Generator Basics

Choosing Between an Inverter and a Generator
https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-safety/emergency-power3.htm

An engine-powered generator is an easy way to supply your house with emergency power. They are relatively inexpensive (typical price for a 5,000-watt generator ranges between $600 and $1,200), produce clean, 120- or 240-volt sine-wave power, and consume only about a gallon of gas every two hours or so (at 1,000-watt output). You can also purchase generators that run off of diesel fuel or propane.  ---CONTINUED at LINK---

NOTE: Because this is governement source, I can copy/paste the whole article: (See link for ENTIRE publication + photo)

Install a Generator for Emergency Power
https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1627-20490-0643/how2022_generator_04_11_r1.pdf

Power outages are commonplace during disasters, and they may last for several days. As a result, even businesses that are not severely damaged can suffer losses because of the interruption of normal operations or the loss of perishable stock. You can reduce these losses and speed the recovery process by installing an emergency generator. First, determine which systems and equipment are essential to the continued operation of your business. They may include one or more of the following:

• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
  
• Industrial equipment and major appliances, such as refrigerators and freezers
  
• Lights (interior and exterior), computers, and other office equipment
  
• Pumps, including sump pumps, sprinkler system pumps, and well water pumps
  
• Alarm systems
  

Once you have identified the essential systems and equipment, determine how much power they require. Then check with a generator sales representative regarding the appropriate size and type of generator. The sales representative can also help you select other components of the emergency power system, including the main transfer switch and the electrical panel.

BENEFITS OF USING GENERATORS

Helps to prevent the interruption of normal business operations
• Helps to prevent the loss of perishable stock
  
• Helps to speed the recovery process
  

 

TIPS
Keep these points in mind when you select and install a generator:

• Protect your generator and its fuel tank from flooding and high winds. In flood hazard areas, mount the generator and tank securely on concrete platforms, above the expected flood level. Install the generator and tank inside or next to a building or protective structure to shield them from wind and wind borne debris. Electrical and fuel supply lines must also be protected. And remember that your generator must be accessible for maintenance and that exhaust gases must be routed to the outside if the generator is installed in an enclosed area.
  
  
• The installation of the generator and all wiring, switches, and other electrical componensmust meet the requirements of your local electrical codes
  
  
• Some systems and equipment may have to operate continuously (refrigerators for example), while others may be needed only during normal business hours (such as office equipment).
  
  
• You will need more power to restart systems and equipment when the power fails than to continue
  operating them after startup. The generator you choose must be able to meet both of these needs. (You can minimize the power requirements for startup by starting individual systems and equipment in sequence rather than all at once.)
  
  
• Before you buy a generator, ask your utility company and local building departments if it has regulations that govern the use of emergency power equipment. Specifically check the requirements for the use of automatic or manual transfer switches or mechanical disconnecting means to ensure the safety of power company personnel working to restore power.
  
  
• Be sure to maintain an adequate supply of fuel. Your sales representative should be able to tell you the generator’s rate of fuel consumption at various power output levels.
  
  
• Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and the manufacturer’s recommendations for routine maintenance of your generator.
  

CAUTION

Improperly installed generators can accidentally energized electricity onto power company lines and cause severe injuries or death to linemen working to restore power. Generators should be
installed by qualified individuals and in accordance with power company regulations, local and national building and electric codes to ensure the safety of power company personnel.

ESTIMATED COST
The cost of a generator will depend on the types and amount of equipment and systems that need to be powered, the requirements of local codes and utility companies, and the type of generator you choose and its specifications (i.e., amperage, voltage).

OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION

• FEMA 141, Emergency Management Guide for Business and Industry,October 1993, http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1689.
  
  
• FEMA 259, Engineering Principles and Practices of Retrofitting Floodprone Structures,January1995,http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1645.
  
  
• (New FEMA 259 will be available in Fall 2011).
  

To view and download FEMA publications visit the FEMA Library at http://www.fema.gov/library. To obtain FEMA publications please call 1-800-480-2520 or fax 1-240-699-0525 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. –5 p.m. EST. You may also email your request to FEMA-Publications-Warehouse@dhs.gov. Please provide the title, item number, short number, and quantity of each publication, along with your name, address, zip code, and daytime telephone number.

Using Generators for Emergency Power
https://www.lsuagcenter.com/portals/communications/publications/publications_catalog/disaster%20information/disaster%20information%20resources%20series/using-generators-for-electrical-power

PDF Also Available: https://www.lsuagcenter.com/~/media/system/2/f/b/8/2fb8e7703a84038368b500fa85b47234/pub2949ogeneratorsmay2011.pdf

  Emergency generators become popular after disasters. They can help save food in freezers and refrigerators, but they also may be dangerous if not used properly.

The capacity of a generator usually is stated in watts. For example, ...   ---CONTINUED---

Don’t discount a generator, especially a diesel generator, as your primary power source
https://www.backwoodshome.com/dont-discount-a-generator-especially-a-diesel-generator-as-your-primary-power-source/

   There are three major reasons that wind, solar or hydro-electric systems are impractical for some folks: not enough wind, too many cloudy days, and no stream. In that order.

What does that leave them with? Using a generator. Ugh? Not necessarily.

An independent energy system that uses a generator as its primary power source can be efficient and cost-effective in its initial setup. The key is to make it part of a system instead of a sole source of power.   ---CONTINUED---

Electrical; generators and power
http://www.endtimesreport.com/electrical.html
  Modern civilization is almost literally based on the use of electrical energy. We have become addicted to electricity and the marvelous devices it powers. Even if the electric grid goes down, we will still need to generate some electric power ourselves. Whole-house electrical generation to power standard appliances is a goal that is almost impossible to attain, but it is possible to generate enough electrical power for more modest uses.

(SNIP)

A standard gasoline or diesel powered generator is very useful, but to depend upon one to provide continuous power for a long time is not very realistic. The generator must also be ...   ---CONTINUED---

I don't know if this was covered in any of the articles, here, but I came up with a general formula for fuel consumption planning.

To get a safe estimate of how much fuel a generator will use:

First, multiply the number of kilowatts the generator is rated by 6, if using propane or butane. (Multiply by 4 if using Gasoline or Diesel.) That is the number of gallons per day you can expect it to use.

This is not really a worst case scenario, but close to worst case, as long as your generator is running properly. This was calculated under a fairly heavy continuous load.

Then take the gallons per day and divide your fuel supply by that number, to give you the number of days you are good for.  Example: a 6 KW generator will run almost 7 days on a 250 gal propane tank.

Now that you have had a taste of reality, here is some good news.  Under a lighter load, the generator will use less fuel. Also, if you get one of those inverter generators, or if you run it part time (6 hours on, 6 hours off) you might get it to run twice that long, or more.

Still, if anyone is planning to run on generator power in a TEOTWAKI situation, the thought of 500 gallons a month should be a reality check.

Here's a good source for figuring out what size generator you might need. Click on the links for the type of gennie you're looking for (Portable or House-stand by).

Sizing Guides-Generators
https://blog.norwall.com/generator-sizing-guides/

   Sizing a generator can be difficult so we have created several guides to help you with your power needs.

How To Connect A Generator To Your Home
https://urbansurvivalsite.com/how-to-connect-a-generator-to-your-home/

  It’s Complicated, But It Can Be Done.   ---CONTINUED---

8 Features To Look For in a Portable Generator
https://urbansurvivalsite.com/features-to-look-for-in-portable-generator/

  (SNIP) ... Waiting until the last minute forces you to settle for any random generator that appears to be up to the task. First you should check the specs carefully, install it following all the guidelines, and avoid shortcuts at all costs. The following guide will explain everything you need to know to choose a reliable generator.   ---CONTINUED---

If You Have A Generator, Do This Immediately
https://www.askaprepper.com/if-you-have-a-generator-do-this-immediately/

  (BIG SNIP) ... Do we just need to buy a generator? Actually… not. If you’re going to have a generator, there are a few things you should do, making sure that your generator will be ready for use, the next time a storm causes the lights to go out. ---CONTINUED---