Wondering how long you can safely operate your portable generator?
Believe it or not, this is a very common question. In today's electrically powered world, running out of power is simply not an option, so it stands to reason that you would be interested in knowing exactly how long your power source lasts.
Below is some helpful information that will hopefully answer your most pressing questions and give you a clearer perspective on the situation.
Read on to keep the power going!
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There are many external factors that can affect how long it is safe for you to operate your portable generator. Some of them are:
- How cool can you keep the generator
- How much oil is in the generator engine?
- How much fuel do you have on hand
- The outside temperature
To illustrate this a little better, look at this simple table:
| Type of fuel for portable generators | How long can you safely operate the portable generator |
| Gasoline | Up to 16 hours. You must not refuel the generator while it is running. |
| Propane | With good leadership between 150 and 200 hours. |
portable generatorsthey're ideal for when there's a power outage at home or for staying connected to the world while camping. These devices are extremely convenient and there are many models that won't burn a hole in your pocket.
You might be wondering how long you can keep yours running smoothly, and the answer is: it depends.The running time of your portable generator greatly depends on the type of fuel it runs on.There are other additional factors worth considering, which we'll explore below.
But one after the other.
Portable Gasoline vs Propane Generators
There are two main types of portable generators on the market - propane models and their gasoline equivalents.While both do a great job of saving you from an emergency, the former usually lasts longer than the latter due to the substance it uses to extract electricity.
As you can imagine, in addition to the above, there are other important differences between gasoline and propane portable generators, such as:
| portable gasoline generators | portable propane generators |
| It must not be refueled while the generator is running. | Can be refueled while the generator is running |
| It must be cooled before refueling the generator. | It can be refilled continuously as long as the engine is kept cool. |
| Your runtime depends on the size of your fuel tank and how much energy you use. | Its operating time depends on the amount of oil in the generator engine |
| It can work up to 16 hours. | It can work between 150 and 200 hours. |
Disadvantages of portable gasoline generators
Now you're probably wondering why there's such a big difference between aportable generatorand the other.Well… the main reason for this is the ease of refueling.Unlike propane models, gasoline generators cannot be recharged while hot because the smoke in the air can cause an explosion.
And to make matters worse, while larger portable gas generators can last up to 16 hours, there are many models with smaller tanks that last much less.
Pros and Cons of Propane Gas Generators
These, unlike inflators, can be refilled while they are hot. This gives you the ability to run yours between 150 and 200 hours.
That said, it's not all smooth sailing, and there are a few things that can affect the runtime of your propane generator. Below are some of the most common issues you may encounter and some countermeasures you can try to prevent them from slowing down the generator runtime:
| Problem | In this way, it prevents the running time of your generator from being affected. |
| A buildup of heat | A generator will start to overheat if you use it continuously for more than 24 hours. You should try to pack the generator with ice to keep it cool. You should also try blowing cool air from a fan onto the engine to prevent overheating. |
| The amount of oil in your generator's engine | Most generators shut down when the oil level in the engine is low. Be sure to top up the oil level before using the generator. The generator should run for 150 to 200 hours before needing to add oil. |
| At temperature | If you run the generator at high power, it will heat up more. If the outside temperature is high, the generator may overheat. Consider operating the generator at a lower wattage and keep it out of direct sunlight. |
When you go camping, you prepare for any weather. For cold nights, you can pack an extra cozy sleeping bag. Or a waterproof tent for wet mornings. You might even consider an insulated sleeping pad or windbreaker.
But what about your generator? Are you ready for a change in weather?
Not always. It's actually not typicalsafe for you to walkyour device in wet weather, as:
- regenerate
- Neveor graupel
- hagel
It must be emphasized that a wet generator is dangerous. So if you suspect bad weather is on the way, avoid it.But let's face it, no one plans to stay in a tent in the woods in the middle of a storm. So what can you do if you get caught outside and have to leave the generator running in wet weather?
Keep reading for great tips!
special cups
you can buy onemarquisefor your unit that looks like your generator's private tent. The canopy does the following:
- Protects the generator from strong winds.
- Protects all areas of the generator that must not get wet.
- It keeps the air flowing to the engine so it doesn't overheat.
Canopies are great in general, but as you can imagine, they are not without their flaws. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| -Portable and easy to assemble and disassemble. -Good for protecting the generator from bad weather. - Cheap. | - May not be very effective in heavy rain. |
steel body
you can buy onesteel bodythat surrounds the entire generator. The steel box does the following:
- Prevents water from entering the generator.
- Protects the generator from strong winds.
- It keeps the air flowing to the engine so it doesn't overheat.
Here are some pros and cons of using a steel box to protect your generator:
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| -Protects the generator from the weather. | - You must hire a professional to install the steel box. This can get expensive. -Not portable. -Caro. |
Adapted plastic boxes
You can buy a replacement plastic case that wraps around the entire generator. This type of box tends to be cheaper than steel boxes. A retrofitted plastic box does the following:
- Prevents water from entering the generator.
- Protects the generator from strong winds.
Here are some pros and cons of using an aftermarket plastic case to protect your generator:
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| -Good for protecting your generator from bad weather. -Cheaper than a steel case. | -A replacement plastic case can easily overheat and possibly catch fire. This can happen if you use the generator for a long time or on very hot days. |
If the power goes out, you probably want to keep the generator running as long as possible. But there are some things you should know and do before trying to keep a generator running. I'm sure this article has given you some tips on how to safely extend the life of your home appliance.
If this article helped you and proved interesting, I encourage you to check out some of our other free articles and guides, and why not? You can even join our mailing list!
Have a great day.
-Craig