A generator does not create energy. It converts mechanical energy, usually from a fuel-burning engine, into electrical energy. The principle has been the same for nearly 200 years, and it fits in one sentence: moving a magnet past a coil of wire pushes electrons through the wire. This guide explains how that works in a…
Most generator problems are really storage problems. Fuel goes stale, carburetors gum up, batteries die and the generator will not start when the next outage arrives. Good storage takes about 15 minutes and prevents nearly all of it. This guide covers short-term and long-term storage, where to keep a generator safely, and how to revive…
Overloading is the most common reason a generator’s breaker trips or an inverter generator cuts out. The good news is that it is easy to diagnose with a little arithmetic. This guide explains the two kinds of overload, how to work out your numbers and how to get everything running without tripping anything. Why generator…
A generator that starts fine and then cuts out is frustrating, but the cause is usually simple. The pattern tells you a lot: does it die in seconds, after a few minutes, only under load, or only when hot? Use the table below to match your symptom, then read the detailed fix. Safety: always run…
The engine is running smoothly, but nothing works when you plug in. This is almost always an electrical problem rather than an engine problem. Many causes take a minute to check, such as a tripped breaker or GFCI. The rest involve the alternator, and some of those need a technician. This guide walks through them…
When a generator surges (also called hunting), the engine speed rises and falls in a repeating pattern. You hear the revs go up and down, and lights or appliances flicker in time with it. It is one of the most common generator complaints, and it is usually caused by a fuel or carburetor problem that…
A generator that will not start almost always has one of four problems: fuel is not reaching the engine, there is no spark, the engine cannot get air, or a safety system such as the low-oil sensor is stopping it. Work through the checks below in order, from the 30-second basics to the carburetor, and…
Knowing how to calculate generator runtime can help you determine how long a generator can operate before it needs more fuel. The calculation is useful during power outages, camping trips, construction work, outdoor events, and any situation where you need to plan generator operation. The basic formula is simple: Generator Runtime = Available Fuel รท…
A generator’s fuel consumption depends on its size, fuel type, electrical load, engine efficiency, and operating conditions. There is no single fuel consumption rate that applies to every generator. A small portable generator may use less than 1 gallon of gasoline per hour, while a larger generator operating under a heavy load can consume several…