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Power Quality
The power quality output from a portable generator is not the same as what you receive from your utility. To protect your sensitive electronic equipment, only connect a high quality generator with good power quality output to your home.
When evaluating an engine generator's power quality output, you should be primarily concerned with voltage regulation. If the voltage output from your generator is too low, it could cause motors such as your refrigerator motor or furnace motor to overheat and burn up. If the voltage output is too high, it could damage sensitive electronic equipment such as the digital controls on your furnace or your computer. When purchasing a portable generator, you should make sure it has automatic voltage regulation (AVR). You should never power sensitive electronic equipment with a portable generator that has "mechanical voltage regulation" as is commonly found on lower priced portable generators.
Engine Durability
During extreme situations, such as the aftermath of a major storm, your generator may have to operate continuously for several days. Lower cost generators using lawnmower type engines, are simply not up to this task. When purchasing a portable generator to run your home, you should look for one that has an "industrial" or "commercial grade" engine. The following types of features typically distinguish these engines:
- Cast iron cylinder sleeves for longer life
- Upright cylinders with overhead valves for better oil lubrication, vs horizontal cylinders and side valves
- Low oil consumption
- Low oil shut-down to protect the engine if it runs out of oil
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