In this article, I am going to look at What is a dual-fuel generator? A generator is a mechanical piece of machinery that runs on an internal combustion engine to produce electricity for operating various electrical devices.
While it works, such a device produces a small amount of waste heat. This is the main reason for using a portable generator for camping or other outdoor activities without electricity.
Dual Fuel generators are portable power plants that use two different types of fuel – gasoline and propane – to generate up to 5,000 running watts of continuous power. If you plan on buying one, make sure you know what it can and cannot do!
What Is A Dual Fuel Generator?
A dual-fuel generator is a type of generator that can run on either gasoline or propane. The term “dual fuel” is also sometimes used to describe generators that can run on both gas and diesel, though this is less common.
As the name implies, dual fuel generators are useful in situations where you might not have access to one fuel but have plenty of another. For example, if you have a generator and your gas supply runs out, you can still run it on propane, so keep power until your next delivery comes in.
How Does A Dual Fuel Generator Work?
A generator that runs on multiple fuel types consists of a primary engine that provides power to the electrical system, which is responsible for generating electricity that runs directly through the generator’s electrical outlets.
The electrical system is also responsible for controlling the operation of a transfer switch, which routes power from the generator’s outlets to your home’s electrical grid.
The transfer switch is controlled by an automatic circuit breaker inside the generator’s operator compartment. This automatic circuit breaker causes your generator to shut down automatically once it reaches its maximum capacity to provide electricity to your home and appliances.
The fuel for this type of generator can either be natural gas.
Evaluating Dual Fuel Generator:
Gas Or Propane?
A dual-fuel generator can be powered by either natural gas or propane, which is great for those with both options. You can use the generator to power your home when the power goes out and still be able to cook food on your stovetop.
Natural gas is a cleaner fuel option than propane and is readily available in most areas of the country. Propane does have some advantages, however: it’s easier to find than natural gas, it’s less expensive, and there are more propane-powered appliances on the market.
Propane is also safer to store than natural gas because it doesn’t require special equipment to keep it pressurized and under lock and key like natural gas.
Suppose you’re going to use propane as your main power source during an emergency. In that case, you should only use propane-powered appliances with your generator, especially if you don’t have electricity during a power outage (like after a hurricane).
This means that if you have an electric water heater or furnace, you’ll need an alternative way to heat water or heat your home if there’s no electricity available.
Amount Of Power:
The amount of power a generator can provide is measured in watts. A watt is a measure of energy per second, so the more watts a generator can produce, the more electricity it can supply.
The typical home uses about 1,000 watts when it’s running on electricity. A small shop or office might use 2,000 to 3,000 watts. The average RV needs 10,000 to 15,000 watts of power.
And the typical big rig tractor-trailer needs 20,000 to 50,000 watts of power.
The size of your dual-fuel generator will depend on how much electricity you need and how long you’ll be without it.
For example, if you’re in a small home that doesn’t require much power and you don’t mind using candles and flashlights while the power is out, then you can get by with a smaller unit like one that provides 5,000 watts of continuous power (and up to 10 hours of backup time).
On the other hand, if you live in an RV with all the conveniences of a home (including air conditioning), you may need something larger, like one that provides 20,000 or 25,000 watts of continuous power (up to 15 hours of backup time).
Weather And Temperature:
The first thing to consider is the weather where you live. If you live where it gets very hot during summer and cold during winter, then it is best to look for a generator that can run on gasoline and propane fuel.
This way, you won’t have any problems when it comes to running your appliances or devices, even if there is no electricity in your area.
Storage:
The first consideration for most people is storage. Ideally, you want to keep the generator in a garage or shed where it will be protected from the elements and theft. The less exposure to the elements, the longer it will last.
If your primary concern is power loss, you can consider an outdoor unit with wheels and an integrated handle. However, these models are often heavier and harder to move around.
You may need help moving them, depending on how much fuel they can carry and how much weight they have.
If you plan to keep your dual fuel generator outside, make sure it’s out of reach of children or pets who could get hurt if they touch it or play with it.
If you have any doubts about whether your children or pets know what not to do, keep them away from all electrical equipment at all times!
Clear Burning:
A clean-burning dual-fuel generator produces a minimal amount of smoke and ash. This is important for residential use as well as commercial use.
For residential use, a clean burning dual fuel generator can help you avoid the mess of using oil and gas in your home. You will not have to worry about the smell or mess from burning oil or gas.
You will also not have to worry about the smoke from these fuels when used in a generator.
Dual Fuel Generator Vs Single Fuel Generator:
| Dual Fuel Generator | Single Fuel Generator |
| dual fuel generators can run on either propane or gasoline | single fuel generators only run on one type of fuel—gasoline. |
| This type of generator is more expensive than the single fuel models but they give you more options if you need to power multiple devices at once. | Single fuel generators will cost less than dual fuel models because they don’t require extra parts like a carburetor or separate tanks for each type of gas. |
| Dual Fuel generators are more reliable in places with limited fuel availability | The lack of nearby gas stations can make single-fuel gas generators more burdensome than convenient when sourcing fuel |
Uses Of Dual Fuel Generator:
Dual-fuel generators are a great option for many uses. They are usually more expensive than single-fuel generators and can be difficult to find in small sizes, but they have many benefits.
Dual Fuel Generators Are More Efficient:
Dual fuel generators are more efficient than traditional gasoline generators because they use both natural gas and gasoline as their fuel source.
As such, they allow you to use the cleanest energy available in your area. When you use natural gas, it is cleaner and less expensive than using gasoline. In most places around the world, natural gas is cheaper than oil or other fuel.
Dual Fuel Generators Are Great For Emergencies:
Dual fuel generators are especially useful during power outages or other emergencies when you need uninterrupted power.
They can run on gasoline or natural gas so that you can keep your home running during an emergency, even if there is no electricity available to recharge your batteries or plug your generator into an outlet at home.
Dual Fuel Generators Save Money On Fuel Costs:
Dual fuel generators save money on fuel costs because they use both types of energy instead of just one type, like traditional gasoline-powered generators.
In addition, you will save money on gasoline costs because you can use natural gas.
Pros And Cons Of Dual Fuel Generator:
Pros and cons of dual fuel generators are mentioned below
Pros
Here I hav mention pros of dual fuel generators
- More affordable than natural gas generators. Natural gas is a cleaner-burning fuel but is also more expensive than propane or gasoline.
- Using both natural gas and propane in the same generator gives you the benefits of both fuels — clean air and less noise — without having to pay for two separate units.
- Less expensive than installing an electric hookup. If you have a large home or a business with high energy needs, installing an electric hookup can be a costly investment requiring digging up your lawn and laying new wires inside your walls.
- With a dual-fuel generator, you don’t need to make this investment because you already have an existing means of powering your home or office building: one that doesn’t require any major remodelling projects!
- More portable than traditional diesel generators. If you need to move your generator from place to place often (for example, if it’s located on your property but there’s no access road), use propane instead of natural.
Cons:
Here I have listed some cons of dual fuel generators
Cost Of Dual Fuel Generators:
The main drawback of dual fuel generators is the cost. They are significantly more expensive than traditional portable generators, so you will need to spend more upfront to get one with your desired features.
Size And Weight Of Dual Fuel Generators:
Dual fuel generators are heavier than their traditional counterparts because they have two engines instead of one. This can make it more difficult to move them around your property when needed or carry them upstairs if necessary.
The size of the unit will also be larger than a traditional portable generator because it needs to house both engines and other components that may not be present in traditional portable generators, such as fuel tanks and controls for natural gas and propane.
Fuel Consumption And Noise Level Of Dual Fuel Generators:
The amount of noise that these types of generators produce varies based on factors such as the size and type of engine used but is generally higher than
Does Honda Make A Dual Fuel Generator?
Yes, Honda makes dual-fuel generators. These are 100% gasoline-powered generators that can run on propane as well. This is a great feature because it allows you to run your generator on either fuel source.
The most popular Honda dual-fuel generator is the eu2000is. This unit is lightweight and portable, making it easy to move around from one place to another. It also has an electric start, making it easy for anyone to use.
The eu2000is features a two-stroke engine that can produce up to 2200 watts of continuous power and 3000 watts of peak power. The generator also has an automatic low oil shutdown feature that prevents the unit from overheating and causing damage.
The Honda eu2000is comes with an RV adapter kit to plug directly into your RV’s wiring system without buying additional parts or adapters!
How Long Does A Dual Fuel Generator Run On Propane?
A dual-fuel generator is a great option for many homes because it can run on propane or gasoline. Propane is a safe and clean-burning fuel, but it can be difficult to determine how long your generator will run on the propane tank.
There are a few factors that will affect how long your generator runs on propane, including:
Type Of Generator:
There are two types of generators available, manual start and automatic start. Automatic start generators are more expensive than manual ones but also use less fuel because they use an electric starter instead of being manually cranked by hand.
Automatic start generators also have better warranties and power ratings than manual start models.
Wattage Rating:
The wattage rating indicates how much electricity the generator can produce simultaneously.
For example, if your home uses 1,000 watts of power at any given moment, then a 5-kilowatt generator would be able to power five appliances at once without any problems.
If you need more power than that, then you will need to buy a larger generator with a higher wattage rating (10 kilowatts).
Is Dual Fuel Generator Worth It? My Suggestions!
I suggest that you go with a dual-fuel generator. I have used propane and gas-powered generators and found that the dual fuel generators are easier to start and run better.
In addition, the propane tank is much larger than the gas tanks on most other generators, so that you will get more run time between refills.
There are also some other benefits of using a dual-fuel generator over propane or gas-fueled generators, such as:
1. No need to worry about storing extra fuel or having access to it when you need it
2. Propane tanks are much safer than gasoline or diesel fuel tanks because they do not leak like their liquid counterparts
3. You can use your existing propane tank from your grill or barbecue for cooking, heating water, and even cooking food when camping or in an emergency
Conclusion:
This article has the best answer to the question What Is Dual Fuel Generator? These generators are efficient with today’s technology and provide all the power you’ll ever need. This, combined with the fact that it can run on gas or liquid propane, makes it an excellent generator for most people.
If you live in a rural area, it’s hard to beat these units for having everything you need, from AC power to an oven. A dual-fuel generator is a combination of 2 separate generators in a single unit. Instead of simply using gas or propane to create energy, it can also be powered by diesel or heating oil.
This gives you the flexibility of two different fuels. As a result, you can select the fuel source that will provide you with the best price based on your specific use at that particular time. This article helps you understand dual fuel generators completely.
FAQs
Do Briggs and Stratton make a dual-fuel generator?
Yes, Briggs and Stratton make dual fuel generators like the GCL5000B LPG Dual fuel generator, which uses LPG and petrol/gasoline.
Is it better to run a dual-fuel generator on gas or propane?
It varies. If you are primarily interested in environmentally friendly power options, propane is superior to use with a dual-fuel generator. Similarly, a dual generator powered by gas would be ideal if your primary concerns are costs and fuel economy.
Does Generac make a portable dual-fuel generator?
No, portable dual-fuel generators are not produced by Generac. Instead, Generac creates bi-fuel generators like the Generac BI-FUEL generator, which ignites diesel and then adds and burns natural gas as the electric load rises.