Propane Gas (LPG) Powered Electric Generators
Propane fuel Generators
Propane Gas is an excellent fuel to run emergency generators. Propane Gas is clean burning, readily available for delivery in many
areas, and since propane gas is stored in a seperate tank onsite, generators using it are usually not affected by the elements or mechanical
disruptions that cause most residential power outages. For these reasons, emergency generator manufacturers usually make this
fuel option as a secondary fuel source on their outside-premise installed home stand-by generator models. Where a homeowner is already
using propane gas for heating, cooking, or other uses, the use of a propane gas powered electric generator is always a good idea! The
photos below are examples of what such a unit would look like.
Home Backup Generators
Most HOME standby generators, sometimes called "home backup generators", are powered by either Propane, LPG (liquid propane)
gas or Natural Gas as a fuel. This is due to the high availability of both fuels in the residential environment, and especially
the widespread availability of Natural Gas in many residential neighborhoods. Since these units are installed outside the residence
they have ready access to the existing fuel lines. Where natural gas does not exist in a neighborhood the homeowner may
decide to install a large propane gases tank that can be periodically refilled by a local gas vendor.
Several manufacturers provide these type of generators, such as: Coleman, Generac, Guardian,
Onan, and Briggs & Stratton. Click on the links (left) to the brand of your choice to review their models.
Additionally you may want to know about Natural Gas powered generators.
Portable Generators
Portable generators are "generally" powered by either gasoline or diesel fuel as they come from the manufacturer.
There are however; some conversions kits available that can be installed in order to make these units operate on propane gas.
Owners should be aware that
installing these conversion kits should be done only by an experienced and qualified repair technician
and that in some case the conversion will void the original manufacturer's warranty. Please consider these factors before you
decide to "convert" any generator to operate on propane gas .
RV Generators
RV generators may come from the manufacturer using LP (liquid propane) gas as a fuel (not natural gas). This can be very convenient for the
owner of an RV since generally there are other appliances onboard that operate on LP gas. If you require the use of LP gas for your RV generator
please make sure that the unit you want to purchase comes with that option directly from the manufacturer. Additionally, many RV generators operate on
other fuels such as diesel or gasoline.
Marine Generators
Marine generators generally DO NOT operate on propane gas due to the nature of the boating environment and the desire to share the same
fuel source with the primary propulsion power plant. Since space and weight is at a premium onboard a ship the addition of another
fuel system with the capacity to operate for extended periods generally precludes the use of propane gas.
Industrial Generators
Industrial generators generally run on diesel fuel, but some can be powered by Natural Gas (the use of propane would be rare) depending upon the application and setup.
These units are usually engineered specifically for their particular application. The manufacturer can assist you with unit configuration.
