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If you live in an area where power outages are a problem for your home or business, a generator is one of the best ways to ensure you have a steady power source, even when the grid goes out. These gasoline-powered devices are an efficient way to keep the lights on and keep food in the refrigerator cold when other power sources fail. The guide below explains how the components of a generator create power and how you can pick the right one for your needs.

How Does a Generator Work?

The key component of the generator is its engine, which operates much like a smaller version of a car engine. By burning gasoline, it creates mechanical energy, which can be converted into electrical energy. This electrical energy is created by the alternator, which uses a rotor with a magnetic passing over a coil of conductors to create electrical energy. The power that the alternator creates is then passed through a regulator to create a steady current that reaches the generator outlets.  

The generator will also have a fuel tank to provide power to the engine, a cooling and exhaust system to redirect fumes from burning gasoline, and a lubrication system to keep the moving parts of the engine from generating too much friction.

How Can You Choose the Right Generator for Your Home?

generatorIf you’re searching for a generator, you’ll need to keep a few factors in mind. First, will you be using the generator for your home or business? A commercial endeavor will require a larger generator capacity, and it may need to be installed with an automatic turn-on function to prevent any halt in your business operations. You should also be mindful of the run time of the generator—this impacts how often you will have to refill the fuel tank.

 If you’re choosing a generator for your home, determine which appliances you’ll want to run in the case of a power outage. For example, you may want to power your AC, refrigerator, and a few lamps to light your home. To determine the total load the generator will need to bear, add the wattage of these items together. You’ll also need to be mindful of starting watts—you can determine this number by adding the item with the highest starting wattage to your running watts total.

 

Are you looking for a generator that can keep your home or business operational during a storm outage? McAtlin Electrical Corporation services residential and commercial clients throughout Colorado, Arizona, and Utah with electrical repairs, generator installation, new home wiring, and public utility work. Visit their website to learn more, and call (970) 257-7414 to discuss your project.

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