Pros and Cons of Gas Generator Use

A gas generator, also called simply as a generator, generator set or gen set, is widely popular as a source of temporary power supply.

The gas generator is a necessity for many residential and commercial establishments. These devices ensure that normal operations or activities would not be disrupted due to any power interruption or power failure. These are designed to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. Basically, these devices have two main components which include the motor and generator head. Through the motor, the fuel used is burned.

The generator head, on the other hand, functions by producing electrical power. When shopping for a generator, it is important to ensure that the generator to be purchased is capable of producing the wattage necessary to keep certain appliances running. In the event that the wattage of the generator is lesser than the power requirement, voltage can drop, causing damage to both the appliances and the generator.

Generators come in two basic designs, standby and portable. Of the two, standby generators are often used as permanent emergency power sources. They are usually hardwired or connected to an existing electrical system and fueled by natural gas or propane lines. Portable generators, on the other hand, are generally smaller and less costly compared to standby generators. Because of their sizes, they can easily be transported and moved from one place to another where they are needed. Their built-in tanks also allow them to provide temporary power, even in remote locations.

Basically, generators can run on a variety of fuel types like diesel, natural gas or propane and gasoline. Gas generators usually refer to those generator sets or gen sets that use propane or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Usually, these types of generator are used as permanent standby generators. LPG is more often used to run generators in industrial and commercial establishments because it can be stored for a long a time without risk for deterioration.

In contrast, it is not safe to store large quantities of gasoline because of its reactive chemical properties. Gasoline-run generators can also be difficult to start, especially during times when it is extremely cold. While gasoline is the cheaper alternative, it can be difficult to obtain during power failures because most gasoline pumps run on electricity. Aside from the long shelf life of both LPG and propane, these fuel types are also clean burning, which makes them more environment-friendly. They can also be easily stored in tanks and gallon cylinders so they can be used almost everywhere.

Often, these fuel types also have longer run time or refueling time span compared to gasoline units that need to be shut down every time they are refueled. The main disadvantage of these fuels is the fact that they are not the cheapest fuel around. They may not also be readily available, especially when natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes occur. Regardless of the advantages and disadvantages stated previously, it is important to ensure availability of the fuel type to be used in the area where the generator is to be used.