The generator is the most useful machine to generate power and used as an alternative to an electric power supply. To run the generator it needs different types of fuel such as diesel, gasoline, propane, natural gas, etc. As the generator is used when there is no power it depends on the storage of the fuel how long can you use the generator to supply power?
That’s why it is essential to keep enough fuel storage to get the power supply during a natural disaster. The storage may not be enough in some circumstances such as gas or other fuels as you may not have large storage but natural gas is the only choice for the unlimited source of energy to run the generator. That’s why it is essential to convert propane generator to natural gas.
Advantage of Converting Propane Generator to Natural Gas
Comparatively, a propane generator is better than a diesel and gasoline-fueled generator but the natural gas-fueled generator is the best if someone has the supply. It has numerous benefits and always has the storage available to run the generator. The first benefit is natural gas reduces operating cost than propane or diesel. Once the gas lines are set up they last for a long time. Moreover natural gas is safe for the environment while propane is opposite to the environment.
Standby generators are common for homes and industries. Natural gas is permanently installed to supply power during the power cut. To have standby power, natural gas is the best choice. You cannot store a lot of propane and it may be dangerous in case of carelessness. On the other hand, it is an unlimited fuel source, you don’t need to store natural gas nor do you need to refill them.
Natural gas is safer than other fuels for example the unburned propane may cause an accident and they spread quicker than natural gas. Both of the fuel is flammable but propane has faster emission as they are compressed in the bottle which may cause a massive gas emission within a second. Natural gas is also flammable but it is less risky than propane. They get enough time to vapor with air because they are set to a limited gas supply. Natural gas has no wastage as they burn more clearly than the bottled gas.
The Disadvantage of Converting Propane Generator to Natural Gas
It is common to have two sides of a coin, which means advantages and disadvantages. It has disadvantages as well if you convert propane generator to natural gas. Propane becomes more popular as fuel because it is easily transferable from here to there. However natural gas lines are fixed for a specific space that is not removable or cannot transfer according to the choices.
If natural gas is not available in the area you can use Propane Generator For Home as propane is compressed inside the bottle and easily you can carry it. That means the natural gas-fueled generator is not removable. Natural gas has residential and commercial limits to use that may not be enough for a big generator in the home.
In case of a blast of the pipelines for the natural gas, it causes a massive exploration which is devastating but propane is controllable as it has a limited amount of methane gas and also in liquid form. On top of that during a major earthquake, natural gas may not be available. Therefore in those situations, a propane generator is the only choice to have the power supply.
How to Convert Propane Generator to Natural Gas
You need some tools to convert propane generator to natural gas. Before you start the process, remember that both of them are gas. The only difference is propane is compressed inside the bottle in liquid form and you know natural gas is common. The process is very simple just do the followings :
First take generator conversion kits such as a medium-size wrench, a hose pipe according to the distance of the generator and gas meter, a straight hose pipe, and two clamps. Once you have everything ready, find the gas line which is connected to the carburetor from the propane bottle.
Use the wrench, unscrew and take it out. Take the new gas hose pipe, fix it to the carburetor and use the existing screw to tighten the pipe. Then go to the natural gas meter, find the extension and join the other end of the hose pipe to the extension cord with the newly bought connector. Use the clamp and tighten them with a screwdriver. There should be an existing gas valve to quick disconnect the gas supply. Once you finish, tighten the clamp and try starting the generator.
How to Determine the Size of the Natural Gas Generator?
The size of the generator for homes depends on the household items that you are going to power with the generator. Generators’ powers are determined with the kilowatt rating. The actual KW of the generator is mentioned on the products when you buy the generator.
As an example, a 7.5 KW home standby generator may power 8 circuits and 11KW may power 16 circuits. Take the help of an electrician to calculate the running and starting wattage of your items to determine the generator capacity.
Final Statement
Comparatively, it is easy to convert propane generator to natural gas because if the generator is diesel or gasoline-based then you may have to go through a long process to convert the generator to natural gas. If you want to change the propane generator to natural gas you can follow the steps above we have explained.
If you have a gas line in your home and want to save a small amount of money, natural gas is best for your generator as it is cheaper and safer. Moreover, you can use a dual fuel generator to run with natural and propane gas. However, you can comment below for more queries or if you need help with generator issues.
