Portable Vs Standby Generators

Too often lessons from the past come back to haunt us. Isaias was a catalyst for reconfirming that those who fail to heed history are doomed to repeat it.  Not only were surrounding utility companies caught off guard by the ferocity of the winds, but many homeowners also found themselves left in the dark to ponder something they swore would never happen again after Super Storm Sandy.  The end effect then and now is a massive run on generators of every size conceivable in a frantic effort to keep the lights on and hopefully save the refrigerated food before it spoils. 

Okay, the worst is over. For the most part, power has been restored to our region, the sting of procrastination has faded, and it is now time to decide the best course of action. In general, generators come in two variations to supplement utility power: portable or standby (also called ‘stationary’). We’re here to help you better understand the difference between the two and which types make the most sense for you.

Table of Contents

• Portable Generators
• Standby Generators
• How Does a Generator Work?
• Pros and Cons of Portable Generators
• Pros and Cons of Standby Generators

Portable Generators

Portable generators are stored at home and rolled out by the homeowner and manually activated to back feed energy into the home’s electrical distribution system. The majority of portable generators run on gasoline. Dual fuel systems have become popular in gasoline and/or propane.

Units that produce from 3500 watts to 15,000 watts are available to consumers from retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online.  Many of these online retailers provide free shipping.  Various transfer systems are on the market and must be installed by knowledgeable, licensed electricians.  There are many ways to connect the portable power to house current but only one way meets required codes and ensures safe, reliable distribution.

Standby Generators

Standby generators do the same thing only effortlessly and automatically, always at the ready 24/7.  Stand-by generators are stationary and, therefore, can be much larger, capable of a larger power supply, often enough to support the entire house regardless of size.  Natural gas or propane power supplies require proper connection by a licensed plumber and an electrician to route the backup power into the house through the ATS (automated transfer switch). 

How Does a Generator Work?

In simplified terms, a (fossil) fuel-powered engine drives a shaft that spins a magnetized rotor within a stator (a coil of copper wiring) thus producing AC current.  The current is then delivered to assorted outlets on the control panel of varying amperages depending on the capacity and size of the generator.  A fan at one end driven by the same shaft cools other generator parts.

Both systems provide a certain degree of peace of mind, but many factors go into weighing portable versus stand-by for the protection and comfort of your loved ones.  Here are just a few of the pros and cons to ponder, hopefully not in the dark.

Pros and Cons of Portable Generators

Pros:

• Relatively inexpensive when compared to a standby generator
• Quick to set up, no utility red tape to draw out the process
• Good for homes from 1000 sq ft to 3000 sq ft.
• Only one trade is required for electricians
• Compact and easy to store, either in the garage or shed
• The transfer system is quick and simple even though it is manual
• New versions have built-in carbon monoxide detection, which turns the engine off when CO gas levels exceed a predetermined amount.

Cons:

• Someone must be home during a sudden outage to set everything up and oversee the continued operation during the storm and ensuing outage.
• Set up is often required to be performed in inclement weather
• Dangers of electrocution exist if not handled and activated correctly
• The danger of explosion if the engine is not maintained properly
• Large amounts of gasoline need to be stored indoors
• The production of carbon monoxide gas necessitates the generator be kept a distance from doors and windows
• Portable generators are heavy and require a degree of strength to roll into position
• Gas engines are notoriously loud
• Portable generators require monthly start-up by the homeowner
• Gasoline is needed every 5-10 hours to keep it running
• Servicing often requires the homeowner to bring the generator into the local repair shop on their own, usually after 200 hours of operation
• Limited in the amount of overall house coverage
• A basic knowledge of engines, although not requisite, is helpful
• Repeated trips to the gas station as most portable generators burn between 12-20 gallons a day.
• Portable systems lend themselves to installation by ‘weekend warrior electricians’

Pros and Cons of Standby Generators

Pros:

• Hands-free automatic start-up, usually within 10 seconds of sensing an outage through an ATS (automatic transfer switch)
• Self-exercising on a scheduled weekly basis
• Whole house protection is offered for large homes
• Quieter than a gas, diesel, or dual-fuel portable generator through unique sound attenuation
• 15 to 50 gallons of propane or natural gas can be burned daily for extended periods of time without any effort or attention on the part of the homeowner

Cons:

• Costs can be excessive, including permits, purchase, installation, maintenance, and utility fees in the event your natural gas service is insufficient for the demand of the generator
• Permitting and inspections to ensure proper installation with both the municipality and utility are mandatory
• Two trades, both plumbers and electricians, are needed for this installation
• The production of carbon monoxide gas necessitates the generator be kept a distance from doors and windows
• Annual maintenance fees apply
• Setbacks from property lines must be maintained as determined by your municipality

Whichever system you choose, know the decibels created by your generator will be music to your ears when running as the storm rages outside while your family is well provided for inside.

Generator Assistance With Lippolis Electric

The plumbing, building, and electrical codes are very specific, complex, and challenging for even seasoned tradesmen. Therefore, entrust your next electrical backup system to a licensed, trained, and knowledgeable electrician like Lippolis Electric. Our 36 years of experience providing backup power for our customers are unparalleled. Estimates are free and as easy as dialing 914-738-3550.