Propane generator is best to use for homes that is already using propane to provide electrical power or heat.  It can be maintained during outages.  Portable propane generators are easy to move and refuel.  These can be refueled using propane cylinders of varying capacity to provide longer emergency power and can be run by a propane tank which some homes may have.  Using propane is of great advantage when blackouts occur or gas leaks.

A standby propane generator can automatically provide necessary heating and power.  It is also great in businesses to save money wherein a normal blackout could lose money.  A bigger fuel tank or larger propane cylinders would be needed for more efficient, longer running backup power on those homes that don’t have propane.  In areas like cabins and farms, propane is more favored since huge tanks can be used to store liquid propane for generator use.  Propane is not disturbed by gas leaks or blackouts.

Kinds of propane system:
·    Vapor propane system – the fuel is drawn from the top of the tank through pressure regulator at the tank.  For vaporization to take place, the liquid in the lower part of the tank must be able to absorb sufficient heat from the tank surroundings.  For this heat transfer, it is important that the tank has enough exposed surface area.  A problem of insufficient flow will occur in very cold weather or if the tank is less than half full or too small in practice.
·    Liquid propane system – the liquid is drawn from the bottom of the tank and small high pressure tubing is used to carry it to the generator.  The generator is equipped with a special device to vaporize the fuel before combustion.  This process eliminates the low temperature vaporization concerns at the tank in cold climates.  On the other hand, it can complicate the use of propane for other appliances since it is already supplied in liquid form.

Advantages:
·    Propane has a long shelf life.
·    It is clean when it burns.
·    Fuel can be easily stored in large tanks or in smaller 5 – 10 galloon cylinders.
·    Fuel is obtainable during power outages.
·    Large tanks offer home delivery.
·    Noise level is quieter.
·    Units with air-cooled engines are budget priced.

Disadvantages:
·    The fuel is in a pressurized cylinder of flammable gas.
·    Possibility of failure is increased since its fuel system is more complicated.
·    The large tanks are unsightly.
·    It covers a higher installation cost because of the fuel system plumbing.
·    The fuel is somewhat expensive.
·    If lines are broken, propane can be very dangerous.
·    On temperature which is -20 degrees above zero, propane begins to deteriorate.
·    Propane generator is 15 to 20% higher especially in sizes larger than 30 kW in terms of its initial cost.
·    Compared to diesel, propane is as much as 3 times the fuel consumption.
·    It has a shorter life compared to diesel engines.
·    Compared to diesel, smaller air – cooled gaseous engines are less expensive but they have a shorter life expectancy.  It could go as low as 500 hours depending on engine make and use.

On safety measures:
·    Never modify or alter the system without professional help.  A potentially dangerous situation may occur if the system will be tampered.
·    Propane has a very unpleasant odor in the air, once this is detected; extinguish all flames in the area and leave.
·    To avoid electrocution, touching electrical switches and appliances must be avoided.
·    There are electronic leak detectors, it is best to have them handy.
·    If there is a leak, the vapor service valve of the propane system’s storage vessel must be closed.
·    Open flames must not be used to test for propane leaks.
Always take the necessary precautions on handling a propane generator.  Always make sure that a professional help is available whenever needed.  Fatalities have been recorded for misinformation, it is always best to be safe than sorry.