Backup generators are designed to go along your power running during long outages, which in itself raises a couple of obvious questions: how long a backup generator tin really become on functioning continually before it needs to shut down and the specifics of how a generator's ongoing protection for your ability really works. Here, we'll become over the basic answers to those questions for the different types of standby generators on the market today.

How Long Y'all Can (and Should) Run a Backup Generator

It'due south possible, if necessary, to run a home on standby generator power for days on end. Typically, it's recommended that y'all limit continuous usage when able and give the unit rest and a absurd down. You lot can run the generator for a week if necessary, merely if yous can shut it down daily, permit information technology to absurd and bank check the oil it is the recommended do. At that place are multiple factors that tin can radically modify the kind of consecutive runtimes yous tin wait. It particularly depends on the kind of fuel and cooling systems your generator uses.

Your Generator's Fuel Blazon Makes a Departure

Diesel or liquid propane (LP) generators' runtime is limited by their available fuel supply. Their tanks can shop anywhere from ane to three days' worth of fuel and are typically refilled by a fuel service provider with whom it volition be important to proceed in touch during long outages.

Natural gas generators run on a consequent natural gas supply from public utilities and therefore don't need refuelling, but their runtime can still be limited by engine temperature and oil usage. An engine that runs at 3600 rpm "runs hot" and will apply oil quickly, while an 1800 rpm engine is more efficient and may be able to run continuously for upwards to eight days.

Diesel generators are a popular pick for their reliability and versatility (they can besides run on biodiesel), only it'south worth taking into account that their fuel is typically more than expensive and needs to be checked and refilled more than frequently. If you lot alive or work in a identify that can more frequently expect extended outages, a natural gas generator is likely to exist the more attractive option.

Cooling and Your Generator's Lifespan

You can extend this lifespan past placing less strain on the generator. In the case of extended outages, information technology may be preferable to limit your standby generator to running continuously only during the day (or if y'all're running information technology in a commercial situation, during the working 24-hour interval). The less time yous're compelled to run it continuously, the more chances the engine has to cool and the less clothing information technology will suffer.

Generac: The Leading Standard in Fill-in Generators

There are multiple brands of standby generators on the market. They're designed to come on automatically when the power cuts out, and you lot'll need to brand specific decisions based on the factors covered above every bit to how many consecutive hours y'all'd like them to run later on that point. Briggs & Stratton, Kohler and Generac are all well-known brands in the field.

Of these, information technology's Generac standby generators that occupy the most prominent position as a leading ability protection brand, having set the standard amongst manufacturers for 6 decades. Generac generators come up with a wide range of load management, remote monitoring and control, automatic self-testing and weather enclosure features designed to allow them to function in harsh conditions. They also feature True Power Technology that delivers power to utility-quality standards and avoids the kind of point interference that can affect sensitive equipment like computers.

With a Generac standby generator in good working order and installed by professionals, dwelling house and business concern owners alike can enjoy the peace of heed that comes from being able to protect their ability continuously during whatever prolonged power outage.

Get in Bear on With the Experts

The skilful technicians at Platinum Electrical Contractors can help you lot choose the right Generac standby generator for your needs and tin can install it for seamless and reliable operation. They tin can also provide guidance for the best practices to follow if you ever discover yourself needing to rely on your standby generator's power for multiple days or weeks at a time and offer regular maintenance and support to the highest standards.

To enjoy the best results and longest possible life from your Generac generator, contact the generator experts today for a free virtual or in-person consultation.