Comparing Generators

The difference between portable and standby generators comes down to power capacity, automation, installation, and use cases. Here’s a breakdown so you can decide which is right for your needs:

⚡ Quick Comparison

Feature	Portable Generator	Standby Generator
Power Output	1,000 – 10,000 watts	7,000 – 24,000+ watts
Mobility	Movable (wheels/handles)	Permanently installed outside
Startup	Manual (pull cord or electric start)	Automatic (starts within seconds of outage)
Fuel Source	Gasoline, propane, or dual fuel	Natural gas or liquid propane (permanent line)
Run Time	Limited to fuel tank (few hours to a day)	Continuous (as long as fuel source is available)
Connection	Plug-in appliances or manual transfer switch	Connected to home's electrical panel (auto transfer)
Use Case	Temporary backup, job sites, camping	Whole-home backup power

🔌 Portable Generators

✅ Pros:

• Affordable and easy to buy

• No installation required

• Flexible — use for tailgating, RVs, work sites

• Some newer models are inverter generators (quieter, safer for electronics)

❌ Cons:

• Manual setup every time there's an outage

• Limited power — can't usually run a whole house

• Require frequent refueling

• Carbon monoxide risk if used too close to the home

🏠 Standby Generators

✅ Pros:

• Automatic operation during power outages (no manual intervention)

• High capacity — can power entire home including HVAC and large appliances

• Long run time with continuous gas supply

• Increases home resale value and reliability

❌ Cons:

• Fixed — not usable in other locations or portable situations

🎯 Which Should You Choose?

If You Want...	Go With...
Budget-friendly, temporary backup	Portable generator
Whole-home coverage during long outages	Standby generator
Minimal setup and automatic operation	Standby generator
Power on the go (camping, RV, etc.)	Portable generator

🔍 Bonus Tip: Transfer Switches

• If you want a portable generator to power home circuits, consider installing a manual transfer switch. This allows you to plug the generator into your electrical panel safely.

• Standby generators always include an automatic transfer switch (ATS), which handles switching when the grid fails.

Contact Lytle Electric and let Lytle light the way on generator selection and installation!