What is a Tri–Fuel Generator?

Tri-Fuel generators, sometimes called Triple-Fuel generators, are generators that run on propane, natural gas and gasoline right out of the box.  No mechanical alterations are required.  To switch between propane and natural gas just turn the lever on selector valve located above the low-pressure regulator (depending on the model).  Changing between fuel sources is simple and the convenience of having the option of using three different fuels to power your home during a power outage gives homeowners peace of mind.  No longer limited to gasoline, which is difficult to store and hard to come by when you need it.  Natural gas on the other hand is the most convenient choice of fuel since refueling is unnecessary.  Just plug the hose into your home’s natural gas outlet and tap into a virtually endless supply.  Propane is another convenient option since it can be stored for long periods of time and it is easier to find than gasoline during a power outage.  Gasoline is still an option if no other fuel sources are available.

Why are Tri-Fuel generators more expensive than regular gasoline generators?

Many years of research and development has gone into developing the technology installed on our Tri-Fuelgenerators.  This technology was designed, patented, and manufactured in the USA.  You can feel good knowing that your purchase helps support our domestic economy.  Do not compare our components with the various Tri-Fuel kits sold over the Internet.  These counterfeit products are unsafe, void your generator’s manufacturers warranty, and inefficient.  They will reduce your generator’s wattage by up to 50% of their electrical output.  Did your 7,000 watt generator just become a 3,500 watt generator?  At Smart Generators we us patented BEC technology, the most efficient system in the industry.  This means your generator will not lose any wattage on propane (LPG) and only a 20% loss on natural gas.  Not only are our generators are built using the highest quality parts, they also come with a 2-year warranty.  In addition, our technicians test the quality of the electricity produced from each unit on both natural gas and propane before they are shipped.  After your generator has arrived, you can feel secure knowing you have a resource of knowledgeable technicians to call and help you run the generator easily and safely.  Welcome to the Smart Generator family, we are delighted that you have chosen to purchase one of our generators.  Thank you for your support.

What is a Natural Gas generator?

A Natural Gas generator is simply a generator that runs off a natural gas line supplied by the local gas utility company.  The natural gas flowing inside the pipes has a very low pressure and is commonly measured using a more delicate type measurement called “water column” commonly abbreviated as “WC.”  Residential gas pressure is typically between 4 and 7 inches WC (4~7” WC) or 0.25 psi.  The natural gas enters the generator using a flexible hose which has one side attached to an outlet located outside the home and connected to a low-pressure regulator located on the Natural Gas generator.  The low-pressure regulators are designed for ½ psi or up to 14 WC, so it is important to make sure the pressure does not exceed its limitations and damage the diaphragm located inside the low-pressure regulator.  If the pressure is higher than ½ psi or 14 WC an additional regulator must be installed to reduce the pressure below that rate in order for the generator to run properly and not to damage the low-pressure regulator.

What are the benefits of a Natural gas generator?

Natural gas is the most convenient choice of fuel since refueling is unnecessary.  Just plug the hose into your home’s natural gas outlet and tap into a virtually endless supply of fuel.  Natural Gas is a very clean burning fuel that does not leave any damaging residue inside the engine as gasoline does.  Running your generator on natural gas is cleaner for the environment and increases the lifespan of the engine on your generator.

What is a Propane (LPG) generator?

A Propane (LPG) generator is simply a generator that runs off a propane tank purchased from a hardware store or a propane supplier.

The pressure inside a propane tank is between 100 and 200 psi, while the low-pressure regulator located on the generator requires ½ psi or 14 WC at most.  If the pressure is higher than ½ psi or up to 14 WC it will damage the low-pressure regulator.  The pressure must be reduced to the appropriate level by assuring the tank has been fitted with the appropriate high-pressure regulator reducing the pressure to 10 psi and the hose has the appropriate regulator that reduces the pressure to 14 WC.  In addition, the propane hose must deliver the appropriate btu required to run the generator.  Most commonly found propane hoses have regulators limited to 55,000 btu.  Our propane hoses are fitted with regulators that supply up to 180,000 btu.

{The low-pressure regulator located on the generator can only handle up to ½ psi or up to 14 WC, so it is important to make sure the pressure does not exceed its limitations and damage the diaphragm located inside the low-pressure regulator.  If the pressure is higher than ½ psi or 14 WC an additional regulator needs to be installed to reduce the pressure below that rate in order for the generator to run properly.}

What are the benefits of a Propane (LPG) generator?

Propane (LPG) is another convenient choice of fuel since it can be stored for long periods of time and it is easier to find than gasoline during a power outage.  Small tanks up to 100 gallons can be purchased at local hardware stores, while larger tanks up to 1000 gallons can be purchased from various propane suppliers.

How often you need to refuel is dependent on the size of your tank.  Propane (LPG) is a very clean burning fuel that does not leave any damaging residue inside the engine as gasoline does.  Running your generator on propane is cleaner for the environment and increases the lifespan of the engine.