Have you ever wondered how long you can keep your Predator generator on for? After all, you can’t predict weather conditions or emergencies, and blackouts can sometimes last for days on end. In that case, you want to prepare beforehand to make sure your generator can last you through the emergency while keeping you safe.
A Predator generator can run for about 12 hours at half the load and around 19 hours at a fourth of the load. How long the Predator generator will run depends on several factors:
- The model and type of the Predator generator.
- The amount and kind of fuel available.
- What kind of load the generator is handling.
To truly understand how long the Predator generator will keep running in emergency situations, you need to consider reading this article. We will explain how different factors impact the way your Predator generator runs, especially over long periods.
How Long Does A Predator Generator Last?
Most manufacturers agree that running a generator for long periods is not recommended. However, sometimes emergencies call for prolonged use. Predator has a vast catalog of generators built for different services. Some generators can work for long periods and some last for just a few hours. So, several factors will affect how long you can use the generator.
The Type And Model
Two main types of generators you can use in the home. These do not encompass all of the generators offered by Predator, but these are best suited for long-term use, particularly during emergencies. These are:
- Standby generators are permanent home solutions designed to switch on automatically as soon as the primary power source fails.
- Portable generators are temporary solutions; often, you will use a portable generator when out and about, e.g., while camping.
Each model within the broad types of generators also has unique power runtime. This means that each generator has its own set of requirements which impact how long it will run. For example, a large generator may work for longer, but it may not run as well if it has a heavy load.
Standby generators typically run for longer between recharging the fuel. The manufacturer has designed the standby generator to work in long-term situations. It is also essential to look into the Watt usage of the generator. The more often your generator is triggered, the more its life is affected. While it may work in temporary situations, it may deteriorate faster.
The manufacturer designs portable generators to last for less time, with an average of about 6 hours between charges. You might use a portable generator during a trip or while on the move, so their limited capabilities make sense. This kind of generator is not recommended during a power outage or in emergency conditions.
Fuel Type And Availability
If you have a generator running, the total time you can keep it running is endless, provided you have fuel, and the generator isn’t damaged. The trouble is, some kinds of fuel aren’t easy to get, especially when you are stuck inside during a power outage or natural disaster. Therefore, the best type of generator to support you at this time is one whose fuel is easy to find.
Usually, generators run on one of the three fuels listed below:
- Propane
- Natural gas
- Diesel
Out of all three, propane is the most common option. This is because you can store propane for a long time without losing its value. There is no risk of you using bad-quality propane because you have kept it for too long. Propane is also easy to access, which makes it a popular choice.
Another option generators use is natural gas. The benefit of using natural gas is that you will connect the generator to the gas line in your house. However, this won’t be helpful during a natural disaster, in which the government might shut the gas off. Alternatively, it could become dangerous because of the potential fire hazards.
Diesel generators run on diesel. Storing diesel can be difficult, and the fuel is quite expensive. However, diesel is easy to acquire and is an excellent energy source for your generator.
Generator Load
Another factor that affects how long your generator will be able to run in a stretch is the load. As mentioned above, a Predator generator can run for almost 19 hours at a quarter of the load. However, this number goes down to just 11 hours when the load is half of the capacity.
So in emergencies, make sure you only connect essential items to the generator, such as lights. Disconnect any heavy machinery that will drain the generator’s fuel.
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Can You Run A Generator Overnight?
Given a few precautions, you can actually run a Predator generator overnight. To run a generator overnight, you first have to ensure it’s not carrying too much load and that the fuel is enough to last for the night period. You have to keep an eye out for some factors to keep your generator running all night long safely.
Use A Carbon Monoxide Detector
When you burn fuel in your generator, it creates a gas called carbon monoxide. This gas has no smell and is completely colorless, which is why it can be so hard to detect. It can quickly build up in a small space, and carbon monoxide can quickly become deadly since it is dangerous.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen during nighttime when the people in your home are unlikely to notice anything wrong. However, you can reduce the risk of harm by installing carbon monoxide detectors around your home. You should also regularly check the sensors to ensure they are still functioning well.
Follow Guidelines
According to experts, there are specific guidelines that you should follow when running a generator overnight. The generator should never be kept indoors and should be far away from the house. Keep a distance of around 20 feet from the home and the generator, and never face it towards the house.
Look For Automatic ShutOff
Predator generators now come with an automatic option in which the generator will be switched off if the carbon monoxide levels reach a specific value. This helps to protect you and your family from the risk of poisoning.
Conclusion
Using a generator for long periods is possible if done right. Always make sure to maintain the safety of everyone at home by keeping automatic checks on. You can also reduce the impact on the generator’s life by only using the right generator for long-term electrical needs.