SupportThe United States experiences more power outages than any other developed country. Making the decision to invest in a backup generator with appropriately sized cables and power transferring devices will provide you with a sense of safety and peace of mind. Shopping for a temporary or emergency backup power source should never be intimidating, especially when you work with the professionals at Temporary Power Supply. One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a generator is deciding whether a gas or diesel-powered generator is right for you!
Gas-Powered Generators
Gasoline is less expensive than diesel. Over the last 10 years, gas has averaged 14 cents less per gallon than diesel. The price gap between the two is expected to increase during the first quarter of 2023. In fact, NASDAQ predicts that we will soon see diesel become 99 cents more per gallon than gas. Since gas generators are the more affordable option, they are often used for residential backup power. Small, portable gas generators are perfect for small applications such as running a few lights and keeping the refrigerator running. Specialty cables, such as our 30A NEMA Rated Cable Assemblies and 50A California Style Twist-Lock Cables, are great options for larger power requirements including electrical appliances, shore power, or RV power. All our Generator Connection Cables feature ergonomic designs to make installation quick and easy!
Large standby gas generators are kept outside the home in a fixed location. They can be very loud and they produce poisonous carbon monoxide, so it’s required that they are mounted at least 20 feet away from any structural openings. The construction industry uses gas generators to power temporary power lighting systems, pump systems, and corded power tools. Large commercial generators often incorporate the use of Camlock Connectors to allow quick, interchangeable connections. Temporary Power Supply offers Generator Feeder Cables with Camlocks, or you can email us at [email protected] for a quote on the connectors alone. We offer Camlock Connectors in multiple variations, including Panel Mount Connectors, Inline Single Pin Cable Connectors, Adapters, and Cam Covers to protect your connections. If you’re interested in learning more about the selection of Camlocks we provide, please send us an email and an account manager will be happy to connect with you!
Diesel-Powered Generators
Diesel is more expensive than gasoline, but diesel is the more efficient fuel source. Diesel fuel is denser than gasoline, so it provides more energy per volume. This means that diesel generators are likely to run longer before needing to refill the fuel tank than gas generators. Diesel is also easier to store than gasoline. When stored in a cool, dry area diesel has a shelf life of 1 year. Gas has a shelf life of about 3-6 months before it begins to degrade and turn stale. Diesel is also much less flammable than gasoline, making it safer to store a backup supply.
Diesel generators don’t use spark plugs or carburetors, so they’re easier and less expensive to maintain. Another advantage of diesel generators is their long lifespan. Since the engines in diesel generators are less complicated than gas generators, they’re usually much sturdier and easier to fix. In the past, diesel generators were known to be incredibly loud. Recent models have been improved to be quieter than gas generators. This makes them an excellent choice for residential or commercial use. Large diesel generators rated for 25k-30Kw can be used to power most houses during an outage. Residential diesel generators require a Manual or Automatic Transfer Switch to transfer the power from utility to generator during a power outage. We offer top-of-the-line Transfer Switches to deliver power in an instant!
The Final Face-Off
A gas generator may be the best option if you’re most concerned with cost. If performance is most important to you, choose a diesel generator. Diesel generators often have a hefty price tag compared to gas generators. Gas historically costs 14 cents less per gallon than diesel, and it’s very easy to obtain. However, diesel is a more efficient fuel source. Diesel is also less flammable and can be stored for 6-9 months longer than gas before it begins to decompose.
No matter your choice, we are here to help you with your temporary power needs! We specialize in electrical products that are made specifically for the temporary power industry. We provide a variety of high-quality Power Distribution Boxes and Cable Assemblies available directly online. We also stock thousands of Camlock Connectors that include Series 16 Panel Mounts, Inline Cable Connectors, Cam Covers, and Adapters, which are available by request. If you’re interested in anything emergency power related, please contact our emergency power professionals at [email protected]!