PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - diesel or gasoline generator for home emergency power?

tobybul · #27 11-04-2008, 06:58 PM

Generally speaking, natural gas would be a better choice based on fuel supply. As has been said, the reason you are getting a generator is to take over when power is out. So, when designing for a situation like this, do you factor in a risk analysis or do you base it on a worst case scenario.

If you want to take the risk that power will come back in X number of hours or days, then reflect that on your fuel tank capacity. But if you design for "unlimited" number of days then maybe NG is best (assuming the NG supply is not interrupted.)

In my part of the country, the norm seems to be NG on larger home generators.

Also, check with your local power company. Some provide information on how to connect your generator and how to isolate it from their system. Some also have meter socket equipment that has a built-in switchover switch.