Universal Generator Tips:

The most economical way to supply power during a power outage is to use a Universal Generator with the right power for your needs. Power can be delivered by running extension cords to power appliances. However, the preferred method is to have a licensed and insured electrician connect your Generator to your electrical box through a transfer switch. This eliminates the risk of electrical “back feed” to your utility power lines.

A small portable gasoline-powered electric generators like the KGE1000TI and the KGE2000TI can provide power for TVs, small kitchen appliances, hair dryers, power tools, lights and other comforts of civilization when there is a power outage, when you are camping, or on your boat. While larger Generators like the KGE65000e, UGENSG6KW, UGENSD6KW, can be connected to your electrical box using a transfer switch and meet most of your household needs with the exception of your Central Air Conditioning. While the UGENSD20KW can be connected to your electrical box using its built in ATS and ATM Switches. The Universal UGENSD20KW is a 20 KW Diesel emergency home standby generator system can automatically restore power to your house in less than a minute. When the power goes out, the generator automatically starts and continues to run until power is restored. .

Questions You Should Ask Before You Buy a Generator

• What is the generator's wattage capacity and will it support your needs, including startup surge power required by some equipment?
• Does the generator have enough outlets to plug in all of the items you want to power?
• How noisy is the generator? Are there noise restrictions in your neighborhood?
• What type of fuel does it use?
• How large is the fuel tank and how many hours of operation will it provide?
• Is the generator easy to move around? Does it have built-in wheels and handles for portability?
• What accessories will I need to run the generator (fuel, heavy-duty extension cords, transfer switch)?

How Many Watts Will Your Generator Need to Produce?

Add up the wattage of tools, appliances and motors you want to run at the same time. Then select a generator with the RUNNING wattage rating to match or exceed the total load. Keep in mind that tools and appliances with Electric Motors require additional tool/appliance SURGE wattage at startup that can be double or triple the normal running wattage requirement. Look at the startup watts required and make sure you choose a generator with enough additional wattage to start them. Keep in mind that you typically are not starting more than half of the items at the same time.

Most home appliances and power tools are 120 Volts; larger appliances like electric stoves and clothes dryers may be 240 Volts. Generator power is measured in Watts : Amps x Volts = Watts

You can use our Wattage Chart to estimate the wattages of the tools, appliances and motors you will be operating at the same time. Wattage noted below are approximates only; please refer to tool or appliance itself for specific wattage required.

*Based on average-sized unit. Central air conditioners differ in wattage requirements; consult owner's manual for specific wattage requirements.

Finally, add together the wattage requirements for all the electrical devices that you want to run or start at the same time. This is the minimum continuous wattage you will need from a generator.

Typical Home Standby Power Needs:

Minimum Recommendations for Typical Home Standby Power (1 kw = 1,000 watts)

When in doubt, remember that bigger is better!

Safety Tips for Using Generators

• Plug appliances directly into generator
• Do not attempt to connect the generator directly to your home's circuits or wiring. Have a licensed/insured electrician install a transfer switch and plug the generator into this switch. This will keep the generator from feeding power back into the lines, which could put power company crews working on the lines at risk. This will also protect your generator and home wiring from damage when power is restored.
• Use heavy-duty extension cords from the generator, as overloaded cords can cause fires and equipment damage. Make sure cords are placed to avoid tripping hazards, but don't put underneath carpets where heat may build up.
• Never run a generator indoors and make sure there is proper ventilation around unit.
• Never add fuel while generator is running. Avoid spilling fuel on hot components and put out all flames or cigarettes when handling fuel.
• Always have a fully charged, approved fire extinguisher near generator.
• Don't overload the generator. Use only when necessary to power essential equipment.
• Be cautious handling electrical cords in wet conditions.

Generator Engines and Alternators: What to Look For

Brand Name
Choose a portable generator equipped with a brand-name engine that you know and trust, such as Universal Generators and Kipor.

OHV (Overhead Valve) Engine
OHV engines start easier, run quieter, last longer and produce less emissions than side-valve (pushrod) engines.

Low Oil Shutdown
This feature shuts the engine down if the oil level drops below a safe operating level, especially recommended for generators with large fuel tanks.

Electric Start
Enables easy starting of generator without having to pull a starter rope.

Full Power Switch
Allows you to switch off the 240 Volt output to get more 120 Volt power from the generator, useful for starting 120 Volt electric motors on air compressors and water pumps.

Portability Kit
Includes wheels and handles for moving the generator around. Can be a real back saver when using units that weigh over 100 lbs.

Large Fuel Tank
Generators with a fuel tank of 5 gallons or larger can typically run 7 to 10 hours on a single fill, useful for providing backup power during power failures.

Brushless Alternator Design
Brushless alternators require less maintenance and produce cleaner power that is more suitable for sensitive electronic equipment. Brush-type generators have brushes that are wear items, requiring replacement.

Ball Bearing Alternator
Get an alternator that uses ball bearings instead of needle bearings. It will last longer.

· Generator db or Sound Level

Sound Intensities: How loud will it be?

Sound intensities are typically measured in decibels (db). A one decibel change is the smallest volume change detectable by the human ear. The Decibel scale is logarithmic rather than a linear scale.

Perception of Sound Change in Decibels

• 3 decibel change = Barely perceptable
• 5 decibel change = Clearly Perceptable
• 10 decibel change = Twice as Loud

Really, How Loud is It?