In a perfect world, everyone would have the space and resources to run an automatic standby generator. Of course, in a perfect world there would be no power outages. If you don’t have the space for a large automatic standby generator, or you just don’t have power needs great enough to justify it, a portable generator may be a good choice. Portable generators are commonly stored in the garage when not in use, as they’re much smaller than a standby generator. They’re most commonly powered by gasoline, and are activated manually. In the event of a power outage, you just have to plug the generator into your home’s electrical system and start it up. Keep in mind that the generator should not be left to run indoors, as carbon monoxide emissions are dangerous in enclosed spaces.

Portable generators typically do not generate enough power for every appliance in the home, but that isn’t what they’re used for. If you just need to keep the lights on, a portable generator is a good option. If you want more power, though, you’re going to need to install a bigger generator.

Automatic standby generators are larger systems, designed to provide enough power to run the entire house for many hours at a time. They’re permanent fixtures, and are installed outside the home. Rather than being powered by gasoline, the system typically has its own natural gas supply. An automatic standby generator monitors the flow of electrical current through the home’s system. In the event of a power outage, the generator automatically activates and begins to power the home. This is a big improvement over a portable generator, since you don’t have to stumble around in the dark to manually activate the system. Having an automatic standby generator also means you don’t have to worry about the fuel source going bad. Gasoline actually gets stale as it ages, but with natural gas the system is much more reliable.

Of course, you have to have the space to accommodate a large system like that. If you don’t have the need for that much power, it’s also kind of a waste to install a standby generator. Otherwise, a standby generator might be the perfect system for your needs.

Anderson Electric Corp offers comprehensive generator installation services in Wayne, NJ. If you need generator services of any kind, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experts. We’ll make sure that you get the best generator for your needs.