Rising energy costs, unpredictable weather and increased power outages are all factors that are sparking a general surge in generator ownership. Backup power is experiencing a new popularity, and the market is diversifying rapidly. There is a generator for every requirement; as a homeowner, your worries can be eased by investing in a backup or residential generator. For businesses, it‘s a savvy commercial decision to own a data centre, industrial or event generator, so you’re not disrupted by those inconvenient power cuts. And then there’s the downtime…. owning a camping or leisure generator can really keep the good times flowing…!
In today’s blog, we’ll take an in-depth look at petrol generators, investigating the benefits and pitfalls of owning this type of power source, and we’ll ultimately find out exactly how petrol generators work.
The Mechanics of a Petrol Generator
Owning a petrol generator can provide crucial backup power when the grid goes down. And understanding the mechanics of the generator is essential to using it correctly and keeping it well maintained. An internal combustion engine powers petrol generators. The engine burns fuel to produce mechanical energy, which is converted into electrical energy using an alternator.
The core elements of a petrol generator are the engine, alternator and fuel system. The internal combustion engine creates mechanical energy, which is used to turn the rotor. The rotor produces an alternating current which generates electrical power. The electrical system then feeds electricity to the outlets.
Safety Precautions
If you’re considering investing in a petrol generator, familiarising yourself with the safety precautions is essential. When in use, a petrol generator needs plenty of ventilation due to the carbon monoxide emitted by exhaust fumes. Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic gas that can cause serious health problems if inhaled. Petrol generators should never be operated in an enclosed space. Also, bear in mind the fire risk associated with using a flammable liquid; store fuel safely outdoors and away from heat and ignition sources. Clear spills immediately and always keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Electrical safety is super important – never overload the device by connecting too many devices, always use the correct cables, keep the generator dry and do not backfeed as this is extremely dangerous.
How to Maintain a Petrol Generator
Regular maintenance of your petrol generator will keep it in tip-top condition, ready to power your electricity essentials. A healthy generator is more reliable, more fuel efficient, and will last longer. There are a few vital maintenance procedures you can carry out:
- Check and change the oil regularly (twice a year) – warm the engine, drain the old oil, replace the oil filter and fill with new oil.
- Clean the air filters (annually)
- Inspect and clean the spark plugs (annually)
- Check the coolant (weekly) – ensure the engine is cold, open the radiator cap and take a look inside. The coolant should be filled enough to cover the elements.
Keeping your generator clean and well maintained will reduce costly maintenance bills and keep it running safely. Dirt, oil and dust build-up reduce the efficiency and lifespan of your valuable equipment. It’s also a good idea to schedule an annual inspection with an experienced professional. They will usually replace worn parts, which could avoid a critical failure when you least expect it.
What Makes Petrol Generators a Smart Choice?
With basic maintenance, a petrol generator can be a valuable addition to your household or business equipment. Offering a reliable service when it comes to backup power, petrol generators are ideal for short-term occasional use, bridging the electricity gap during power outages. They are generally quieter and more portable than their diesel counterpart, making them a perfect choice to accompany you on camping and caravanning adventures. If you don’t already own a petrol generator, you may wonder why not, considering their benefits…
- Low-cost investment
- Lightweight and compact
- Super portable
- Easy to maintain
- Reliable
- Quieter
- Good for residential use
As a leading supplier and maintenance provider of power generators, Vital Power stocks an impressive range of petrol generators. Our qualified engineers are on hand to provide you with the right solution, tailored to your individual needs. And we deliver an impeccable maintenance service to match. Let Vital Power be the contingency plan for your critical power needs. Trust Vital Power, you won’t be cut off when the power goes down.
Anna Eyre
Digital Marketing Lead
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