>Charlotte Parker Question By: Charlotte Parker  Posted in: Business

How Long Will Your Backup Generator Run If Used on a Continuous Basis?

On average, a standby generator can run for up to 3,000 hours powering a medium-sized home, though it is recommended you do not run a generator for longer than 500 hours continuously.

Two factors affect the amount of time a whole house generator can continue to run:

1. Generator type

2. Fuel source

Every generator is different – some are designed to run for days at a time, while others are built to run for only hours at a time.

As long as it has fuel, most standby generators can run indefinitely – in theory. However, you certainly don’t want to leave your standby generator running forever, or your equipment will expire sooner than it should.

How long you can run a standby generator continuously will vary based on the model. Manufacturers typically recommend that your generator run continuously for no more than 500 hours maximum. A portable generator, however, should only run continuously for shorter periods of time – between six to 18 hours, depending on the model.

This means it is generally safe to use a standby generator for nearly three weeks as a constant power source during prolonged power outages if needed. It is possible to operate the generator for a longer continuous period, but exceeding this limit is more likely to result in damage to the generator or the home’s wiring and electrical appliances.

A backup generator can be a true lifesaver in emergency situations. If you are preparing for your emergency situations, you want to be able to know how long your generator will last during a prolonged power outage. Visit https://danley911.com/how-long-will-your-backup-generator-run/ to know more.

Ava TurnerAnswer By: Ava Turner