Buying A Used Portable Generator
Where and who you buy your used generator from is crucial as it will give you some insight in to the condition you can expect your equipment to be in. Industrial diesel generators are complex pieces of machinery that need to be maintained and tested by certified engineers for them to operate at an optimum efficiency.
buying a used portable generator
While it may seem you're making an unbeatable deal buying pre-owned equipment, make sure you know what to look out for before making your purchase. Here are some factors to have in mind when shopping for a second-hand generator.
Generators are used in all kinds of different applications. They can be run constantly for hours at a time or just turned on when you need power. An overlooked factor is where the generator has been running most recently before it goes up for sale.
In addition to the brand, you have to be aware of how long it has been since your generator was produced, not to buy something already obsolete or might give problems in a short period because of certain parts being discontinued by their manufacturer. In this case, buying from an authorized dealer will help you avoid these potential problems.
When buying a used generator, it is important to consider how long the product has been in use and if any issues would affect its performance or lifespan. If you can get this information from the seller, try your best to do so because it will make finding the right one much easier.
Another important factor is how much wattage your appliances use and what kind of fuel they require. If you plan to run several high-watt appliances at once, you need to be sure about the wattage of the generator you are buying.
One of the most important things you need to consider when buying a used generator is its physical condition. You can't expect it to work as well as new if the machine has been sitting in storage for some time, especially if there are signs of rust or damage from mishandling.
Buying a used generator can be a great way to save money if you have the time, space, and knowledge needed for properly restoring one. But before buying second-hand, ensure that all of these factors are right to avoid any future problems with your investment.
You should never purchase used equipment unless it has an ironclad warranty backing it up. Generators have numerous moving parts, and every component needs warranty coverage. If the original warranty still covers the unit, it is imperative to verify that the warranty will transfer to you following the sale. If it does not transfer after the purchase, you leave yourself exposed to significant expense if the generator breaks down.
When you purchase a used generator, you are usually buying a unit that is past its prime. It is unlikely that the unit was upgraded to include technological innovations introduced since it left the factory. Combined, this means higher operating expenses, fewer control features, and less-reliable operation, which could leave you in a bind if the generator ceases functioning. If your processes require minimal use, this may not be an issue. However, if you need regular, reliable power, the added cost of maintenance and operation can add up quickly.
Before you ever commit to buying a used generator, you need to know how frequently the generator was used by its previous owner(s). An easy way to check the usage is by simply looking at the odometer to ensure that the equipment does not have a lot of hours backlogged on it.
"Never run the generator in enclosed spaces, as they produce exhaust no different than your car or power tools and, that's not good for anyone due to CO poisoning," Haas said. "Even so, we recommend a portable CO detector to be certain exhaust doesn't find its way to your living quarters. These can be purchased easily online for infrequent use, but I recommend installing CO detectors in your home anyways, so place a wall unit near your garage year-round."
Underwriters Laboratories also provides a comprehensive overview of the potential safety hazards associated with portable generators. The UL guide includes specific certification (UL 2201) to look for to ensure your model meets the requirements for carbon monoxide mitigation, though you still need to take the precautions spelled out above.
"UL 2201 has requirements that limit the active CO emissions coming from the portable generator. It also has a shutoff requirement for additional protection if the product is sensing a high output of CO," according to UL.
A portable generator, as the name suggests, is one that's easily portable. These generators often have wheels, making them easy to move around to deliver electricity anywhere. Even smaller models may be handheld rather than on wheels, making them even more mobile. Portable generators usually run on gasoline and tend to be more affordable than standby generators.
An inverter generator is similar to a portable generator in that it's smaller and easier to transport. But inverter generators tend to be even lighter than a standard portable generator. They are also quieter, which can make them suitable for a wider range of activities, including camping and other activities.
Inverter generators and standard portable generators differ in the type of electricity they produce, the amount of power they can generate, their portability, their noise level and their price. Inverter generators tend to be more expensive and produce less power, but are more portable, quieter and produce fewer emissions.
A standby generator is a more permanent solution than a portable generator. It's larger and considerably more expensive. Rather than being easily transported, it's permanently installed at your home or business. When your power goes out, the standby generator automatically turns on to continue providing power. Rather than gasoline, standby generators are often fueled by propane, and can also be powered by natural gas.
According to Haas, the licensed electrician we spoke with, standby generators eliminate many of the safety concerns associated with portable generators. And while they're most expensive, it could be an option if safety is your top priority.
The cost of a generator can span from hundreds to thousands of dollars, with standby generators being the most expensive of all. For a standby generator, you can expect to pay at least $2,000 for your unit, and possibly more than $10,000. In the case of portable generators, you could pay anywhere from just a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The good news is that they are easily purchased -- you can find them at just about any home improvement store, including Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware and more.
"When weighing the options for a generator, you need to consider and tally what appliances you consider mandatory for the continuation of services." Haas said. "A refrigerator needs about 600 watts, your sump pump (helpful for flood-prone regions) needs about 1,300 to 2,150 watts to start and about 800 to 1,000 watts to run. For those in winter regions, a portable heater may need up to 1,500 watts. Small devices like our phones charging only require 10 watts, so they're not a concern compared to the big appliances that you'll have to factor in and gauge what's right for your needs."
It's not just about how much power you need your generator to produce, but also what you'll be using it for. Choosing a generator to power your home in an outage is very different from choosing one to take on a camping trip. As we mentioned, standby generators are installed permanently at your home and provide backup electricity during an outage. A portable generator, on the other hand, can be taken with you on the go. For even more portability, you might choose an inverter generator that is lighter and makes less noise.
There are generally three different ways you can fuel your generator. The choices available to you will depend on the type of generator you choose and the specific model. First, gasoline is most often used to fuel portable generators. Propane can be used to fuel both standby generators and portable generators. Finally, natural gas can be used to fuel standby generators, but isn't available for portable generators.
Next, avoid letting your generator sit for too long of periods without being used. Running your generator helps to burn off moisture and recharge the battery. And when you aren't planning to use it for more than a few weeks, it should be run dry so it's not sitting with fuel in the lines. Finally, be sure to store your generator properly in a way that it's protected.
There's a lot to consider when choosing the right generator. But when you take into consideration all of the information above, you'll have an easier time narrowing down the right generator type and model for you. If a generator is too noisy, you might opt for a portable power station. Here are a few articles to help you learn more:
Depending on the space arrangements in your premises, and your backup requirements, you can take your pick from a Standby Generator or a Portable Generator. While both these generators prove to be dependable sources of power, a standby generator will be installed in place, while a portable generator can be stored as per convenience and brought out only when needed. Of course, a portable generator can only serve the purpose, if yours is a small business. For large-scale businesses and industrial setups, standby generators are almost always recommended.
When buying a generator for an industrial setup, the power output is one of the most imperative factors that need consideration. After all, in an emergency, you should be able to run all the equipment, machinery, and appliances along with basic electrical fittings that are critical to the functioning of your businesses. Hence, it is strongly advisable that you know the power requirement of your setup before you set out to make the purchase.
If you are in the market for a portable generator, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, make sure you know what size generator will meet your needs. Second, determine if you want a new or used model. 041b061a72