Three Types of Basic Ratings for Backup Generators Explained

If you're looking to buy a backup generator, say the prime generators, you might be feeling overwhelmed by the choices. Each one promises to be the best at delivering top-quality power, but how do you know which one to trust? 

By choosing from reliable brands and paying attention to the three basic ratings of backup generators, you can rest assured that your backup generator will run when it's most needed. 

This guide will help you understand these ratings so that you can choose the best backup generator for your needs and budget.

Standby Generators

Backup generators are a lifeline in the event of an emergency. In order to save money on your backup generator purchase, there are a few terms you should be familiar with and when you see them used in the marketplace. 

The capacity rating is how many watts (or kilowatts) a generator will produce at maximum load. This number varies depending on which appliance(s) will be used with the generator and what kind of weather conditions it will have to deal with. 

A standby Enclosed generators might offer a 150 kW capacity, while an emergency generator might offer as little as 5 kW for protection against power outages lasting up to three hours.

Continuous Generators

Enclosed generators
A continuous generator is one that is always producing electricity. The difference between these and a start-stop generator is that, in most cases, a continuous generator is only putting out 120 volts of AC power. 

There are some varieties that can produce 240 volts, but that doesn't make them an automatic choice if the building or home uses 208 volts. Continuous enclosed generators may not be good at keeping up with needs on cloudy days or other times when there's less sun to keep them going.

Prime Generators

Basic types of backup generators are rated in different ways: prime, continuous duty, and standby. Prime generators are meant to run constantly and are only shut off in the event that all electrical power is lost. They're great at supplying power to homes or small businesses as long as they're available and reliable. 

They need more maintenance than other types and will be more expensive, but you won't have to worry about being without power for very long if it's lost. 

Continuous duty backup generators have an automatic start feature that kicks on when all other power sources fail, so they're best used in cases where a prime generator would be too costly or impractical. These can often run while the main electrical service is still active, which means their fuel source is always fresh.

Conclusion

When it comes to prime generators, understanding what you need is the first step. If you don't know where to start, look at your home or business and ask yourself if there are any potential problems that would cause your power to go out. Think about whether there are things that will drain your battery and how long your battery can last before needing a recharge.

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