What Type of Generator Do you Need

When you are thinking about the XXX Model generator you need to decide what type of generator you are looking for.

Generators come in two basic types: standby and portable. There also are inverters, which are not generators but may meet your needs. The source of backup power you ultimately choose will be determined by many factors, including your power requirements.

Standby Generators:

A standby generator is permanently installed outside your home or commercial building and wired directly into the electrical system to provide power to some or all of your home's circuits during a disruption of normal utility power. Depending on the model, they may start automatically when the power goes out and stop when the power returns. Standby generators are fueled by liquid propane or natural gas and require professional installation, often with a permit.

The number of circuits to which a standby generator can provide power--and the number of appliances you can run on those circuits--is determined by the power capacity of the generator.

Standby generators are typically fully enclosed and vary in size. Check the dimensions carefully. A standby model may cost as little as $1,500 or as much as $15,000 or more--the greater the power capacity, the higher the cost.

Portable Generators:

Portable generators are versatile. You can use them for emergency power at home, for power in remote locations where utility power is unavailable, or for recreational purposes, like boating or camping.

Portable generators are fueled by gasoline and include 120-volt power outlets like the ones in the walls of your home. When the generator is running, you can plug appliances and tools directly into these outlets. Some generators also include 120/240 or 240-volt outlets. These are especially useful for running powering into a transfer switch.

Portable generators range in cost between a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the capacity and features.

Inverters:

Inverters turn DC power into AC power, the type of current that powers everyday appliances. A common use of an inverter is to connect one into a car's cigarette lighter and then plug small home appliances into the inverter.

Inverters have added features over the years, and today many inverters include emergency radios, lights, or their own internal battery to store power.

When you purchase an inverter, you need one that can handle the wattage of the appliances you intend to connect to it. Some inverters are made specifically to power low-wattage appliances, like portable phones or digital music players. Others can handle heavy-duty power tools.

If you're buying an inverter that's powered by its own battery, you'll have to consider how many hours the inverter can provide power before needing a recharge.

Inverter-Generators:

These gasoline powered generators are typically smaller and run quieter than the open frame generators and they often vary the engine speed to the required load, saving gas and wear and tear on the generator. These generators are great for camping where noise may be a concern and for powering sensitive electronic equipment.

Propane-Powered Generators:

Similar to portable and standby generators, these cleaner burning generators run on propane - making them ideal solutions in emergency situations where gasoline is scare. Additional propane tanks can be saved and used as backup tanks, keeping the power on when you need it most.

These are some of the factors you need to concider when thinking about buy a generator. Taking all these factors into account the XXX Model generator is one that is Highly recommended.

How Much Power Do I Need?

When considering the XXX Model generator on of the main considerations is whether it will provide enough power for your requirements.

There are two basic power measurements for generators: starting watts (also known as start-up power, max watts, or peak power) and continuous or running watts. Starting wattage is required for appliances at start-up or when they are running at their highest levels of power consumption. Continuous power is the wattage required for operation of those appliances under normal load. Both are measured in wattage.

We've provided a worksheet below to help you determine your specific needs based on the peak and continuous wattage requirements of the appliances you want to power. What's below is a general guide.

Standby Generators

• Standby generators create from 5,000 to 25,000 watts or more of power. You'll have to choose a generator that supplies sufficient peak and continuous wattage for the appliances on the circuits you need to power.

• You can choose between an air-cooled and a liquid-cooled model standby generator. Generally, liquid-cooled models are bigger and create more power.

Portable Generators:

• A small 1,000-watt portable generator may be all you need for recreational purposes. And you may use up to 8,000 watts if using a generator to power tools on the job site.

• Because you plug appliances directly into a portable generator, you'll also want to make sure that your model has the number and type of outlets you need. The size of the fuel tank also is crucial. The bigger the tank, the longer your generator can run without refilling and produce power.

• If you want to use a portable generator to power specific circuits in your house, a transfer switch is required. For running an entire house, follow the guidelines for choosing a standby generator.

Once you have taken all these factors into account you will know whether the XXX Model generator is the one you need or whether you should consider another one of the XXX range of generators available here?

Tools or Appliances	Surge Watts	Running Watts	Number of appliances	Tool/ Appliance watts
Lighting - Estimate 1 watt per sqare foot	0
Cell Phone Battery Charger	0	10
Christmas Lights (50-string, small) (RV/Camping/Tailgate)	0	20
Laptop Computer (Home/RV/Camping/Tailgate)	0	75
PDA, iPod, iPhone, Blackberry, Cell Phones	0	80
13-Inch TV (Home/RV/Camping/Tailgate)	0	100
Outdoor Buglight (RV/Camping/Tailgate)	0	100
AM/FM Radio / CD Player	0	100
20-Inch Box Fan	0	200
Video Game Console	0	200
Crockpot (Home/RV/Camping/Tailgate)	0	250
Desktop Computer	0	300
TV/DVD Combo (Home/RV/Camping/Tailgate)	0	300
Refrigerator – Dorm Size (Home/RV/Camping/Tailgate)	500	350
Food Processor/Blender (RV/ Camping/Tailgate)	500	350
Small Power Tools; Electric Drill 3/8-inch, jig saw…)	600	440
Color TV 27-Inch	0	500
Frying Pan / Skillet (Home/RV/Camping/Tailgate)	0	600
Refrigerator / Freezer	2200	600
Microwave Oven 750W	800	750
Single Element Hot Plate (Home/RV/Camping/Tailgate)	0	750
Washing Machine	2300	750
Coffee Maker (Home/RV/Camping/Tailgate)	0	800
Sump Pump	1400	800
Toaster – 2 Slot (Home/RV/Camping/Tailgate)	0	850
Furnace Fan Blower ½ HP	2300	875
Griddle/Deep Fryer (Home/RV/Camping/Tailgate)	0	1200
Toaster (Home/RV/Camping/Tailgate)	0	1250
RV Low Profile Air Conditioner 13,500 BTU – Heating	2300	1600
Circular Saw	3000	1500
Space Heater	0	1800
Electric Range	0	2100
Electric Water Heater	0	4000
Garage Door Opener (1/4 hp)	1000	550
			TOTAL WATTS

Things to Know Before You Buy

Buying a generator can be a daunting process. However, you can take control by being informed and getting organized and this will help keep your expenditure under control.. Here is a simple checklist to use to help in choosing the correct generator to protect your home and family.


• Determine wattage needs. Determine how much power you need for the items you care about. For help, try the power selection worksheet. If you decide to purchase a portable generator, don't forget you will also need a transfer switch to safely power the circuits in your home.
• Understand electrical terms. You’ll see a lot about watts, volts, amps and more. Find a glossary of terms. Amazon have a useful one here
• Decide: Standby or portable? Considering your budget, convenience, and most importantly power needs, then choose which type of generator you want.
• Take care of home power issues. Locate your existing electrical service panel and gas line to target any potential problems before buying a generator. Portable generators should be used with a transfer switch.
• Perform product comparisons. Compare power outputs, run times, and prices, as well as what’s included in those prices, such as accessories, warranties, support and installation.
• Determine financing options. Some retail stores offer financing options for generator purchases. Amazon offers FREE Super Saver Shipping and provides no interest financing on select items.
• Consider included items. Does the generator come with warranty or maintenance package? What about a power cord, oil, wheels, and funnel?
• Consider additional costs. How much more will it cost for installation by a qualified professional? Will you need an accessory like a cover for protection from the elements or a transfer switch?
• Establish your budget. Generator prices fall across a wide range, so determining how much you’d like to spend is important.

Safety Tips and Sever Weather Preparation

Generator Safety: Always read your Winco 50PTOC-3 PTO Series Tractor Driven Single Phase 50 Kilowatt Generator generator owner’s manual and instructions for your generator and carefully follow all instructions and warnings in order to safely start and operate the generator.

These tips are merely supplemental and are not intended to substitute reading of the owner’s manual.
• Never run a generator indoors or in partly enclosed areas such as garages. Only use outdoors and away from windows, doors, vents, crawl spaces and in an area where adequate ventilation is available. Using a fan or opening doors and windows will not provide sufficient ventilation.
• Operate the generator only on level surfaces and where it will not be exposed to excessive moisture, dirt, dust or corrosive vapors
• Do not overfill the fuel tank. Always allow room for fuel expansion.
• Never add fuel while unit is running or hot. Allow generator and engine to cool entirely before adding fuel.
• Never store a generator with fuel in the tank where gasoline vapors might reach an open flame, spark or pilot light.
• Do not connect your generator directly to your home's wiring or into a regular household outlet. Connecting a portable electric generator directly to your household wiring can be deadly to you and others. A generator that is directly connected to your home's wiring can 'back feed' onto the power lines connected to your home and injure neighbors or utility workers.
• The generator must be properly grounded. If the generator is not grounded, you run the risk of electrocution. We strongly recommend that you check and adhere to all applicable federal, state and local regulations relating to grounding.
• Allow at least five feet of clearance on all sides of the generator when operating.
• Inspect the generator regularly and contact the nearest authorized dealer for parts needing repair or replacement.
• Do not overload your Winco 50PTOC-3 PTO Series Tractor Driven Single Phase 50 Kilowatt Generator generator. Do not operate more appliances and equipment than the output rating of the generator. A portable electric generator should be used only when necessary, and only to power essential equipment.

Severe Weather Preparedness:
Be prepared for severe weather or other events with this emergency checklist of emergency necessities. Store loose items in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers, and keep them together in an easily accessible place. This list is for introductory purposes only; you should customize your own Family Disaster Plan.
• 3-day supply of bottled water (1 gallon per person per day) and canned goods
• First Aid kit with prescription medications
• Flashlight
• Extra generator fuel and extension cords
• Non-electrical can opener
• Batteries
• Weather radio/portable radio
• Blankets
• Emergency telephone numbers.

Having a Winco 50PTOC-3 PTO Series Tractor Driven Single Phase 50 Kilowatt Generator generator for your emergency backup power is an additional way to be prepared for any event that threatens utility power. An emergency backup generator will keep the lights on and the freezer cold, providing your family that feeling of safety and security.

Winco Power Systems

In Cherokee, Iowa, two brothers, John and Gerhard Albers, developed a wind generator to recharge a six-volt storage battery. They called their invention "The Wincharger." It worked so well that friends and neighbors were soon asking the Albers brothers to build Winchargers for them. Their business grew and in 1935, Wincharger was incorporated as a business and manufacturing was moved to Sioux City, Iowa.

During World War II, the Dynamotor was developed and used in military aircraft and ships. After the war, the Dynamotor became the basis for the two bearing generator know today as the 2FS which is still sold in large quantities for pressure washers and man lift applications. Wincharger continued to expand its product line by initiating new designs of Dynamotors, inverters, alternators, Winchargers, engine-driven generators, transistorized converters, ground electrical support equipment and radio receiving sets.

In 1950, the Winco line of Power Take Off (PTO) generators was born. This line of generators was designed to run off of the power takeoff drive of a tractor. A complete line of portable engine-driven generators was introduced for commercial and industrial applications in 1952. Research and development continued to produce important innovations. In 1955, their company introduced the first automatic idle control (conserver) for portable generators. Extended engine life, fuel conservation and reduced noise were all-important benefits to be derived from their invention which has set an industry standard for portable generators.

The Maxi-Watt and Full-Power generator designs were introduced in 1964. These designs vastly improved performance in heavy-duty motor starting applications and provided usable full capacity output at 120 volts, 240 volts, or both simultaneously. In 1970, their company introduced the Winco Automatic Power Systems - a complete line of packaged standby generators. Key to their success of the packaged standby generator was the Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS). The ATS made it possible to automatically start their standby generator when normal electrical power was interrupted.

By the mid seventies, Winco had become a major supplier of generators to the rental and construction markets. In 1978, Winco began producing water-cooled generators. In the same year, Winco developed the first switchable voltage Mobile Power System to supply temporary and emergency power needs in the construction, industrial and government markets.

In 2000, a number of new Packaged Standby Systems were developed as well as some redesigns of existing models. In this new decade, Winco is looking forward to a number of new products and innovations.

Today, Winco customers continue to benefit from their 75 years of generator experience. Recent additions to their line-up include their new 10 & 12 KW Honda powered Home Standby systems, a rugged and powerful 12 KW portable model for the Construction and Roofing Market and a new 6KW Tri-Fuel portable for Home Standby that runs on gasoline, LP or natural gas. Across the board they are incorporating new technology to provide the cleanest and most reliable power in the industry. Winco generators are built with pride and their primary mission is quality.