Diesel generator for automotive parts manufacturer

Generator Associates, the specialists in generator hire, sales, supply and leasing, have just delivered two 1100Kva diesel generators to provide 2.2mw of power for a new production plant in the UK. The generator system included control panels, switching, fuel tanks and a complete maintenance package for the years to come.

Generator Associates also arranged delivery of fuel to power the new generators, and took on entire project management for these highly satisfied clients.

The large automotive parts manufacturer took advantage of the leasing services offered by Generator Associates, meaning they received an exceptional power supply solution at a low fixed monthly rental.

The client required a bespoke generator solution because their national mains electricity network provider were unable to upgrade power supply needed for their new production facility, without the massive cost of building a new electricity substation and laying high capacity cables.

Generator Associates sales and leasing options provided the excellent alternative of a diesel generator system, which would provide all the primary electricity required to completely power the new facility to the exclusion on the mains supply.

The clients choose Generator Associates because of their reputation for quality supply and sales, rapid response and technical expertise.

Project Manager for the manufacturing firm said, 'Generator Associates have been efficient and quick to respond from the start'.

'They responded within 2 hours of our initial enquiry and provided their first quotation within 24 hours'.

'Not to mention their site visit within the first 48 hours'.

'No one else responded as quickly and comprehensively as Roger and the team at Generator Associates'.

'We felt like their priority and they took on our power supply problems as their own'.

'My life was made easy as they gave expert technical guidance, excellent costings and importantly friendly advice'.

'Their generator and UPS leasing option is a real benefit'.

The clients senior production manager praised Generator Associates saying 'they have done all that they promised they would do - everything'.

'Their team were even on site the night before installation, talk about being on time'.

'What more could we want'.

Generator Associates provided new generators, fueling, and project management for this client, who were delighted with the professional and personal service provided.

Another generator system provided on site, on time, on cost - As always.

Whether it is a diesel generator hire, sales or rental you require, Generator Associates provide a range of new and used generators to exceed your expectations.

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

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.

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.

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.

It is always wise to invest in good quality generators. All brands and models of generators are listed on the -- a very convenient way to find the best deal.

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.

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.

Generators - A Guide to Purchasing

The diesel generator produces electric energy using the combination of an electrical generator and a diesel engine.

Ships often use diesel generators, to power the electric system and to propel the ship. Wherever the electrical grid is unstable, a diesel generator is used as a back up during supply failure. Even with the best alternative system such as solar energy or wind energy, sometimes the weather may not cooperate and land us in darkness when the main power source fails. To keep our power system running, a backup engine generator may be just the thing. For businesses with sensitive computer networks, or homes with critical medical equipment, a back up power system such as a diesel generator may be necessary even when grid power is available.

The intended power load and the ability to supply the same is the basis for the selection of diesel generators.

High quality gasoline generators and diesel generators will provide reliable backup power to small offices and most homes. When you have a good backup generator sized to support your important electrical equipment and power systems then you need not bother or worry when there is a major supply failure.

Diesel generators can be switched on or off unlike other alternative power sources so there are no need for a dedicated charge controller. The generator can be connected to the main power system through an inverter using the generator’s auto-start feature. Alternatively, it can also be connected to the generator auto-start battery charger.

When buying a diesel generator make a list of the lights and equipment that will be running off the generator. Total the wattage requirements to determine the capacity of the generator. Compare wattage requirement and the price of the generator. If the generator is to be connected directly to the electrical system, then it is advisable to hire a qualified technician to install the transfer switch. Ensure that the generator has adequate storage capacity, longer usage time at a stretch, overload protection and auto shut off facility.

How to Choose a Molybdenum Stock

“What you are really mining is money,” veteran geologist Don Davidson told us during a recent interview about molybdenum. It applies to any mineral, whether gold, silver, copper, uranium or, of course, molybdenum. “All mining, regardless of the commodity, is just really based upon your mining dollars. It’s the value of the particular element and whether it is economic to extract it or not,” he explained.

Despite the shrill forecasts of some analysts who claim we should expect a price correction in base metals, molybdenum is very much in demand. “A lot of people envisioned this flip in the molybdenum price to be a short-term think, but I think with the economies that are rolling in Asia, especially India and China, we are never going to see the old price level again,” Davidson forecast. Another reason why the price of molybdenum could stay high comes as result of BP’s corroded oil pipeline in Alaska. We talked to a few industry insiders who believed BP could have increased the corrosion resistance in their oil pipeline had they added a tiny percentage more of molybdenum to the pipeline. Oil companies are probably going to require more molybdenum to prevent another costly oil spill.

Our discussions with geologists, investors and industry insiders reinforce the notion that the bull market in molybdenum is very much alive and kicking higher. We received an interesting email from Doug Fosbrooke, head of investor relations for Roca Mines, as we were soliciting comments about molybdenum demand. He wrote, “I received a call the other day from a Canadian-based representative of a Chinese moly/steel/metals dealer looking to buy MAX (the name of Roca’s molybdenum mine) concentrates. Even after telling him we had signed an offtake agreement for 100 percent of our production, the party still expressed strong interest in doing business with us. Another Asian dealer, with whom we had been in discussions to provide project financing capital also contacted us in the past week looking for our product.” When a small and soon-to-be-producing molybdenum company is pursued by Asian interests, after it has widely announced that next year’s production has been sold in advance, we feel comfortable in expecting a stable, if not higher, molybdenum price. That should bode well for newly arriving molybdenum producers, such as Roca Mines, which hopes to start mining its MAX deposit in Canada in the fourth quarter. But how can an investor safeguard himself from the potential arrival of other, less known wanna-be producers?

As we did with uranium and coalbed methane stocks, we compiled a list of “molybdenum-specific” tips for investors. For advice on how to separate the good companies from the bad, we turned to geological and engineering experts to guide us. Both Dr. Nick Carter and Don Davidson have several decades of experience in evaluating molybdenum projects. For example, Blue Pearl’s Yorke-Hardy molybdenum deposit was renamed the Davidson deposit in honor of one our experts. Carter and Davidson are both members of the five-man senior exploration board for Roca Mines, which hopes to find additional molybdenum beneath the existing high-grade MAX deposit in British Columbia.

1. Keep your eye on the price of molybdenum. Nick Carter advised, “One of the biggest pitfalls related to molybdenum is price. We’ve seen spikes over the years. The last one was in the 1970s. One of the things you have to watch out for, in terms of molybdenum, is the price. It’s been pretty good the last couple of years and all indications are it’s going to remain, perhaps at these lofty levels.” Huge deposits and good grades are required to withstand lower prices.

2. Find out the average grade of the molybdenum deposit. “If any investor were to phone me and want to buy stock in moly mine, my immediate response would be, ‘Well, what is the grade’?” Carter said. “And if the grade isn’t a little bit better than 0.1 percent, and preferably closer to 0.2 percent, I’d say, ‘Well, you had better think about this a little bit.” Carter explained he liked the MAX deposit because at 2 percent, Roca Mines would yield 40 pounds per ton of molybdenum. At $20 pound, the gross in situ value of the deposit would be $800/ton. Mining and operating costs are said to be less than $100/ton, yielding an operating profit of $700/ton.

3. How deep is the molybdenum deposit? “Usually the deeper you go, the better grade you have to have in order to have material that can be mined for profit,” advised Davidson. “The deeper you go, your expenses can increase. Therefore, you’d generally have to have higher grade at depth.”

4. Is it underground or open pit mining? Davidson discussed Adanac’s deposit in British Columbia, “Because it’s an open pit, your mining costs are much lower.” Carter advised on deposits where average grades run low, “If it’s 0.1 percent, it had better be a big deposit and it had better be open pit, too. We’re not talking underground here. With 0.2 percent, you get a little more option, if you can get something that’s reasonably large and with grades approaching 0.2 percent. Cost of production in many open pit mines should be in the $10 to $11/pound range.”

5. What is the timeline for production? Some companies plan to begin molybdenum production this year or next. Others are looking a few years out. “The price is here now, but three years from now, when your mine’s up and running, the price may be $8,” Carter explained. “Maybe you’re not going to be able to cut it if you’ve got an overall molybdenum grade of 0.1 percent or less.” It is safer to evaluate a molybdenum company on a lower metal price than stretching your expectations by appraising it at the top of the market. “If molybdenum can stay north of $10-12/pound, it should be pretty good times,” Carter noted.

6. How pure is your moly concentrate? Carter advised investors find out answers to these questions: “Is there any copper associated with this molybdenum deposit? And if so, how much copper?” Carter warned, “If there’s something like 0.05 or 0.1 percent copper in the molybdenum system, this could be enough to really screw it up in terms of concentrate sales. There’s not enough (copper) to recover to make any money, and you could have serious problems in producing a moly concentrate that’s going to get you top dollar.” In the Kitsault molybdenum mine, there was significant lead content in the moly concentrate. “They took a serious penalty on that and they had to install a leaching plant to get the lead out of the concentrate,” Carter explained.

7. Does the molybdenum have a contract or offtake agreement with a leading buyer? “The most telling comment with regards to purity of the moly concentrate is: Does this company have a contract?” Carter pointed out. “If they’ve got a contract, you can be pretty sure the concentrate grade is going to be okay. There are specifications outlined in the agreement.”

8. What is the infrastructure like? Carter talked about one company, which he explained was in a remote location, and which he asked we not name. “There’s no electrical power!” he exclaimed. “There’s no hydroelectric, no power lines.” He did talk about how previously, with other mining operations in this area, power was produced by way of diesel-fired generators. “But in today’s world, I don’t think they’ll look at that,” he said. “It’s too expensive.” Big operations will require being on a power grid to function, while smaller ones, such as Roca’s MAX mining operation, can economically operate with diesel generators.

9. Look for hidden problems in a molybdenum mining and processing operation. “Is the processing facility (mill) located nearby?” asked Davidson. “Or will it be trucked hundreds of kilometers?” Other problems an investor should find out about include: (a) workforce availability, (b) the capital costs and payback on those costs, (c) mine permitting, (d) anti-mining activity in the jurisdiction, (e) financing for the project, (f) access to the deposit (can the deposit be accessed at all?), and (g) the company’s market capitalization in relation to timeline for production. Does the deposit have blue sky potential? The Climax started small and became a world-class molybdenum mine.

Future of Energy: Biodiesel Generators

One of the most exciting new fuel solutions presented has to be biodiesel. For all people who have not heard about biodiesel, it is made from a combination of organic oils like corn, canola, or soy oil with other ingredients to produce a fuel that burns similar to diesel fuel used in vehicles. Biodiesel can even be combined with regular diesel to form a combination of the two fuels that is cleaner burning and safer.

Petroleum and oil are both fossil fuels that eventually run out, and with countries like China, India, and others starting to expand their society and add millions of vehicles and other gasoline powered machines, the supply will dwindle much faster. Thus biodiesel, a fuel that is made from organic oils, can be pretty much grown to meet higher supply and demand. This is one of biodiesel's really strong points in that it is a highly renewable resource that also has less emissions so it is safer for the environment. Because organic materials used to make biodiesel can be grown, the farmers are supported by a bigger demand and the dependency on oil can be decreased. These points alone should make biodiesel a very great looking alternative fuel.

Biodiesel is currently being used more and more in all types of applications. Many cities are switching city vehicles and other emergency vehicles to use biodiesel as fuel source, thus decreasing cost and lowering pollution. Some gas stations already offer B20, a blend of biodiesel and 80% petrodiesel, that can be used in most diesel vehicles effectively and safely. Biodiesel can currently be used in most newer diesel engines without the need for major modifications or overhaul of the engine. This allows a quicker onset into the public than other fuel solutions. The abundance of many diesel fueled applications allows biodiesel to be used immediately to help cut costs and help the environment as well. Everything from cars, farm vehicles, generators, and a lot of other machines already can utilize biodiesel.

The future of biodiesel as a major energy source is definitely a great possibility. With more research on ways on developing and better utilizing biodiesel, it's applications will greatly increase. Imagine being able to take cooking oil after frying something up, adding an additive to remove the smell and being able to use that waste oil as fuel for diesel engines. This can be the future of biodiesel and many restaurants that use a lot of frying oil can use this oil to fuel other appliances as diesel furnaces. The future of biodiesel as a major fuel source really depends on the fact that it is highly renewable and the great efficiency possible.

RV Generator "How-To" Preventive Maintenance

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.

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. 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.