Generator Buying Guide

Give yourself peace of mind with a generator. Be prepared for the next power outage, camping trip or renovation project by finding the right generator.

A portable generator or inverter generator provides recreational, jobsite or limited home standby power, while an automatic standby generator starts when there’s an outage and provides power to selected circuits or your whole house.

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Remember: For safety reasons, always make sure the items or circuits you’re powering meet your generator’s wattage capacity (a transfer switch can keep track of your wattage levels).

Here Are Some Questions to Get You Started on Picking a Generator:

What do you need a generator for? Do you want to ensure your home or cottage has power if there’s an outage, or do you want portable power for projects or outdoor trips?
Do you need to power hardwired items such as a furnace, well pump or air conditioner?
Will you be powering computers, home electronics or other sensitive equipment?
Do you need your generator to start automatically if an outage occurs?
What are your wattage needs? Find out by filling out our wattage worksheet. Some general guidelines are:
- 5000-7000 watts (home essentials use)
- 3000-5000 watts (jobsite use)
- 1000-3000 watts (recreational use)

Automatic Standby (or Stationary) Generators

Best for: Homes, Cottages, Farms or Offices

Advantages:

Start automatically within seconds of a power outage
No refuelling or extension cords necessary
Remote monitoring accessories available
Weather-resistant

Things to Consider:

More expensive than portable models
Professional installation required
Not moveable

A standby generator is a true back-up electrical system that’s installed outside your home like a central air conditioning unit. It automatically supplies power within seconds of a utility outage and shuts itself off when power returns. It operates on natural or propane gas and can generally handle between 10,000 and 15,000 watts.

Before purchasing an automatic standby generator, decide whether you want to back up a few essential circuits or your whole house. These circuit diagrams will help determine the amount of wattage you need.

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Automatic Standby Generators: Features to Look For

Automatic Transfer Switches	Automatic transfer switches sense when your power goes out and turn your generator on for virtually uninterrupted power. When power is restored, the automatic transfer switch turns the generator off.
Automatic Voltage Regulation	Automatic voltage regulation stops voltage fluctuations that may harm sensitive electronics (computer, home theatre system, etc.).
Automatic Safety Shutdown	Automatic safety shutdown shuts down a generator in the event of low oil pressure, low oil or coolant level, high temperature or other unsafe operating conditions.
Circuit Breakers	Circuit breakers help prevent damage to connected equipment by shutting down the flow of power if there’s too much current passing through.
Liquid Cooling	Liquid cooling allows generators with high wattage outputs to run more quietly and reliably for longer periods of time.

Portable or Inverter Generators

Best for: Recreational or Jobsite Use

Advantages:

Easy to start and move around
Provide power to individual appliances or tools
Less expensive than a standby generator

Things to Consider:

Don't start automatically
Need refuelling (and fuel should be changed regularly, meaning you need to have gasoline on hand)
Cannot sit outside in inclement weather for long periods
Limited wattage

Portable generators run on gasoline and include outlets for running electricity; they typically handle anywhere between 1,000 and 8,500 watts. If you plan on transporting your generator regularly, look at weight, dimensions, wheel type and handle style to determine ease of mobility. If you need your generator to run for extended periods without refuelling, such as overnight or through full work days, run time is an important consideration.

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Inverter generators are a newer breed of generators that are designed to be lighter, quieter and more fuel-efficient than other portable generators. Many are suitable for use with computers and other sensitive electrical equipment.

Overtaxing a portable generator reduces fuel efficiency and, in some cases, can cause damage to connected equipment. It's important to calculate the power output you need and to give yourself some wattage cushioning

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Safety First: Always run portable generators outdoors — never in your house, garage or basement. Keep away from doors and windows in a well-ventilated area.

Portable Generators: Features to Look For

Electric-start	Electric-start generators power up with just the touch of a button or switch; this feature requires the battery to be fully charged.
Fuel Gauges	Fuel gauges can help you keep track of remaining run time.
Automatic Idle Control	Automatic idle control idles the engine down when not in use for greater fuel efficiency and extended run time.
Automatic Safety Shutdown	Automatic safety shutdown shuts down a generator in the event of low oil pressure, low oil or coolant level, high temperature or other unsafe operating conditions.
Circuit Breakers	Circuit breakers help prevent damage to connected equipment by shutting down the flow of power if there is too much current passing through.
Automatic Voltage Regulation	Automatic voltage regulation stops voltage fluctuations that may harm electronics.
12V Outlets	12V outlets allow you to charge a wide range of batteries, from vehicle and cell phone batteries to RV, marine and automotive batteries.
Wheel Kits	Wheel kits allow for easier manoeuvring and transport to and from jobsites.
Manual Transfer Switches	Manual transfer switches allow you to change the energy source from utility power to generator power, and can be purchased separately from the generator.

Frequently Asked Questions

: Running watts (also called rated watts) are the continuous watts needed to keep items running. Starting watts are extra watts needed for two to three seconds to start motor-driven products like a refrigerator or a well pump. This is the maximum wattage the generator can produce.
: Unlike running watts, starting watts are only needed during the first few seconds of operation. It’s rare that more than one item will start or cycle at exactly the same time. Therefore, if the generator has enough power to start your largest motor, it will start all of them.
: If running watts are not on the tool or appliance, you may estimate using the following equation: WATTS = VOLTS X AMPS. Starting requirements for appliances with motors will typically be three to five times more than the running watts.
: Yes, refer to your owner's manual for routine maintenance procedures and schedules.
: Aluminum is corrosion-resistant, so it prolongs the life and look of the generator, particularly in coastal communities where salt air can quickly penetrate and corrode most metals.
: Air-cooled models, which come equipped with a comprehensive installation manual, can take as little as four hours to install. They come pre-mounted on a composite pad to further simplify installation. Liquid-cooled generators normally require up to 14 hours to install. Because of their additional weight, liquid-cooled units must be installed on a stronger mounting surface such as a concrete slab.