You can get an electric start generator in various sizes ranging from a portable machine to large generators with 4,000-10,000 watts.
You may think these generators are difficult to operate and require a lot of technical knowledge when in fact they are very easy to use. They are just smaller versions of your nearest power plant that supplies all your electricity at home.
You will find an electric start generator will probably come with a 16 HP OHV 4 stroke motor (i.e. DuroMax XP10000E) although this does vary according to the size of the generator you are looking for and they come with a battery for the electric start.
The generators use the engines to convert gasoline, gas, propane or diesel into electricity and all you do is to select what size generator will best suit your needs.
They vary in size and you can choose from the following:
- Portable - These are small generators that are multi-purpose
- Standby - To use as back-up
- Power Take Off - Mainly used for agricultural machinery
- Recreational Vehicles - Normally used for caravans, motor homes and camping
If you want to move your electric start generator around your home, farm or garden it is best to go for a small portable machine using low wattage.
But if you want to run a lot of power tools or cover your entire household in an emergency such as a power cut or total blackout you need to look for a large generator 9,000-10,000 watts.
These are heavy machines and are not easy to move around and they come with a heavy duty 18AH battery.
Benefits of Having an Electric Start Generator
- Will cover your electricity in an emergency and give you power and heat
- Quieter than other generators
- Simple to start via the keypad, no starter handle or pump to pull out
- 100% safe to use
- Can be used for recreational purposes like camping or outdoor parties
- Useful on construction sites
Anyone who has suffered the frustrations of a sudden power cut will know how inconvenient it is to hunt round for candles and even then you cannot make a hot drink. With an electric start generator life carries on as normal, you can have your supper, watch television, make hot drinks and not endanger any frozen food.
Electric start generators have come a long way since the 19th Century British physicist Michael Faraday invented the first electric generator called the Dynamo. Not they are smaller, quieter and so simple to use any member of the household can start them up.
How do you know how big a generator you need? Add up the wattages of the appliances you want to power and multiply the total by 1.5 as extra power is needed for the generator to start them up. You will find the wattage on each appliance.
The average wattage requirements for normal household appliances are:
- Microwave - 600 to 1,200 watts.
- Fridge - 700 to 1,200 watts
- Freezer - 500 to 1,200 watts
- Washing Machine - 1200 watts
- Television - 300 watts
- Laptop - 250 watts
- Air Conditioner - 1,500 watts
You can use a standard 12 volt 45 amp hour or a 210 cranking amp/lawn mower battery on your electric start generator but if you purchase a new machine most of them come with a battery included in the purchase price.
If you already own a generator that does not have an electric start it may be possible to have one fitted but you will have to check this in the operating manual. Electric start options are only available on certain generator models and your machine may be too old.
How an Electric Start Generator Works
The electric start generator is ignited by the starter part to ensure the machine maintains the necessary voltage to provide the required power when the generator is operating. A direct current of voltage is sent from the generator's battery as soon as it is started via the keyboard.
Once this voltage reaches the starter it acts as a motor turning the engine whilst at the same time voltage is sent to the spark plugs which ignites the fuel. Electric start generators are normally trouble-free as they have cooling fans which stops them from overheating.
Like all electrical machines your generator needs to be serviced regularly to avoid wear and tear which might cause an interruption in the flow of electricity. You should also keep it clean and free from dust. When not in use it should be stored in a dry environment.
An electric start generator is the best choice as it is quiet so avoids noise pollution, can be switched on quickly in an emergency and will give you power for a good length of time.