The leaves have begun to turn, and with them, outage season is almost here. Cold rain, wet freezing nights, and the occasional snowstorm can make a generator an important safety net and a worthwhile investment. The key to maximizing its value is having the right type of backup power source.

Start With What You Need It to Do

There is a certain thrill to a great deal on a used generator, but it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you purchase to make sure you’ll get the best bang for your buck. The most important step is to determine what kind of backup power source you need. The generator is just a means to an end; what really matters is the power draw it can support.

Once you’ve done your homework on the type of backup power your situation calls for and your budget, you’ll have a better understanding of how much of a good deal it is when you see a used generator for sale – more on used generators for sale in BC if you want that route. Here’s how to inspect one properly:

Match the Capacity to the Load

• Determine what your electrical backup (https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/back-up-power) needs are. If you’re on an acreage and worried about a backup power outage during bad weather, your biggest concerns are likely to be keeping your well pump and maybe a chest freezer going. If you’re a small contractor, you may need power to keep the jobsite lit and maybe have temporary heating running or tool charging overnight. Small farms and shops will have similar requirements, as well as other considerations, depending on what kind of equipment they run. It’s important to think about the wattage draw of what you need to run, including starting wattage (pumps, compressors, etc. will need significantly more power to get going than they need to keep going). If you want to hook the generator up to your main panel with a transfer switch, you’ll need to determine what kind of voltage will go where: some equipment will need 120/240V dual voltage service. If you have a well pump, you likely already have a 120/240V system, but this is not a requirement for every panel. Many budget and portable generators will not support dual voltage options.

Check Its Condition, Not Just Its Appearance

• Inspect the condition of the generator, and ask for documentation on previous maintenance: Has it had regular oil changes? How many hours does it have on it, if applicable? Has it been load tested recently? Does it have a good battery? Has it had any issues, and were they repaired? If the paint looks nice and it turns over in a few seconds, that’s great, but there’s a chance it has spent the majority of its life sitting in a heated garage. Cold-starting a generator outdoors in BC can present some challenges, depending on how long it sat. It’s also important to test the generator while under load, not simply by turning it over in the seller’s yard. Take a good look at the overall condition. Are there leaks in the engine bay? Are there signs of wear in the wiring? Loose electrical connections? Has it been stored well?

Look Beyond the Engine

• Assess the extras: If you are looking for a more portable generator that you can move around on your property or to a jobsite, consider what power cables or adapters it might come with. Wheel kits are handy, and covers can be very useful to store the unit indoors or out. How much does it weigh, and can your crew or truck haul it on a trailer or into your shop through a gate in mud and snow?
• Assess the logistics of repair: Can you find a technician nearby to repair the engine, if necessary, to source alternator parts, or get you a new battery? Are filters easily available? During widespread power outages (see here), it’s good to think ahead and consider whether your generator is an investment you can continue to service locally.

What Happens After Everyone Leaves?

If you’re shopping for a commercial-grade generator to power a jobsite, you’ll probably be able to see more readily how hard those generators work. If you have a backup generator on site during a project, it is often used for long hours under load and can show quite the wear and tear. It’s very important to make sure your generator can handle starting the power draw of your high-draw tools and maybe a heater.

Fuel is more important than most people think. You’ll need to plan to store it, and you’ll need a place to run the generator that is dry, well-ventilated, and away from doors and windows.

If you are relying on gasoline, you may need to clean the tank, lines, and carburetor if it has been sitting with old gasoline.

Verify the generator specifications (whether gas, diesel, propane, or natural gas) on the data plate, not just from the seller.

Before you buy, check local regulations, permits, and electrical inspection requirements that may need to be met before you make a hookup, as well as your strata’s bylaws. Some areas have noise regulations that determine where and when you can operate a portable generator.

If you live in a densely populated area, a unit that runs quietly is especially important if you run it at night during a power outage.

Count the Costs After the Purchase

Before you go ahead with the purchase, make sure you’ve considered everything your generator needs to do. Once you’ve got your new-old generator home, there may be some electrical work or parts and fuel system repair necessary to make it compatible, and those costs can quickly overshadow any bargain you think you’ve made on a used generator.

Buying a Used Generator in BC: Key Questions to Ask Before Outage Season

The leaves have begun to turn, and with them, outage season is almost here. Cold rain, wet freezing nights, and the occasional snowstorm can make a generator an important safety net and a worthwhile investment. The key to maximizing its value is having the right type of backup power source.

Start With What You Need It to Do

There is a certain thrill to a great deal on a used generator, but it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you purchase to make sure you’ll get the best bang for your buck. The most important step is to determine what kind of backup power source you need. The generator is just a means to an end; what really matters is the power draw it can support.

Once you’ve done your homework on the type of backup power your situation calls for and your budget, you’ll have a better understanding of how much of a good deal it is when you see a used generator for sale – more on used generators for sale in BC if you want that route. Here’s how to inspect one properly:

Match the Capacity to the Load

• Determine what your electrical backup (https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/back-up-power) needs are. If you’re on an acreage and worried about a backup power outage during bad weather, your biggest concerns are likely to be keeping your well pump and maybe a chest freezer going. If you’re a small contractor, you may need power to keep the jobsite lit and maybe have temporary heating running or tool charging overnight. Small farms and shops will have similar requirements, as well as other considerations, depending on what kind of equipment they run. It’s important to think about the wattage draw of what you need to run, including starting wattage (pumps, compressors, etc. will need significantly more power to get going than they need to keep going). If you want to hook the generator up to your main panel with a transfer switch, you’ll need to determine what kind of voltage will go where: some equipment will need 120/240V dual voltage service. If you have a well pump, you likely already have a 120/240V system, but this is not a requirement for every panel. Many budget and portable generators will not support dual voltage options.

Check Its Condition, Not Just Its Appearance

• Inspect the condition of the generator, and ask for documentation on previous maintenance: Has it had regular oil changes? How many hours does it have on it, if applicable? Has it been load tested recently? Does it have a good battery? Has it had any issues, and were they repaired? If the paint looks nice and it turns over in a few seconds, that’s great, but there’s a chance it has spent the majority of its life sitting in a heated garage. Cold-starting a generator outdoors in BC can present some challenges, depending on how long it sat. It’s also important to test the generator while under load, not simply by turning it over in the seller’s yard. Take a good look at the overall condition. Are there leaks in the engine bay? Are there signs of wear in the wiring? Loose electrical connections? Has it been stored well?

Look Beyond the Engine

• Assess the extras: If you are looking for a more portable generator that you can move around on your property or to a jobsite, consider what power cables or adapters it might come with. Wheel kits are handy, and covers can be very useful to store the unit indoors or out. How much does it weigh, and can your crew or truck haul it on a trailer or into your shop through a gate in mud and snow?
• Assess the logistics of repair: Can you find a technician nearby to repair the engine, if necessary, to source alternator parts, or get you a new battery? Are filters easily available? During widespread power outages (see here), it’s good to think ahead and consider whether your generator is an investment you can continue to service locally.

What Happens After Everyone Leaves?

If you’re shopping for a commercial-grade generator to power a jobsite, you’ll probably be able to see more readily how hard those generators work. If you have a backup generator on site during a project, it is often used for long hours under load and can show quite the wear and tear. It’s very important to make sure your generator can handle starting the power draw of your high-draw tools and maybe a heater.

Fuel is more important than most people think. You’ll need to plan to store it, and you’ll need a place to run the generator that is dry, well-ventilated, and away from doors and windows.

If you are relying on gasoline, you may need to clean the tank, lines, and carburetor if it has been sitting with old gasoline.

Verify the generator specifications (whether gas, diesel, propane, or natural gas) on the data plate, not just from the seller.

Before you buy, check local regulations, permits, and electrical inspection requirements that may need to be met before you make a hookup, as well as your strata’s bylaws. Some areas have noise regulations that determine where and when you can operate a portable generator.

If you live in a densely populated area, a unit that runs quietly is especially important if you run it at night during a power outage.

Count the Costs After the Purchase

Before you go ahead with the purchase, make sure you’ve considered everything your generator needs to do. Once you’ve got your new-old generator home, there may be some electrical work or parts and fuel system repair necessary to make it compatible, and those costs can quickly overshadow any bargain you think you’ve made on a used generator.