What an electric start generator does
An electric start generator is a portable power machine that runs on fuel (usually gasoline, propane, or diesel) and produces electricity. The "electric start" part means you turn it on using a battery and an electric starter motor, the same way you start a car — you press a button or turn a key instead of pulling a cord by hand.
The generator sits outside your home, garage, or job site and produces power through an outlet or outlets on its frame. You plug extension cords or appliances directly into those outlets. The engine runs continuously while you need power, and you stop it when you're done. Electric start generators range from small units that power a few lights and a refrigerator to large ones that can run a whole house.
The main reason people choose electric start over manual pull-cord models is convenience — especially if you need to start the generator in the dark, in bad weather, or when you're tired or injured. The tradeoff is that electric start models cost more upfront and require a charged battery to work.
Key Takeaways
- Electric start generators use a battery and electric motor to start, while pull-cord models require physical effort and are cheaper upfront.
- Generator size is measured in watts; you need to add up the starting watts (peak power) of everything you plan to run at once to choose the right model.
- Gasoline generators are common and affordable but need fuel stabilizer if stored longer than a month, while propane and diesel models have different fuel and maintenance needs.
- A generator produces carbon monoxide, a deadly odorless gas, so it must run outside at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents — never in a garage or basement.
- Regular maintenance includes checking oil, cleaning or replacing the air filter, and running the generator monthly under load to keep the engine healthy.
Watts, starting power, and choosing the right size
Generator power is measured in watts. Every appliance and tool you plug in has a wattage requirement, usually printed on a label or in the manual. The tricky part is that many devices need more power to start than they need to run — a refrigerator might need 2,200 watts to start but only 600 watts once it's running.
To pick a generator, add up the starting watts of everything you want to run at the same time. If you want to run a refrigerator (2,200 starting watts), a microwave (1,000 watts), and some lights (500 watts), you need a generator rated for at least 3,700 watts. Buying a generator that's too small will cause it to shut down or damage appliances. Buying one that's too large wastes money and fuel.
Most electric start generators come in sizes from 2,000 watts (small, portable) to 20,000 watts or larger (whole-house backup). For a single room or a few essential appliances, 3,000 to 5,000 watts is common. For a whole house, you typically need 10,000 to 20,000 watts depending on what you want to power.
Fuel types and how they affect cost and storage
Gasoline generators are the most common and usually the cheapest to buy. They run on regular unleaded fuel from any gas station. The downside is that gasoline breaks down over time — if you store a gasoline generator for more than a month without running it, you should add fuel stabilizer to the tank to prevent the fuel from gumming up the carburetor. If you don't, the generator may not start when you need it.
Propane generators run on propane from a tank, the same fuel used for grills or heaters. Propane doesn't break down, so a propane generator can sit unused for months without fuel problems. Propane is often cheaper per hour of use, but propane tanks take up space and need to be refilled or swapped out. Propane generators are quieter than gasoline models.
Diesel generators are the most fuel-efficient and often the most durable, but they cost significantly more upfront. Diesel fuel also breaks down over time, though more slowly than gasoline. Diesel generators are common on job sites and for permanent backup power but less common for home use because of the cost and the need for a fuel tank.
How to set up and run a generator safely
A generator produces carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas that kills in minutes. Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, basement, shed, or any enclosed space — not even with doors or windows open. The gas seeps through walls and can kill people sleeping inside a nearby house.
Place the generator outside, at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and air vents of any building. Point the exhaust away from buildings. If you must run it closer (in a very small yard, for example), use a generator exhaust hose or baffle to direct the fumes further away. Check your local rules — some areas have specific distance requirements.
Keep the generator on a flat, level surface away from water. If it rains, use a canopy or cover designed for generators, but never cover it so tightly that exhaust can't escape. Make sure the area around it is clear so you can reach the fuel cap and outlets safely.
Before you start the generator, check the oil level using the dipstick on the side of the engine. Most generators come with oil but not a full tank — you'll need to add oil before the first use. Plug in extension cords or appliances, then start the generator. Let it run for a minute before plugging in sensitive electronics like computers or TVs.
Maintenance to keep your generator running
Check the oil level before every use. Most small generators use a standard motor oil (check your manual for the type). If the oil is low, top it up — running a generator on low oil damages the engine and voids the warranty.
The air filter gets dirty over time and reduces engine efficiency. Check it monthly and clean or replace it as needed. A clogged air filter makes the engine work harder and use more fuel.
If you have a gasoline generator, run it under load (with something plugged in) for at least 30 minutes once a month, even if you don't need the power. This keeps the fuel system clean and the battery charged. If you store the generator for the winter or longer, drain the fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer, and disconnect the battery to prevent it from dying.
Keep the spark plug clean and replace it every season or according to the manual. Inspect the fuel filter and replace it if it looks clogged. These small tasks take 15 minutes and prevent expensive repairs later.
Noise levels and where you can use a generator
Generators are loud — most produce 70 to 100 decibels, which is as loud as a lawn mower or a busy highway. Some neighborhoods and rental properties have rules about generator noise, especially during certain hours. Check your local noise ordinance before you buy.
Inverter generators are quieter (60 to 70 decibels) and safer for sensitive electronics like phones and laptops, but they cost more. If noise is a concern and you have the budget, an inverter model is worth considering.
If you live in an apartment or a densely populated area, talk to your landlord or neighbors before running a generator regularly. A generator running for hours every day will annoy people nearby. Some areas require a permit to run a generator for more than a few hours.
Portable versus stationary generators
A portable generator is what most people think of — a box on wheels or with handles that you can move around. Portable generators run on gasoline, propane, or diesel and produce 2,000 to 10,000 watts. You start them manually or with electric start, plug things in, and move them when you're done. They're affordable and work for temporary power or backup during an outage.
A stationary generator (also called a standby generator) is permanently installed outside your home, connected to your electrical panel and fuel supply. It automatically starts when the power goes out and switches your home to generator power without you doing anything. Stationary generators are expensive (often $3,000 to $15,000 installed) but provide seamless backup power and run on natural gas or propane from your home's supply.
For most people, a portable electric start generator is the right choice — it costs less, works for multiple situations (camping, job sites, outages), and doesn't require installation. Stationary generators make sense if you want automatic backup and can afford the upfront cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a generator in my garage if I leave the door open?
No. Carbon monoxide seeps through walls and can kill people inside your home even with doors and windows open. A generator must run outside, at least 20 feet away from any building. This is not negotiable — it's a safety rule, not a suggestion.
How long can a generator run continuously?
Most portable generators can run 8 to 12 hours on a full tank of gasoline, depending on the size and how much load you're putting on it. Larger tanks and propane models can run longer. Check your manual for the specific runtime. You'll need to refuel or swap propane tanks when the fuel runs out.
Do I need a special outlet or electrician to use a generator?
For a portable generator, no — you plug extension cords directly into the outlets on the generator. For a stationary generator connected to your home's electrical panel, yes, you need a licensed electrician to install it safely and legally. Never try to wire a generator directly to your home's electrical system yourself.
What's the difference between an inverter generator and a regular generator?
An inverter generator produces cleaner, more stable power that's safer for computers, phones, and other sensitive electronics. It's also quieter and more fuel-efficient. A regular generator is cheaper and works fine for tools, lights, and appliances that aren't sensitive to power fluctuations. If you're powering laptops or medical equipment, an inverter is worth the extra cost.
Can I use a generator in the rain?
Yes, but with protection. Use a canopy or cover designed for generators to keep rain off the unit, but make sure exhaust can still escape — don't seal it completely. Never let water pool around the generator or splash on the outlets. Keep extension cords dry and away from puddles to prevent electrical hazards.