Archive for Portable Generator Reviews
Aug
15
All You Wanted To Know About Generators
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Dave Text asked:
A generator is a reliable power source that generates the specified power to be used for home or outdoor use. There are different types of generators that are available for various application needs. The various kinds of these that are commonly used are portable generators, electric generators, wind generators, RV generators, and emergency generators. Lets understand more about them.
Portable generator:
The portable generator is one of the best models used for home backup or outdoor activities. It has many uses and is capable to deliver required power source for home standby or construction purposes along with outdoor camping or recreations. A portable generator proves to be a wonderful choice as a convenient power source and is handy even outdoors.
Wind generator:
As the name suggests a wind generator is the power source, which converts the wind energy into electricity. This generator is winning the faith of the people as a reliable mode of producing energy for homes and other applications. To charge batteries and to provide a reliable stand-alone power source where grid power is not available, small wind generators or turbines are useful.
The wind generator comes in various outputs and sizes and are Designed for all wind speeds, Compact, Efficient, Robust, Light, Maintenance Free, Quiet, Safe, Efficient Brushless alternators, Easy Installation.
The RV generators
RV generators are the one particularly designed for the motor homes or the recreational homes, which is meant for fun and frolic to your outdoor trips to the countryside. These generators come in gas and diesel variants. You can choose from the various models and power options available in these generators. If you want to choose the best then go for the one which starts immediately, makes low noise and is easy to maintain.
RV generators are the most reliable generators set for it has low starting time and is easy to maintain. So much that if properly maintained they can outlast the RV. The most important feature of the RV generator is that they don’t require constant attention. Like in any other generator the power source in RV generator requires regular exercise. This has been found that gasoline generators can have fuel related problems if not used even for a month, it is essential for exercising the generator on a monthly basis.
Emergency Generator:
Life is so used to electronic gadgets or electrical appliances that life becomes next to impossible. When suddenly the power goes off for some reason your life may get hampered because of that. In such situation the emergency generator can be of best help. Power loss affects both home and business your most of the work is stranded and sometimes delayed.
An emergency generator enables you to have power restored back to your appliances which helps you in many ways hence there are various models of the emergency generators to choose from. The emergency generators are generally powered by propane, natural gas, gasoline or diesel.
You can make the choice of the generator as per your requirement. Before choosing a generator it is essential to go over the list of appliances and equipment you want to run from the generator. This will help you to total the watt required and will help to determine the size of generator you would require. In case if you are opting for the portable generator, never place the generator inside the house.
A generator is a reliable power source that generates the specified power to be used for home or outdoor use. There are different types of generators that are available for various application needs. The various kinds of these that are commonly used are portable generators, electric generators, wind generators, RV generators, and emergency generators. Lets understand more about them.
Portable generator:
The portable generator is one of the best models used for home backup or outdoor activities. It has many uses and is capable to deliver required power source for home standby or construction purposes along with outdoor camping or recreations. A portable generator proves to be a wonderful choice as a convenient power source and is handy even outdoors.
Wind generator:
As the name suggests a wind generator is the power source, which converts the wind energy into electricity. This generator is winning the faith of the people as a reliable mode of producing energy for homes and other applications. To charge batteries and to provide a reliable stand-alone power source where grid power is not available, small wind generators or turbines are useful.
The wind generator comes in various outputs and sizes and are Designed for all wind speeds, Compact, Efficient, Robust, Light, Maintenance Free, Quiet, Safe, Efficient Brushless alternators, Easy Installation.
The RV generators
RV generators are the one particularly designed for the motor homes or the recreational homes, which is meant for fun and frolic to your outdoor trips to the countryside. These generators come in gas and diesel variants. You can choose from the various models and power options available in these generators. If you want to choose the best then go for the one which starts immediately, makes low noise and is easy to maintain.
RV generators are the most reliable generators set for it has low starting time and is easy to maintain. So much that if properly maintained they can outlast the RV. The most important feature of the RV generator is that they don’t require constant attention. Like in any other generator the power source in RV generator requires regular exercise. This has been found that gasoline generators can have fuel related problems if not used even for a month, it is essential for exercising the generator on a monthly basis.
Emergency Generator:
Life is so used to electronic gadgets or electrical appliances that life becomes next to impossible. When suddenly the power goes off for some reason your life may get hampered because of that. In such situation the emergency generator can be of best help. Power loss affects both home and business your most of the work is stranded and sometimes delayed.
An emergency generator enables you to have power restored back to your appliances which helps you in many ways hence there are various models of the emergency generators to choose from. The emergency generators are generally powered by propane, natural gas, gasoline or diesel.
You can make the choice of the generator as per your requirement. Before choosing a generator it is essential to go over the list of appliances and equipment you want to run from the generator. This will help you to total the watt required and will help to determine the size of generator you would require. In case if you are opting for the portable generator, never place the generator inside the house.
Aug
14
How Can You Get Maximum From Your Portable Generator
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Jim Brown asked:
Your portable generator is your only refuge in the case of a power-cut, when there is a great need to keep thing moving and working. To be used as a temporary source of power for emergency after calamity – like, hurricane or tornado – portable generator is a popular option. In such cases, if there is a need for rescue and retrieval, especially during the night, the portable generator can keep machines and lights going for the purpose.
A matter of concern when it comes to a portable generator is that it can be a health hazard to people, if not used properly, more details are located at Hondageneratorstore website. Hence, it is the responsibility of the users to use portable generators in the right way.
Chiefly, there are four main hazards that portable generators can impose:
i) Release of carbon monoxide from the generator’s exhaust
ii) Fires due to improper refueling
iii) Electrocution or shocks due to wrong connections
iv) Loud noise and vibration.
Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas. Its undetectable nature makes it all the more dangerous, as it can lead to death due to suffocation. It is unlike other gases – being colorless and odorless – that it why it is impossible to sense.
Keep your portable generator in places where there is proper ventilation, so as to avoid poisoning due to carbon monoxide. Closed spaces – like a room, basement, or garage – are a complete ‘rule out’, when it comes to placement of portable generator also check out all safety precautions at hondageneratorstore. So are places like windows, doors, or any kind of openings in the house. If you run the generator indoors, keep in mind that open windows or doors are no guarantee or safety against carbon monoxide build up. In fact, the harmful effects of carbon monoxide can also enter open doors or windows, even if the generator is run outdoors. If anyone experiences symptoms like giddiness, nausea, headache and fatigue, take the person to an open area where he can get fresh air.
Generators, like car engines, get hot when their engines run for a long time, get more details at hondageneratorstore.com But unlike car engines, generators remain hot for a long period of time, making it impossible for you to refuel them, while running or immediately after they are shut down. The generator needs to be cooled down for a while. Once the temperature is safely low, refueling can be done. Fire can also occur, even before your intention to start refueling it, particularly if your gasoline containers are placed near or beside the generator.
Generators should be considered as ordinary power sources. Since generators do not have safety devices – like circuit breakers and transformers – they can cause harm, more so in case you happen to get electrocuted. Keep every connection clear and clean, to ensure the safety of everyone around. Avoid unnecessary and unsafe connections, as well as tangling ones. Keep the generator dry, as under no condition should you let it work in the rain. In case it starts raining, use a canopy to cover the generator. Don’t ever attempt to connect any devices when you are barefooted. And under no circumstances should you connect wet electric devices to the generator.
Your portable generator is your only refuge in the case of a power-cut, when there is a great need to keep thing moving and working. To be used as a temporary source of power for emergency after calamity – like, hurricane or tornado – portable generator is a popular option. In such cases, if there is a need for rescue and retrieval, especially during the night, the portable generator can keep machines and lights going for the purpose.
A matter of concern when it comes to a portable generator is that it can be a health hazard to people, if not used properly, more details are located at Hondageneratorstore website. Hence, it is the responsibility of the users to use portable generators in the right way.
Chiefly, there are four main hazards that portable generators can impose:
i) Release of carbon monoxide from the generator’s exhaust
ii) Fires due to improper refueling
iii) Electrocution or shocks due to wrong connections
iv) Loud noise and vibration.
Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas. Its undetectable nature makes it all the more dangerous, as it can lead to death due to suffocation. It is unlike other gases – being colorless and odorless – that it why it is impossible to sense.
Keep your portable generator in places where there is proper ventilation, so as to avoid poisoning due to carbon monoxide. Closed spaces – like a room, basement, or garage – are a complete ‘rule out’, when it comes to placement of portable generator also check out all safety precautions at hondageneratorstore. So are places like windows, doors, or any kind of openings in the house. If you run the generator indoors, keep in mind that open windows or doors are no guarantee or safety against carbon monoxide build up. In fact, the harmful effects of carbon monoxide can also enter open doors or windows, even if the generator is run outdoors. If anyone experiences symptoms like giddiness, nausea, headache and fatigue, take the person to an open area where he can get fresh air.
Generators, like car engines, get hot when their engines run for a long time, get more details at hondageneratorstore.com But unlike car engines, generators remain hot for a long period of time, making it impossible for you to refuel them, while running or immediately after they are shut down. The generator needs to be cooled down for a while. Once the temperature is safely low, refueling can be done. Fire can also occur, even before your intention to start refueling it, particularly if your gasoline containers are placed near or beside the generator.
Generators should be considered as ordinary power sources. Since generators do not have safety devices – like circuit breakers and transformers – they can cause harm, more so in case you happen to get electrocuted. Keep every connection clear and clean, to ensure the safety of everyone around. Avoid unnecessary and unsafe connections, as well as tangling ones. Keep the generator dry, as under no condition should you let it work in the rain. In case it starts raining, use a canopy to cover the generator. Don’t ever attempt to connect any devices when you are barefooted. And under no circumstances should you connect wet electric devices to the generator.
Aug
13
Jeff Tilley asked:
Loss of a critical power source can devastate a key process or industrial asset. Protect that power source from fire with a cost-effective and simple solution.
Fire Foe™ is an automatic and completely self-contained fire suppression cartridge that protects engine compartments of critical power equipment. This snap-in fire extinguishing technology installs in minutes and can feature a pressure switch interface for activation of a required alarm or shut-down sequence. Five sizes of Fire Foe™ tubes are offered. The largest size is pre-engineered for hazards up to 130 cubic feet of volume (5 ft x 5 ft x 6 ft). These fire extinguishing systems are very robust and have been subjected by a major U.S. industrial concern to vibration tests equivalent to 2.5 million road miles. Fire Foe™ passed these tests with ease.
Fire Foe fire suppression cartridges have a good track record within the APU industry, having been fitted to hundreds of APU’s manufactured for the long-haul trucking industry.
Fire Foe™ uses a patented technology and specially formulated heat-intelligent nylon tubes. Because each unit has all-in-one technology there is no need for any external sensor system or power supply making Fire Foe™ the most cost effective automatic fire extinguishing system available on the market. The narrow tube profile and snap-on simplicity saves time and money when fitting or retro-fitting fire protection systems, minimizing down-time on plant and machinery.
Tubes are normally pressurized to 100psi at room temperature. Below 175°F (80°C) the Fire Foe™ tube remains robust and stable. The rugged construction ensures tubes are damage resistant. When a fire builds the heat in the affected space above 175°F (80°C) it triggers the heat-intelligent nylon tube which begins its activation countdown. The rising temperature of the fire softens the tube while increasing the internal pressure of Envirogel to the point at which the tube ruptures along a pre-designated strip, releasing the agent that floods the space. As soon as the Envirogel SB is released it reverts from gel to gas which instantly interrupts the combustion process, absorbing heat and chemically extinguishing the fire. The non-toxic and non-corrosive powder element travels with the gas, coating combustible material to prevent re-ignition and absorbing the dangerous Hydrogen Fluoride,( that is a normally an unavoidable by-product of HFC fire extinguishants), to levels that US Environmental Protection Agency have deemed safe for use in occupied spaces.
A 220° version of Fire Foe is available as of February 1, 2009.
Fire Foe™ reacts to all fires, slow burning over time as well as flash fires. At 316°F (150°C) tubes will instantly discharge. The specially milled release strip provides a controlled and directional release to ensure maximum operational effectiveness. Tubes are 1.5″ (3.8cm) in diameter and are available in various lengths from 8″ – 32″ (20.3 cm – 81.3 cm) sized according to the volume of the protected space.
Fire Foe™ tubes are easy and quick to install using the supplied instructions, brackets and hardware. Compact and self contained they provide ideal protection for virtually any enclosed space up to 130 cu feet (3.7 m³) that has an inherent risk of Type B&C fires. (Fire Foe™ can extinguish Type A surface fires).
Tubes are vibration and corrosion resistant, and are unaffected by low temperatures and will not activate before the pre-determined temperature has been reached (500 successful and sequential individual activation tests were initiated to secure UL approval).
Fire Foe™ is suitable for temporary or permanent installations. Where installation requires automatic machinery shut down and/or remotely sited discharge indictor, Fire Foe™ is available with an integral pressure switch for wiring to ancillary systems or connected to an optional LED indicator. Fire Foe™ tubes are fitted with integral pressure gauges for easy monitoring. Maintenance consists of a simple visual gauge check at room temperature and check-weighing at regular intervals.
Fire Foe™ units are guaranteed for 5 years
• Self contained, compact, all-in-one heat-intelligent tube
• Self activated by temperature
• Snap-on simplicity
• No mechanical, electrical, battery systems required
• Rugged construction and maintenance free
A brochure or price quotation is available upon request.
Visit www.quick-fire.com for more information.
(850) 508-9465
Loss of a critical power source can devastate a key process or industrial asset. Protect that power source from fire with a cost-effective and simple solution.
Fire Foe™ is an automatic and completely self-contained fire suppression cartridge that protects engine compartments of critical power equipment. This snap-in fire extinguishing technology installs in minutes and can feature a pressure switch interface for activation of a required alarm or shut-down sequence. Five sizes of Fire Foe™ tubes are offered. The largest size is pre-engineered for hazards up to 130 cubic feet of volume (5 ft x 5 ft x 6 ft). These fire extinguishing systems are very robust and have been subjected by a major U.S. industrial concern to vibration tests equivalent to 2.5 million road miles. Fire Foe™ passed these tests with ease.
Fire Foe fire suppression cartridges have a good track record within the APU industry, having been fitted to hundreds of APU’s manufactured for the long-haul trucking industry.
Fire Foe™ uses a patented technology and specially formulated heat-intelligent nylon tubes. Because each unit has all-in-one technology there is no need for any external sensor system or power supply making Fire Foe™ the most cost effective automatic fire extinguishing system available on the market. The narrow tube profile and snap-on simplicity saves time and money when fitting or retro-fitting fire protection systems, minimizing down-time on plant and machinery.
Tubes are normally pressurized to 100psi at room temperature. Below 175°F (80°C) the Fire Foe™ tube remains robust and stable. The rugged construction ensures tubes are damage resistant. When a fire builds the heat in the affected space above 175°F (80°C) it triggers the heat-intelligent nylon tube which begins its activation countdown. The rising temperature of the fire softens the tube while increasing the internal pressure of Envirogel to the point at which the tube ruptures along a pre-designated strip, releasing the agent that floods the space. As soon as the Envirogel SB is released it reverts from gel to gas which instantly interrupts the combustion process, absorbing heat and chemically extinguishing the fire. The non-toxic and non-corrosive powder element travels with the gas, coating combustible material to prevent re-ignition and absorbing the dangerous Hydrogen Fluoride,( that is a normally an unavoidable by-product of HFC fire extinguishants), to levels that US Environmental Protection Agency have deemed safe for use in occupied spaces.
A 220° version of Fire Foe is available as of February 1, 2009.
Fire Foe™ reacts to all fires, slow burning over time as well as flash fires. At 316°F (150°C) tubes will instantly discharge. The specially milled release strip provides a controlled and directional release to ensure maximum operational effectiveness. Tubes are 1.5″ (3.8cm) in diameter and are available in various lengths from 8″ – 32″ (20.3 cm – 81.3 cm) sized according to the volume of the protected space.
Fire Foe™ tubes are easy and quick to install using the supplied instructions, brackets and hardware. Compact and self contained they provide ideal protection for virtually any enclosed space up to 130 cu feet (3.7 m³) that has an inherent risk of Type B&C fires. (Fire Foe™ can extinguish Type A surface fires).
Tubes are vibration and corrosion resistant, and are unaffected by low temperatures and will not activate before the pre-determined temperature has been reached (500 successful and sequential individual activation tests were initiated to secure UL approval).
Fire Foe™ is suitable for temporary or permanent installations. Where installation requires automatic machinery shut down and/or remotely sited discharge indictor, Fire Foe™ is available with an integral pressure switch for wiring to ancillary systems or connected to an optional LED indicator. Fire Foe™ tubes are fitted with integral pressure gauges for easy monitoring. Maintenance consists of a simple visual gauge check at room temperature and check-weighing at regular intervals.
Fire Foe™ units are guaranteed for 5 years
• Self contained, compact, all-in-one heat-intelligent tube
• Self activated by temperature
• Snap-on simplicity
• No mechanical, electrical, battery systems required
• Rugged construction and maintenance free
A brochure or price quotation is available upon request.
Visit www.quick-fire.com for more information.
(850) 508-9465
Aug
12
How To Choose A Generator
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Janet Ashby asked:
The power output of a generator is measured in watts and before you purchase a generator you need to decide the size that will meet your requirements. If you will only be using a generator for occasional backup for lights and small appliances a side valve generator with a 2000 watt output will be adequate. For longer outages or for heavier use a generator with 3500 watt output or higher and overhead valve design will be needed. We’ve put together some information about features and output ratings to help you decide on the size and type of generator that will suit your needs.
Features
Valves – valves may be side mounted or overhead mounted. Larger models are usually overhead mounted and in general are more reliable and longer lasting.
Auto Shutdown – An automatic shutdown switch for low oil conditions is essential to prevent accidental damage.
Spark arrester – always ensure your generator has a spark arrestor if it will be used anywhere near combustible materials.
Pull Start – compression release pull starts make starting much easier
Generator Size
It is, of course, vital that you purchase a generator that is adequate for the intended load it will carry. You can calculate the wattage required for your particular circumstances very easily. Firstly decide what appliances, pumps, lights etc need to be run then look on the appliances for the wattage required for each. Don’t forget any furnace/boiler or water pumps. Electric motors on pumps and other appliances require more wattage to start up than for running, sometimes up to three times as much so this must be taken into account when doing your calculations. In addition, if you have more than one motor, unless you can manually stagger their start ups, they will all be drawing start up power at the same time and put a bigger burden on the generator.
All appliances and motors should be labeled with their wattage requirements. Note down any that you are going to use with your generator. The following table is a rough guide to wattages in the absence of a label.
* Furnace fan 200
* Computer 150
* Television 450
* Fan 100
* Hot plate 1100
* small freezer 300
* Radio 120
* sump pump 450
* Refrigerator 2600
* water pump 250-2000
* water heater 5000
Add up all the wattages, not forgetting the start up wattage of your motors. The total does not include any safety margin so add 10% to the total figure. Now you have the information needed to choose the size of generator to purchase. Be sure to consider the continuous rating not the maximum or surge rating on the generator.
Types of Generator – Portable or Standby
Now you need to decide if you will purchase a portable or standby generator. A standby generator is fixed in position and permanently wired into the house circuit. It is usually fitted with an automatic switch to turn on when the power fails. A portable generator can be moved around and used on camping trips or for powering tools etc away from a power source. It can be used, with the correct add ons as a power source for your house in an emergency although it would usually need to be switched on manually.
Safety
Last, but definitely not least!
Always ensure that generators are installed by a qualified electrician and never hook up the generator to the house power outlets or to live power lines.
Run generators in open spaces never in enclosed spaces like basements or garages as they produce deadly carbon monoxide gas. It is a good idea to install carbon monoxide detectors to ensure you and your family are safe.
The power output of a generator is measured in watts and before you purchase a generator you need to decide the size that will meet your requirements. If you will only be using a generator for occasional backup for lights and small appliances a side valve generator with a 2000 watt output will be adequate. For longer outages or for heavier use a generator with 3500 watt output or higher and overhead valve design will be needed. We’ve put together some information about features and output ratings to help you decide on the size and type of generator that will suit your needs.
Features
Valves – valves may be side mounted or overhead mounted. Larger models are usually overhead mounted and in general are more reliable and longer lasting.
Auto Shutdown – An automatic shutdown switch for low oil conditions is essential to prevent accidental damage.
Spark arrester – always ensure your generator has a spark arrestor if it will be used anywhere near combustible materials.
Pull Start – compression release pull starts make starting much easier
Generator Size
It is, of course, vital that you purchase a generator that is adequate for the intended load it will carry. You can calculate the wattage required for your particular circumstances very easily. Firstly decide what appliances, pumps, lights etc need to be run then look on the appliances for the wattage required for each. Don’t forget any furnace/boiler or water pumps. Electric motors on pumps and other appliances require more wattage to start up than for running, sometimes up to three times as much so this must be taken into account when doing your calculations. In addition, if you have more than one motor, unless you can manually stagger their start ups, they will all be drawing start up power at the same time and put a bigger burden on the generator.
All appliances and motors should be labeled with their wattage requirements. Note down any that you are going to use with your generator. The following table is a rough guide to wattages in the absence of a label.
* Furnace fan 200
* Computer 150
* Television 450
* Fan 100
* Hot plate 1100
* small freezer 300
* Radio 120
* sump pump 450
* Refrigerator 2600
* water pump 250-2000
* water heater 5000
Add up all the wattages, not forgetting the start up wattage of your motors. The total does not include any safety margin so add 10% to the total figure. Now you have the information needed to choose the size of generator to purchase. Be sure to consider the continuous rating not the maximum or surge rating on the generator.
Types of Generator – Portable or Standby
Now you need to decide if you will purchase a portable or standby generator. A standby generator is fixed in position and permanently wired into the house circuit. It is usually fitted with an automatic switch to turn on when the power fails. A portable generator can be moved around and used on camping trips or for powering tools etc away from a power source. It can be used, with the correct add ons as a power source for your house in an emergency although it would usually need to be switched on manually.
Safety
Last, but definitely not least!
Always ensure that generators are installed by a qualified electrician and never hook up the generator to the house power outlets or to live power lines.
Run generators in open spaces never in enclosed spaces like basements or garages as they produce deadly carbon monoxide gas. It is a good idea to install carbon monoxide detectors to ensure you and your family are safe.
Aug
08
How to Choose a Diesel Generator
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Ben Reilly asked:
Generators are available in many types. Diesel generators, portable generators and industrial generators are some of these. Diesel generators are the most popular because they don´t require much maintenance. Diesel generators can be easily sourced and have low fuel consumption.
As it is a major item to buy, you need to compare products and know what is available to suit your needs. Will the generator be used a a primary source of power – or is it for emergency use only. Do you need it to be portable or stationary. Is your power supply single-phase or three-phase. Some diesel generators are designed for home use, while others are intended for industrial use.
When buying your diesel generator you should also consider how quiet you want it to be. If it is going to be situated near your house or business premises you will want a quiet generator. Air-cooled diesel generators tend to be louder, while liquid-cooled are quieter and more dependable.
Safety should also be considered when choosing a diesel generator. Low oil pressure and automatic shutdowns will be standard on most generators.
There are many manufacturers to choose from when searching for a diesel generator. Among them are Honda, Cummins, Pramac, Yanmar and Volvo Penta. These are all reliable names in the generator world. Choosing your generator with the help of your supplier is advised, as they know what situations need certain generators.
There are a large number of models and features available to diesel generator buyers. Choose carefully and spend your money wisely.
Generators are available in many types. Diesel generators, portable generators and industrial generators are some of these. Diesel generators are the most popular because they don´t require much maintenance. Diesel generators can be easily sourced and have low fuel consumption.
As it is a major item to buy, you need to compare products and know what is available to suit your needs. Will the generator be used a a primary source of power – or is it for emergency use only. Do you need it to be portable or stationary. Is your power supply single-phase or three-phase. Some diesel generators are designed for home use, while others are intended for industrial use.
When buying your diesel generator you should also consider how quiet you want it to be. If it is going to be situated near your house or business premises you will want a quiet generator. Air-cooled diesel generators tend to be louder, while liquid-cooled are quieter and more dependable.
Safety should also be considered when choosing a diesel generator. Low oil pressure and automatic shutdowns will be standard on most generators.
There are many manufacturers to choose from when searching for a diesel generator. Among them are Honda, Cummins, Pramac, Yanmar and Volvo Penta. These are all reliable names in the generator world. Choosing your generator with the help of your supplier is advised, as they know what situations need certain generators.
There are a large number of models and features available to diesel generator buyers. Choose carefully and spend your money wisely.