Electric Generator Buying Guide

An electric generator provides both homeowner comfort and professional project continuity in the event of an unexpected power outage.

How to Choose the Right Electric Generator

The electrical grid faces increasing challenges, making reliable backup power an essential investment. Finding the right match for your needs is the first step. Read on to explore your options for every stage of the process.

What Is a Generator?

An electric generator is, in essence, a compact power plant. It converts various fuels, including gasoline, natural gas, propane, and diesel, into usable electricity. This technology is now expanding to include clean, safe alternatives, such as solar and battery-powered models.

Your first step in selecting a generator is understanding the four main types, each designed for a different application.

The Four Main Types of Electric Generators

There are four main types of generators: portable, standby, RV, and power take-off. Here are the key characteristics of each.

Portable Generators

Portable generators are valued for their mobility and fuel flexibility (running on gas, propane, or dual fuel) and are typically used for temporary emergency backup power for homes, job sites, camping, or tailgating.

Standby Generators

Standby generators provide permanent, long-term backup power for homes and businesses. Their key differentiating feature is that they are permanently installed and start automatically using an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) when utility power fails.

RV Generators

RV generators are integrated power sources designed to power an entire motorhome or travel trailer, often running directly off the vehicle's main fuel tank.

Power Take-Off (PTO) Generators

Power Take-Off (PTO) generators supply power across farms, ranches, and large properties. Uniquely, they require a tractor engine or another PTO source to operate, as they do not have an engine of their own.

How to Choose Which Generator to Buy

The right generator is defined by how and when you need it.

For Emergency Home Backup: Portable vs. Standby

Portable generators offer a non-permanent solution: they require manual start-up when power is lost, and homeowners must either plug appliances directly into the unit or connect it via a manual transfer switch. Portable generators work best for short-term blackouts (hours or a few days) and rely on the user for manual refueling. They typically suit homeowners who only need to power essential items like a refrigerator, lights, or a furnace fan.

Standby generators offer a sophisticated, long-term solution. They are permanently mounted outside and wired directly into the electrical panel. Their primary advantage is automatic operation: they start and stop immediately when an outage is detected, requiring no manual intervention. Standby units provide longer-term backup as they are fueled by reliable, direct-line natural gas or large propane tanks. These units are generally preferred by homeowners or professionals who need to protect their entire investment by maintaining full-house power.

For Off-Grid Freedom: RV and PTO Generators

RV generators are built directly into a motorhome to run high-demand appliances like air conditioners, allowing you to enjoy your vehicle's features even in remote areas without electrical hookup.

PTO generators are a specialized, engine-less option for agricultural and large property owners. Since most already own a powerful tractor, a PTO alternator attaches directly to the engine's shaft to convert mechanical turning into electricity, providing reliable power wherever the tractor can go.

Generator Comparison Chart

Electric Generator Sizing

An undersized generator won't power your essential items, while an oversized one wastes money. Proper sizing is the most critical step and requires some careful calculation.

To find the correct size, you should:

• Identify essentials: List every appliance, light, and system (well pump, furnace, refrigerator) you need to run during an outage.
• Determine running watts: Find the continuous wattage required for each item.
• Determine starting watts (surge): Account for the temporary, high surge of power required to start motors (such as refrigerator compressors and air conditioners).
• Calculate total wattage: Sum the running watts of all devices you plan to use simultaneously and add the single largest starting wattage (since only one motor will typically surge at a time).

A generator's power is rated in running watts and peak/surge watts. Choose a unit where the running watts meet or exceed your calculated simultaneous load, and the surge capacity can handle your largest motor start.

Find the Right Generator for Your Needs

Whether you need temporary backup power or a permanent whole-house solution, Ferguson Home offers a wide selection of generators to fit your requirements. Explore our collection to find the right fit for your home or project.