of generator. For a normal home, an ideal generator would be in 10KW to 12 KW costing around $2700 for 10KW and $3700 for a 12 KW. Portable diesel generators are available for use on construction sites in the range of 200KW and more.

Before operating the generator, read and follow the instructions given in the owner’s manual. Observe the operating and the maintenance procedures strictly for safe and trouble free operation. Avoid putting loads on the generator that exceed the manufacturer’s rating. Also, do not run too many devices at the same time. This trips the generators circuit breakers causing loss of power. The generator must be operated at least twice a year with full load to keep it in working condition. Keep the generator outside the house but never in a garage or in a basement. Carbon monoxide emitted from the generator can be hazardous to health. Use only the recommended extension cords for the generator. Hire the service of a qualified electrician to install a transfer switch if the generator is to be connected to home wiring. Do not refuel the generator when it is under operation. Spilling of fuel may cause fire. The generator should be kept dry and should not be run in wet conditions.

Generators

Generators are used for the generation of electric power. There are basically two types of generators: standby generators and portable generators. Generators ensure that most of the essential appliances can be run whenever there is a power outage. Standby generators provide backup power in homes and offices and are permanently installed outside the house or office building. They are plugged into the electric circuits or home wiring. Standby generators can automatically detect disruption in the usual electric supply and begin supplying power within a few seconds. Portable generators are usually used in places where there is no supply of power or the need for power is less such as on construction sites camps. These generators are sufficient for lighting and to run appliances like televisions, refrigerators, sump pumps and furnaces.

Generators are available in varying size and output power. The choice of buying the right type of generator depends upon a number of factors such as the wattage capacity, voltage ratings, fuel type, fuel efficiency, noise level, portability and price.

Generators for home use most often run on fuels such as gasoline, diesel, natural gas or propane. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Gasoline is inexpensive and easily available. Gasoline generators gives the most power per weight unit but require frequent maintenance. It is also noisy, emits harmful carbon monoxide and the engine wears faster than diesel, propane or natural gas generators.

Diesel is easy to acquire but is comparatively more expensive. Diesel generators require less maintenance and are fuel-efficient. Its disadvantage is that it is noisier, emits more smoke and smells, and harder to start in cold weather.

Propane is expensive and is feasible for homeowners who already have a storage tank to store propane. Propane generators require less maintenance, has no condensation and no problem starting up in cold weather like the gasoline generators. However, propane gas or natural gas generators consume more fuel per kilowatt of power produced than diesel generators. Natural gas generators are the most convenient to use as there is continuous supply of fuel. They can be connected to home gas lines.

A generator should always be used according to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Care should be taken to see that the generator is not overloaded. A heavy-duty extension cord must be used to connect appliances to the generator. A qualified electrician must be called in to install a transfer switch to plug the generator to the home wiring system. Refueling the generator when in operation should be avoided. Spilling of fuel on the heated components may cause fire.

Smaller generators can meet most of the basic power needs of a homeowner. Buying a larger generator will consume more fuel to power the same appliances that a smaller generator could. A 5-kilowatt portable generator can power main lights, televisions, sump pumps and refrigerators. Generators of higher wattage capacity are also available according to the needs of the individual house owner. Commercial establishments may need standby generators having an output capacity of more than 200 KW and supplying three-phase power, that is, 120, 240, 480 volts.

Permanent Standby Generators - What are they?

Permanent standby generators are small power generation units that can be permanently installed at any home or business. Permanent Standby generators can be used in the event of power grid failure to provide reliable power for the circuits and appliances they are connected to.

How Do They Differ From Portable Generators?
Standby generators differ from smaller portable generators in that they are “permanent” installations and are not meant to be moved once installed at a location. Permanent standby generators offer a number of advantages over smaller portable generators. Since standby generators are not meant to be moved, they can incorporate increased sound baffling to reduce system noise. Also these units are larger, allowing them to generate increased power capacity. Another benefit of their increased size and mass is that they are capable of withstanding adverse weather conditions where a normal portable generator would be damaged or rendered unusable.

How Do Standby Generators Work?
Standby generators work by using a fuel such as natural gas or liquid propane to power an engine that generates electricity. They can also be run from other fuels including gasoline and diesel. Normally, the generator is connected to the house through a transfer switch that interfaces with a structure’s main electrical panel.

Smaller generators can produce as little as a few hundred watts of power, whereas larger industrial size generators can produce hundreds of thousands of watts of power. The most common and widely available standby generators for residences range from seven thousand watts to fifty kilowatts of power.

How Do Standby Generators Supply Power To Residences?
In the event of a power outage, the transfer switch automatically isolates the house from incoming power lines to prevent electricity from the generator traveling down the lines. Then the transfer switch’s brownout timer is activated and begins counting down to ensure that the power outage is not temporary. Once the brownout timer counts down (typically about 10 seconds), the generator begins a warm up cycle. When the generator is warmed up the transfer switch routes power from the generator into the main electrical panel and restores power to the circuits it is connected to. When the main utility power is restored to your house, the automatic transfer switch will move the house or business back to main power and isolate the standby generator, thus preventing any chance for electrical feedback. Now that the standby generator is isolated, it will shut off, begin to cool down and await the next power outage.

Laser Track Sequence Firing to Make Wind Flow to Wind Turbine Generators

What do you do when the wind dies and you were relying on that wind to propel wind generation to collect on all our alternative energy needs? Well I have a plan you see; create our own wind. How so you ask? Well, we know that fires do this right? But how; well you see heat rises and pushes the air up. What if we use high-heat and high-energy lasers in front of fields of wind turbine generators to create the wind and get it started again at a good pace? And then allow the wind generators to pick up?

Well I see you like my idea so far, but you are probably saying, great and then you turn off the laser and the wind stops right? Wrong, because if you do it right you can create a horizontal tornado like affect which will suck new air in and continue under a lot less power thru the normal physics of the vortex flows. Okay yah sure you are still saying?

Well consider that the tornado like affect spins with the wind turbine generator blades and there are many many wind turbines in series and once you start the flow it continues either laterally across the field of generators or back towards the series of turbines in a row? Next consider as the artificially created wind passes the last one, you hit the laser again to continue this process through pulses.

Finally, Alternative Fuel Engines Are Gaining Respect

In order for all of us to understand what is going on in the world about the high price of gasoline. Let us look at one mans quest to make the engine a better and cheaper running machine, a quick history lesson if you will.

A lot of people think of the diesel engine with the black soot soaring upwards from large semi-trucks on the highways and byways of America. We have all smelled the odor when they idle in a parking lot. If you have ever been in the Army you can remember the deuce and half trucks and their smell.

This is how the diesel engine has developed but was this the way its inventor imaged it, as an engine running on petroleum? The diesel engine was invented by Rudolf Diesel and ran with success on its fuel of choice - PEANUT OIL !

Diesel also tried out successfully with using whale oil but neither fuel was as prevailing or as easily available as petroleum. At this time petroleum based oils were the most economically obtainable. So the engine took the route of easy oil and you now know the rest of the story.

Rudolf Diesel had stated "The diesel engine can be fed with vegetable oils and would help considerably in the development of agriculture of the countries which use it"

And later predicted that "The use of vegetable oils for engine fuels may seem insignificant today. But such oils may become in course of time as important as petroleum and the coal tar products of the present time."

You might be asking why hasn't someone done something about this in the past 100 years? Well, it has come full circle and we are now doing something.

Keeping the above mentioned history in mind and looking to our future, our affiliation with the oil industries and our addiction on foreign oil, hopefully, will motivate us to explore options with a more open mind. The many experiments that have lately come alive attest to what is possible if we are willing to change in a positive direction or maybe to go back to the primary vision of Rudolph Diesel and his engine.

Here a several of new advances moving full steam ahead:

1. From fat or vegetable oil through a chemical process called transesterification comes biodiesel an alternative fuel. This process breaks apart the glycerin from the fat or vegetable oil, creating two new products, glycerin and biodiesel. The most popular source for biodiesel is soybean oil, but poultry fats can also be used.

2. Ethanol, another clean-burning fuel has sparked interest in biodiesel which is being helped by new government standards and rising gas prices. A number of ethanol projects developing from corn, soft wood and other sources also are under way.

3. Also, today May 20, 2006 in the news, there is research being done in an early 1900s red brick armory at the Kossuth County fairgrounds in Iowa. The engine can run on a number of fuels including hydrogen, ethanol, natural gas, propane or digester gas from landfills. The company is initially focusing on making more efficient, environmentally friendlier engines to replace those used in generators and in forklift trucks, airline ground equipment, irrigation pumps, tractors and buses.

Emergency Generators

The disruption of power for substantial lengths of time can occur at any time due to hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, snowfall and other natural calamities. Having emergency backup power in such situations is not only essential for hospitals and commercial establishments but also in homes to run critical appliances like lights, refrigerators, heaters and medical equipment.

There are basically two types of generators that can be used in an emergency: portable and permanent standby generators. The main difference between the two is their output power and price.

In times of emergencies, portable generators provide the most economical way of supplying back up power. Appliances are directly plugged into the generator using the recommended extension cord or alternatively are connected to the home wiring system using a transfer switch. The generators come with an electric start or a pull start and loaded with many other features including the GFCI receptacles.

Portable and permanent generators come in varying sizes and types. There are some generators that supply 120 volts while others come with a 120 to 240 volts supply. Determining the right size and type of generator is important. This depends on the individual house owner’s need for power in emergencies. A portable generator can provide power to run some basic electrical appliances like lighting, furnaces, televisions, refrigerators and water well pumps. Normally, for most homeowners a portable generator of the capacity of 5000 to 6000 watts may be sufficient. Portable generators may cost $600 or more depending upon the quality and type of generator.

Gasoline powered generators are the most familiar among portable generators. There are models that are powered by diesel, while some models available have multi fuel capabilities that run on gasoline, propane or natural gas. Gasoline powered generators are the least expensive but have a relatively shorter life span and require frequent maintenance.

Diesel generators are expensive. They are fuel-efficient, require less maintenance and have a longer life. However, diesel generators are hard to start in the cold season. Using propane or natural gas powered generator is the best alternative if the fuels are readily available. These generators are expensive but require less maintenance and burn cleaner.

A permanently installed generator can power up critical systems in homes automatically within 10 to 20 seconds of loss of power -- even in the absence of the house owner, Permanent generators are connected to the home wiring system through the transfer switch. The transfer switch automatically starts the generator in case there is disruption of power. As soon as normal electricity is restored, the transfer switch automatically shuts down the generator. Most of these generators run on natural gas or LP. The same gas used for home appliances can be utilized to fuel the generator. The size of the generator will depend upon the number of systems the house owner wants to power up during emergency. A generator in the range of 8000 to 17,000 watts will be sufficient for a homeowner seeking to install permanent generators. Permanent generators cost $5000 to $10000. Whatever the type of generator, every generator should provide 60 hertz power for proper performance of any electronic equipment.

Electric Generators

Electric generators are used to supply power to homes, commercial and industrial establishments when there is a disruption of power. It is also used in places where there is no supply of electricity. Electric generators come in a wide variety of models, size, and prices. Choosing the right electric generator depends upon an individual’s need. A homeowner first has to identify the appliances to be powered by the generator. The total wattage required to run these appliances has to be added up, including the starting wattage requirement of some of the appliances such as refrigerators. This makes up the total wattage power required from the generator. Lights and other smaller appliances require 120 volts of power, whereas appliances like electric stoves and driers require 240 volts. It should be checked whether the generators have the necessary voltage ratings.

There are few features that have to be considered before buying an electric generator. First, make sure to check to see if the engine has an overhead valve. An engine that comes with an overhead valve start easily, last longer and is less noisy. Second, check whether the engine has a cast iron sleeve in the cylinder to protect the engine from early wear and tear. In addition to this, electric generators come loaded with many convenient features such as electric start, power switch to alternate between 120 and 240 volts, low oil shut down that shuts the engines when the fuel in the tank reaches a certain level and an hour meter to show the duration of time the engine has been running. Electric generators are generally powered by gasoline, diesel, propane or natural gas. There are inexpensive but have a short life. Diesel generators are fuel-efficient, have a longer life but are relatively expensive. Propane and natural gas generators are best suited where fuel is ready available.

Certain precautions have to be taken while using generators. They should always be located outside the house to prevent exposure to harmful carbon monoxide. They should always be kept dry and should not be touched with wet hands to avoid getting electrocuted. Generators should not be refueled when in operation -- spilling of fuel on hot components may cause fire. It is always wise to invest in a good quality generator. Electric generators can be purchased at any appliances or hardware store. Industrial and commercial electric generators are available with their respective dealers. All brands and models of generators are listed on the web sites.

Diesel Generators

Fuels such as gasoline, diesel, propane or natural gas basically power home generators. Some models also have multi fuel capabilities and run on gasoline, propane or natural gas. The choice of the fuel will depend on the availability of the fuel in times of emergency, fuel consumed per kilowatt of power produced, maintenance of the generator and the comparative risk of storing the fuels.

Diesel generators consume comparatively less fuel per kilowatt of electricity produced and more fuel-efficient than generators powered by natural gas or gasoline. For every gallon of fuel consumed, diesel generators run 2 or 3 times longer than gasoline engines. Diesel generators do not require frequent maintenance, as is the case with gasoline generators and are designed to run continuously for long hours. Most generators come with a water-cooled engine with a speed of 1800rpm. This ensures the engines durability, and at the same time, makes it the most dependable of all the other types of generators.

Unlike gasoline generators, diesel engines are safe as they work on the principle of direct injection and have no spark plugs, which keep them relatively safe from potential fire. Diesel has a longer shelf life, and being the least flammable source of fuel, can be stored for more than a year.

Diesel is available at most of gas stations and can be conveniently carried in cans. However, diesel generators are hard to start in cold weather; emit more smoke and are noisy. Home diesel generators may cost anywhere between $1000 for 4KW to $9000 for a 15 KW depending upon the quality, wattage rating and voltage rating. Diesel generators for industrial use are available in the range of 500KW to 2000KW.

The Benefit of Solar Power Over Electricity

The energetical potential of solar energy is great, by nowadays calculations it’s approximately 1,57*10^18 Watt peak a year. The science that studies the methods of collecting and transformation of solar energy to another kinds of energy is solar energetic.

There are several priorities of transformation and usage of solar energy. The first one is transformation of solar energy into heat and using of it for heating buildings, air conditioning, heating or distillation of water.

The basis of such generators of heat energy is plane solar collector that allows transforming solar energy to the energy of heat with a temperature of 160-180 F. It looks like a metallic frame with special pipes or it’s a plane box-like device that let pass the air, water or special liquids. This collector is put into heat isolation cover, with the exception of it’s working part that is subjected to the sunrays. A 9 ft. sqr. collector gives up to 20 gallons of hot water (150-170 F) per day. This solar water heats have a lot of perspectives to be used in remote desert areas or in the areas with a big number of sunny days. The prime cost of the hot water produced by the solar heaters is much lower than one produced by electric boiler or gas boiler. It doesn’t require any fuel and doesn’t pollute the environment. So the advantages of using solar water heaters are obvious.

The second priority of using solar energy is transformation of it into electricity. If to cover a silicon crystal with a thin, pure for light layer of metal, than the photons stream, while passing through a metal layer, will release free electrons from the crystal of silicon. Those electrons will start to concentrate in the metal layer. This will cause a potential difference between crystal and a metal layer. If to connect thousands of such crystals in series or in parallel (to increase voltage and current), we’ll get a solar battery that produces direct current.

Also there exists another trend of using solar energy for electricity production, which is similar to the heat power plant. It assumes using of glass pipes cover by the semiconductor layer from inside. Such pipe will let pass the sunrays but still collects 80% of them. Sunrays are collected into a narrow beam of light with a help of conversion lens. Then this heat is transmitted to the pipe that is inside of the glass pipe and it heats the working pipe up to 1000 F, which is more than enough to melt metallic natrium, that melt near 197 F. Incandescent heat conductor is transmitting to the underground reservoirs, where the heat collected for the solar energy makes salt to melt. The heat energy form the salt is transmitted to water pipes, where the water boils and then the energy of water steam is used as a moving energy for electric current generators.

The transformation of solar energy into another types of energy doesn’t bring any visible pollution to the environment, which makes it very beneficial. Other ways of electricity production are tightly connected with the pollution of environment. 80-85 percent of energy used by man is got by burning fuel (oil, gas, different kinds of bio resources). Even so that thee portion of heat power plants is decreasing now, still lots of countries use it as a primary source for getting energy (75% power plants in China and nearly 40% of power plants in Russia use oil, coal and gas). Heat power plants produces 50% of carbonic gas, 35% sulphur and nitrogen oxides released into atmosphere and nearly the same amount of dust. Recent researches also show that heat power plants twice more pollute the environment with radiation contamination than do nuclear power plants.

The influence of the hydroelectric power stations on the environment is also a subject of concern, because it’s connected with alienation of big territories for transformation of them into reservoirs. Hydroelectric power stations break the ecological aqua systems, more over they are quite often begin to silt and become ineffective in some 50-100 years. In the dry areas evaporation from the surface of water reservoirs is dozen times higher than evaporation from the surface of the land.

Nuclear energetics has been seen recently is one of the most promising trends in the electricity production that united cheap energy produced (one pound of radioactive fuel substitutes two million tons of coal) and a small influence on the environment. But the tragedy that happened on the power plant in Chernobyl, Ukraine proved that nuclear energy has a high potential risk.

The exploitation of solar energy can be useful in many ways. First by substituting the fuel that is used on heat power stations it reduces the air and environment pollution, it reduces the usage of oil and other fuel that can be used in more important purposes, by substituting nuclear fuel it reduces the radiation threat, and at the same time solar energy generators can make us more secure, by reducing the dependence upon uninterrupted fuel supply.

But still there are many obstacles that prevent mass spreading of solar energy usage. One of the most obvious is low intensiveness of solar radiation even in the sunny weather. Another obstacle is high initial price of solar energy generators.

The primary value for making a plane collector solar heater is 1000$ per 1 Watt peak. First looking, it may seem that because of the high price solar energy generators are not competitive with traditional electric power plants, where this index is low as 100$ per 1Watt peak. Even small diesel generators are not so costly. But if to include the fuel price to the coast of each kilowatt than this comparison won’t be so striking. Even it’s thought that solar generators are cheaper in the technical exploitation and lifetime is longer than that of tradition sources of electric energy. The calculations show that the price of the electric energy produced by solar generators can be reduced in future to .05-.01$ per kilowatt, and for solar water heater approximately to .02$ per kilowatt.

To be more specific in costs of solar electric systems lets refer to International Energy Agency data: “The type of system defines the components you need for a solar system and therefore the costs. The overall system prices for grid-connected systems vary between 7.8 and 24.0 USD/Watt peak. The price range for solar systems not connected to the grid is 5.5 to 25.2 USD/Watt peak.” But still there even more disadvantages of solar electric systems. First one is that they can be used locally, because the direct current produced by solar systems is effective for transmission on long distances (not more than 70 miles). In addition if to refer to MySolar; information on solar energy and solar systems says:

RV Generators

When I worked at a RV dealership, every spring our service department was booked with appointments for generators that either wouldn't start, or if they did start they had that all too familiar surging sound. This was a result of letting the generator sit for periods of time without starting and exercising it. Lack of use is one of the biggest problems with generators. In gasoline generators the fuel breaks down and gums up causing hard starting and surging problems. This can happen in as short a period of time as one month.

I need to slow down; I'm getting too far ahead of myself. Running and exercising a generator is just one small aspect of owning and using a generator. Let's start from the beginning. RV generators are what truly make your RV fully self-contained. What a feature, instant electricity at the push of a button. We take electricity for granted in our homes because we don't have to do anything to get it, with the exception of paying our monthly electric bill. This is part of the problem with RV generators, we expect the electricity to be there when we need or want it just like in our house. The problem is this magical source of electricity requires a certain amount of care and maintenance from the owner.

Safety first! Always keep in mind when you use a generator there is carbon monoxide. You should always inspect the exhaust system on the generator set before using it. Do not operate a generator with a damaged exhaust system. If you're using a portable generator set make sure the exhaust is directed away from the camping area. Test your carbon monoxide detector for proper operation prior to using the generator. Never run a generator when you or anyone else is sleeping. Observe campground etiquette. Do not run your generator after quiet hours.

A generator that comes equipped on an RV gets its fuel supply from the same fuel tank the engine uses. When the fuel tank reaches a 1/4 tank of fuel the generator will shut down to prevent you from possibly using all of the fuel without realizing it. The generator will either have an automatic transfer switch to sense whether you are using shore power or the generator, or you will need to plug the RV power cord into a generator receptacle to use the generator. It is perfectly okay to use the generator while you are traveling.

This is one of the reasons you have a generator in the first place. It is actually more fuel efficient to run the generator with the roof mounted air conditioner on, than to use the dash air.

RV generators are extremely dependable and in many cases will out last the RV if they are properly maintained and cared for. They do not require your constant attention, just some basic maintenance. The first thing you need to understand about maintaining your generator is that they need to be exercised on a regular basis. This applies to gas and diesel generators. I mentioned earlier that gasoline generators could have fuel related problems in as little as one month of sitting idle. This is one of the biggest problems, but it can easily be prevented if you get in a habit of exercising the generator on a monthly basis.

Some people think that they could avoid this by adding a fuel preservative to the fuel tank and then running the generator long enough to get the preservative through the generator set. You definitely should use a fuel preservative whenever the unit will be in storage, but there are many other reasons to start and exercise the generator on a regular basis. Moisture build up can cause damage to your generator. When you exercise your generator it heats up the generator windings and eliminates this moisture build up. This monthly exercise regime also lubricates all of the engine seals and components and helps to prevent carbon build up.

So, what exactly do I mean when I say exercise your generator? For a gasoline generator I mean that you start and run the generator with at least a 50 percent load for at least two hours every month. It is extremely important that you run it with this minimum rated load. Generators are designed to run with a load placed on them. Our motor home has a 4,000 watt generator so I can either turn the roof air conditioner on in the summer time, which is about 2,000 watts or I can use a couple of small portable electric heaters if it's cold out. It's always better to let your generator run for longer periods than it is for short periods. Check your generator owner's manual for load ratings specific to your unit.

Other maintenance intervals for generators are based on usage. Your generator set will have an hour meter so you can monitor the usage. Consult your owner's manual for maintenance intervals.

The bottom line is, do not hesitate to use your generator and when you do use it put a load on it. A little exercise and preventive maintenance will keep you generator in top operating condition and provide many years of faithful service.

Diesel Generators - What You Need To Know

If you are looking for a standby source of emergency power should a power outage occur or if you are simply looking for a prime source of energy, then generators are the answer.

There are many different types of fuel powered generators available. Diesel generators are among them. Diesel generators are the least flammable of all generators, have a longer life, and only take a small amount of maintenance. Diesel generators are also easily obtainable and have good fuel consumption. The average diesel generator will run 20,000 hours before needing service, and since they have no carburetors, you will never need to replace spark plugs.

You will find there are many brand names to choose from when searching for a diesel generator. Among them are Generator Joe, Honda, Daewoo, John Deere, Kohler, Cummins, Generac, Volvo, MQ Power and Norpro. These are all reliable names in the generator world. The generator you choose will depend mostly upon your needs. This is why before you make your purchase, it is important to know what features are available and which ones are most important to you.

When purchasing a major item like a diesel generator, it is vital to know what is out there. It is important to consider whether you need the generator as a standby or primary source of power. Some diesel generators are portable, while others are stationary. Diesel generators will have either single or three-phase power. Single-phase power is intended for uses under 5hp, which is best suited for a homeowner. Three-phase power is suited more for industrial or commercial users and is good for running motors. As you can probably see, some diesel generators are geared for the home while others are geared for a business environment.

Safety is another important feature of diesel generators. Many come with shutdowns for low oil pressure and automatic shutdowns. Some models also come with advanced output controlled inverter technology, which prevents overloading and under loading.

Diesel generators also come in different speeds and are either liquid-cooled, or air-cooled. Diesel generators with 1800-RPM speeds will last long and are quieter; while those with 3600 RPM will be small and lighter. Air-cooled diesel generators tend to be louder, while liquid-cooled diesel generators are quieter and more dependable.

As you can see there are many different manufacturers as well as models and features available for the buyer of a diesel generator. By carefully considering your needs and wants, you can go to diesel generator websites to complete your purchasing transaction. Or, if you would rather shop in person, you can always take a trip to your local home center or industrial tool supply company.

7+ Safety Tips For Troubleshooting Your Portable Generator

The best troubleshooting for a portable generator is to know the safety tips before you even start them up. You should also be cautious before attempting any troubleshooting or repair of your portable generator.

As part of your troubleshooting of your portable generator here are some tips.

While very useful when you need temporary or remote electrical power, but they can be a hazard if you don't know how to use them safely. The primary troubleshooting tip for use of a portable generator is to watch for poisoning by carbon monoxide. This can come from the exhaust of the generator engine that has become toxic and needs repair.

Other tips on hazards that are possible with portable generators are electrocution or shock and fire. The most common deaths or serious illnesses resulting from failure to follow troubleshooting tips involve the use of these portable generators indoors or in spaces that are partially enclosed. Carbon dioxide builds up and people have died as a result.

The first of the portable generator tips, therefore, is to avoid the use of the generator indoors. Carbon dioxide can build up to a toxic level quite fast. You can't see carbon dioxide nor can you smell it. Should you ever feel weak, or dizzy or sick while you are using a portable generator move to fresh air immediately.

Another troubleshooting tip is to make sure your generator is not near any door, window or vent that can deliver the carbon dioxide indoors. You should also have battery-operated or plug in alarms that advise when carbon dioxide is in your home.

Other troubleshooting for portable generators involves avoidance of electrical hazards and fire hazards. You may need to repair or replace parts to keep yourself and your family safe.

Aerogen Wind Generator for Boats

Some say that the AeroGen is the ideal wind generator for boats, especially a sailboat.

A boats wind generator product made in the UK, with a dealer near you, they are well known with a 15-year history of wind turbine manufacturer and service. Used the world over, these wind generators for boats are used for yachts as well as sailboats, highly portable, and even used by military and research and education facilities.

These wind generators for boats by AeroGen are very compact and lightweight. Maintenance free, they are safe and quiet as any you'll find, and troubleshooting is almost a moot point. Mounting kits are just one of the handy accessories that are available with these AeroGen wind generators. They are so light that you can easily assemble them on your favorite sailboat too.

Lets look at a few different AeroGen models for various boats.

The AeroGen2, for example, is the lightest version of these generators for boats. It is ideal for your weekend sailboat as well as land use that requires low power. It only weighs about 10 pounds but can maintain and recharge batteries. The maximum wattage is four, though not continually.

In contrast, the next most powerful of the AeroGen wind generator for boats is the AeroGen4 which provides considerably more power. Still not nearly the most powerful, it will still power a yacht as well as many accessories or small appliances or even a refrigerator. It gives off 19 amps of power continuously and will run dependably in a gale level storm at sea.

Kipor Generator Reviews Reveal Low Cost Way of Producing Energy

We found Kipor generator reviews online, one of the Kipor KGE3500ti AKA 3500ti generator, including a look at the dealer and troubleshooting information. One review had photos of the Kipor generator and its various accessories and parts. Let's take a look.

Although this reviewer said that he shopped for quite awhile and finally decided on this Kipor generator, he had no idea if it would prove to have the dependability and long life of a Honda or Yamaha and only time would tell.

This generator, according to reviews, is fairly new and is made in China. It costs about half what a Honda or Yamaha would cost. It retails now for a little over $1200, a price that just increased $200 after this review was written.

This Kipor generator doesn't offer anything in the way of troubleshooting and didn't even come with instructions, although the reviewer said it was easy to put together and figure out how to run. He praised the dealer, saying that the handle had a ding in it that probably happened during delivery and the dealer immediately sent a new replacement. It came with accessories such as an oil filter bottle, an oil filter and a wheel kit that was easy to assemble.

One Kipor generator review owner used it for the family fifth wheel. He said it ran not only the hood microwave but also the 15k btu air conditioning system. He said it easily ran the air conditioning, although it did rev up with both it and the microwave going at the same time. He said it is quiet and you can't hear it at all when you're inside a camper with the air conditioning running.

Another praised his Kipor generator dealer for sending it quickly and also quickly replacing its damaged handle and wheel