For when you build a house, live in an isolated area, without electricity or power outages are common, a power generator becomes an indispensable purchase. As for fuel, the most common variants work with gasoline, diesel and, more rarely, with gas.

The first option has the advantage of lighter and more portable devices (compared to similar engine powers) and the initial investment is considerably smaller. As for disadvantages, it requires higher maintenance costs over the long term and its automation is difficult.

Our guide will give you some selection criteria and product examples so that we can find out where to find gasoline generators at a good price, other users.

Engine power can belong to one of the 3 categories: small (500-2200 W), medium (2200-5500W) or large (over 5kW, industrial ones exceeding 10 kW). You will select this taking into account the equipment that requires power. By summing the nominal power of the future resistive consumers (for example refrigerator, oven, radiators, bulbs), you will get enough value to power them.

On the other hand, if you are going to use the generator with inductive equipment, which consumes much more at startup, you will have to multiply their rated power by 2.5, for a correct estimate. Such devices include those of DIY, hydrophores, washing machine, refrigerator.

Since most home appliances, including DIY tools, are single-phase, you’ll probably want to focus on a generator of this type. The output voltage, in this case, is 230 V and the generator distributes all the power to the respective consumers. Three-phase models are usually reserved for use with high-power engines, found in an industrial context.

Numerous opinions about the best gasoline power generators 

This depends on the capacity of the tank and the average consumption (liters of fuel per hour). The manufacturers offer medium values ​​that vary widely, between one hour and 12 hours.

Regarding the mode of putting the generator into operation, you have 3 options: to the cord (mechanically), to the key (using an electric motor) and automatically (it connects to the electrical panel of the house and starts automatically when the mains voltage drops). The manual start system is also the most common among gasoline equipment, the focus here is on portability.

Whether you are an experienced user or you will purchase your first generator, we invite you to consider our product suggestions as well.

 

Firman P01202 1500/1200 Watt Recoil Start Gas Portable Generator

If you want a good current generator to help keep some appliances running when the power is turned off, then you can try this model from Firman. It can generate up to 1500 W, is single phase and has two 120V sockets.

Besides these, you will find another outlet for charging various batteries (12V / 8.3A). The 7-gallon tank offers a range of only 10 hours, which suggests that this product is more suited to supplying occasional consumers (DIY tools and appliances), rather than providing a domestic power source.

As for safety features, you will find a voltage stabilizer and an automatic adjustment system for this purpose, a device that interrupts the operation in case of an oil shortage and an overload switch. The starter is with twine and you will have to get used to it because it requires little skill.

 

 

Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator

If what you need is a power generator with moderate power, then you can try this variant which produces a maximum of 4500 W (continuous 3.8 kW). It is a single-phase device with two 120V sockets and one 12V (8.3A) for batteries.

It will be more efficient for supporting some domestic consumers when the electricity supply on the network is interrupted, but also for supplying DIY appliances. The device runs on gasoline and includes a 15 l tank that will provide you with a working time of 9 hours. Starting is done at the rope and involves patience and craftsmanship because the movement must be done in a certain way in order to be efficient.

The device includes an automatic voltage regulator which can be added (separately and at a cost) a stabilizer. The manufacturer requires a review in specialized centers, every 6 months, in order to be able to benefit from the guarantee offered in case of malfunctions.

 

 

Champion 3500-Watt RV Ready Portable Generator

For those who want a high-power gasoline generator, we recommend this model capable of producing up to 3500 W. It is a single-phase device that offers you two 120V sockets and is suitable for supporting small (so inductive) household consumers. , as well as resistive).

These features make it suitable for a mountain vacation cottage or for times when the power supply is interrupted, but you still want to take full advantage of the comfort of your home. It has an autonomy of 12 hours (14 l tank) when it supports 50% of the load. It is equipped with an electronic voltage regulator that will protect your devices, but also with overload protection.

In addition, the oil deficit sensor will automatically stop the operation and warn you by turning on a red LED. For your comfort, the start is electric and only requires turning the key in contact, and for moving the device from one place to another you will receive wheels and handles.

 

WEN DF1100T 11,000-Watt 120V/240V Dual Fuel Portable Generator 

This electric generator has a display that will tell you the number of operating hours, the frequency (Hz) and the voltmeter so that you will be able to permanently monitor the working mode. Fuel is supplied (in a 6.6-gallon tank), and the working time is 8.5 hours for the situation where 50% of the load must be supported.

The maximum power output reaches 1100W and for the connection of consumers, you have two 120V sockets. This device can be a reliable solution when you are facing a power failure and still want to keep a few lamps and a TV on. It can also be used in workshops that are not connected to the electrical network, for DIY tools (drilling machine, self-tapping machine, electric saw).

Also, in order not to overload consumers with voltage variations, the device also has an automatic regulator for this purpose. Starting is twine and will require you to exercise by learning the right movement, easily disassembled.

 

 

How to use a current generator

Such a device is indispensable especially in households located in areas exposed to frequent power outages and can keep in operation the most important utilities until the mains power supply is restored. But it is a device that must be installed and used with care because otherwise, it can cause significant damage. Read below what are the most important precautions to take when using a power generator.

Find out all the technical details about your device

Handled incorrectly, these devices can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock, damage to the network supplying the home and connected consumers. The first thing you need to do after purchase is to carefully read the user manual, to identify exactly where you can place it, what installation conditions you must comply with and what rules you should keep in mind while using it.

 

Use a buffer system

Never connect such a device directly to the home network. Use a switch to isolate the generator from the rest of the elements and take overvoltage in the event of an accident. For the correct and safe configuration, call an experienced electrician.

 

Always keep the generator outside

Regardless of the weather conditions or the specific climate of the area where you live, it is important to always place the generator outside, away from windows, doors or ventilation systems that could allow carbon monoxide, present in large quantities in the residues generated by the operation of this device. , to enter the house.

Partially enclosed spaces are forbidden to operate these appliances even if they have doors or windows that can be left open (garage, laundry, basement, cellar, etc.).

 

Invest in a CO detector

Carbon monoxide is very dangerous because it is colorless and odorless and is not detected by the sense organs. Because it can be extremely toxic, causing death in the event of inhalation, we recommend that you purchase CO detectors to let you know if this gas enters the house.

Pay attention to the following symptoms: headache, dizziness, nausea, feeling weak or faint, breathing difficult. There are effects of low carbon monoxide poisoning. If you experience these conditions, get out in the fresh air and call 112.

 

Pay increased attention when the humidity level is high

It is important to position the generator in a place where the water cannot collect or leak directly underneath it and where it can be protected from moisture (without being placed near windows or doors). Always make sure your hands are always dry when operating the device to avoid electric shock.

 

Use the right extension cord

If you need to use an extension cord to connect consumers to the generator, choose a model specifically designed for outdoor use. It must support the total voltage drawn by the devices you connect to the network, it must be long enough that the device stays at a safe distance from the house and in very good condition (without cuts, scratches, punctures, deformations).

 

Store the fuel in safe conditions

Flammable liquids such as kerosene, propane or gasoline, which are among the types of fuel used by these appliances, should not be stored inside or in the immediate vicinity.

You can keep them in the garage in labeled containers, away from any combustion device. Before turning on the generator, turn it off and allow it to cool to avoid accidental ignition of the liquid upon contact with the hot surface.