Standby Generator vs. Portable Generator
A standby generator is one which is permanently installed outside your home. If you’re tired of power outages, a standby generator is a far better choice than a portable generator.
Advantages of Portable Generators
- Portable
- Cheap
- No installation necessary or cheaper to install
- Can prevent a fire by avoiding the need to use candles
Disadvantages of Portable Generators
- Noisy.
- Runs out of gas in 6-8 hours and needs a cool down period to safely refill with gasoline.
- Need to be able to safely store gas.
- May not be able to purchase gas when the electricity is cut off during a storm or disaster.
- May be difficult to start and could require yanking on the cord for 10-30 pulls. (Some portables have electric start and can even be set up to start automatically).
- Leaving any gas in the carburetor after use can prevent it from staring the next time it’s needed. (Use sta-bil in the gas and run dry by turning off gas supply).
- Prone to theft.
- Needs to be stored indoors when not in use.
- Need extension cords throughout the house – However GenerLink™ says their product will allow you to safely and easily connect a portable generator to household wiring by connecting at outside at your electric meter. Just connect any portable generator to GenerLink™. When you start up the generator, GenerLink™ will automatically disconnect your house from the electric utility grid preventing the possibility of back feed, which can cause serious damage and injuries. To operate a critical appliance you just flip a breaker on in the main household circuit breaker panel. GenerLink™ eliminates the hassles of running multiple extension cords or hiring an electrician to install an expensive transfer switch and sub-panel.
- Cannot supply the electrical power that an entire household typically consumes.
- Should not be used to power electrical devices for a lengthy period which can diminish its efficiency and shorten the life of your portable generator.
- No surge protection.
- THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) is much greater than standby generators and can damage sensitive electronics including new LED light bulbs which have circuit boards.
- Can be inadvertently placed where Carbon Monoxide can kill your family.
Advantages of Standby Generator
- Easy to use
- Safer
- Quieter
- Harder to steal
- Never ending fuel source if it is hooked up to a natural gas line and is not interrupted by an earthquake or other major disaster
- Hardwired to your house – no extension cords
- Starts automatically
- Shuts off automatically
- Can power an entire house
- Can run continuously
- Cleaner electricity – Better units have very low THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) making it safe for sensitive electronics including new LED light bulbs which have circuit boards.
- Less frequent and easier maintenance.
- More reliable
- Increase home value and make it more desirable