8 Questions Answered: Standby & Portable Generators
With Hurricane Preparedness Week behind us, we wanted to share some of the common questions we heard from folks looking for answers about generators and backup power. Here were the top eight questions about standby generators and portable generators:
Should I buy a standby generator or portable generator for home backup power?
While both types of generators offer a solution to home backup power, it is important to understand one key difference: standby generators are a permanent solution while portable generators offer a more temporary solution. Standby generators, because they are automatically connected to the home’s electrical system and natural gas meter or propane supply, provide a seamless transition of power and keep things running smoothly when an outage occurs. A portable generator requires the homeowner to get the generator out from where it is being stored and manually connect it to the homes electrical system via a transfer switch or cord connect individual items. The safest way to power your home is to use a transfer switch. Extension cords should only be used to power outdoor items, but if you do power indoor items be sure to protect the cords from damage and minimize any openings through which cords pass. Openings may allow carbon monoxide to enter the home. Portable generators also needs to be refueled on a regular basis.
Standby Generator FAQs
What size standby generator fits my needs?
The answer to this question is unique to each situation. It really depends on what you want to power in an outage. Check out our generator buying guide, which makes it easy to choose the items you want to power. Once you make selections, our guide will give you an idea of what size generator might meet your needs.
Do I need a permit to install a standby generator?
Installing a standby generator usually requires a permit and an electrical inspection after the installation. We recommend checking with your municipality or county to make sure all the necessary permits are in place before you buy a generator.
Does the location of the standby generator matter?
Yes. You’ll want to make sure you follow all location requirements shown in the installation manual provided with your generator, in part those include Carbon Monoxide, fire and maintenance. Yearly maintenance of your generator will require easy access. The location of the generator can also impact cost of installation. In general, the closer it is to the electrical meter and natural gas meter the lower the cost.
How much do standby generators cost?
Cost varies depending on the amount of backup power you need and where the generator will be installed. Once that is determined, you can contact your local generator dealer to get more information on the cost, which generally falls in the $4,000 to $10,000 range.
Portable Generator FAQs
Can a portable generator be used for home backup power and outdoor recreation?
Generally, portable generators have different features depending on the use. Those used for home backup power have more power than is required for outdoor recreation. Although fuel efficient, they tend to be louder than what you may want for camping or tailgating. Other portable generator models, such as an inverter generator, are better suited to outdoor recreation. Because generators have different uses, we suggest researching and looking into different models to find one that makes sense for your needs.
What kind of maintenance does a portable generator require?
Like any piece of outdoor power equipment, portable generators need regular maintenance. Refer to your operator’s manual and follow the maintenance guidelines. You can also speak to your local generator dealer to learn how to check oil, visually inspect the generator and troubleshoot common problems. Doing so will help extend the life of your generator.
What’s the difference between an inverter generator and non-inverter generator?
Because this question is so common, we already wrote a blog about it. Check it out!
Don’t’ Forget: Generator Safety Should Always be Top of Mind.
We can’t stress enough to always read and follow the manufacturer’s operating manual and instructions before running a generator and pay close attention to safety considerations. Visit our website for other useful generator safety and usage tips and generator safety videos.
Before starting your portable generator, locate the unit outside and far from doors, windows and vents. Generator exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO), a poison gas that could kill you.
Safety is key when operating a portable generator. Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a reality. Never operate a portable generator inside your home, open or closed garage, basement or near windows / vents that could allow CO to enter the home.
Installing carbon monoxide alarms inside in the living spaces will save you, your family, and everyone from carbon monoxide poisoning if generator exhaust enters the house.
NOTICE: Customer service questions are not monitored via the blog. If you need assistance with your Briggs & Stratton engine or power equipment, please contact our Answer Center or post your question to our User Community.
Can I cross reference horsepower rating to model #. I found model # but it is not listed on any parts sites. It is a Briggs & Stratton 7.8 Hp. Generac generator. The model # I have is 0042760 EHC. I want to purchase a carburetor. Any help with this would be appreciated?
Hello Bob,
It appears the model number that you have supplied is for a Generac engine. You will need to contact them for a new carburetor.
Gen # 030426-00 Why is it that my Gen is rated at 66 Amps but have a 30 Amp supplied cord? I would like to up date gen to a 50 Amp cord so I can install a larger Gen-set fuse panel with more breakers. I never see more than 10 Amp draw on ether of meters on box. I don’t have a need for Gen 110 plugs currently installed.
PS I’m thinking of using R.V. type plugs that can carry 50 Amps.
Hello David,
The 66 amps is for starting purposes only. The unit will only run 30 amps which is why it has the supplied 30 amp cord.
Are there any changes I should wait for coming to your standby generators?
Hey Mark,
At Briggs & Stratton we’re always working on new and exciting innovations for our products. We’re not ready just yet to reveal what we have coming up for our standby generator line. However, a cool innovation that was recently added to our Briggs & Stratton standby products is our Symphony® II power management system. Symphony® II Power Management lets you purchase a smaller, more affordable home generator system while maintaining the comfort of whole-house power. You can select up to eight high-wattage appliances based on your family’s specific power needs. It then manages the distribution of power from the generator to those appliances — automatically. This load management ensures the generator won’t overload so your family can continue with its daily routine uninterrupted. You can find out more about it here:
http://www.briggsandstratton.com/us/en/innovations/standby-generators/symphony-ii
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for the recommendations. You’re obviously going to be prejudiced towards Briggs generators, but is there really that much difference from one brand to another?
I’m thinking of buying a generator but don’t know what size I need. I’m thinking of a portable type. I’m planing on connecting Fridge, Freezer, gas furnace blower motor, electric lift chair and a cpap machine (medical device) and possible a tv and cable box. I would like to know what size generator do I need. Should I have it wired into the house Or just run extension cords?