How Long Will A Generator Run On Propane?

You are watching your favorite movie; suddenly, the power goes off. Yes, it sounds frustrating to keep the appliances running even after a power outage. The generator is the recommended option. 

The generators run using different fuels, including natural gas, diesel, and propane. Typically a generator filled with gasoline gives you at least 7.5 to 12 hours of running time.

A standby generator filled with natural gas runs for at least three weeks. 

But, how long can a generator run on propane? This is an important point. The running time depends on the size of your generator, as the bigger generator needs more fuel. A 20 pounds fuel tank runs for 4 hours maximum. 

Propane And Gas-Powered Generator: Are They Alike Or Different?

Before going to find out how long will generator run on propane? It is good to know some differences between propane and gas-powered generators.

Generators running using diesel or gas as fuel will be found in the portable form mostly as they have 8500-kilowatt power.

Propane portable generators are picked mostly by small house owners or those running businesses as they have a peak power of 15000 watts. 

Diesel is a hard fuel, meaning it’s not thin as liquid, and gas also needs to be monitored continuously, especially when your generator sits idle for some weeks.

Both fuels get degraded over time. If you become lazy and stop monitoring, the chances are higher that they will gel and cause a breakdown in the engine. If it happens, the engine immediately needs a mechanic for repair.  

Propane is a fuel that burns cleanly; hence, it is known as the most environmentally friendly fuel for running generators. It is longer lasting than gas or diesel fuel, and the best thing is that it will not degrade.

Therefore, the engine does not get affected if you use it occasionally. Propane carries a high number of octane, so the combination of low oil pollution and fewer carbon characteristics will help enhance the engine’s life and make it run faster than ever. 

Normally, a generator running using dual fuel will make more noise than one having only propane in the tank. That is why it is the first choice of homes owners and businesses.

Close your eyes and always go for propane if you are a fan of a quiet, soothing, and calm environment while the generator is running. 

Propane is also a cheaper fuel and suits those having tight budgets. They also start comfortably even when the outside temperature reaches a freezing point. 

How Long Will A Generator Run On Propane: The Point Of Discussion 

Generally, a portable generator having propane runs for at least 140 to 210 hours without interruption. Although the operating time varies due to many factors, the generator tank size is noticeable. Another is how much load your generator bears.

If you run 2 to 3 heavy appliances at a time, chances are higher that the generator consumes more propane in an hour.

If you keep an eye on the tank level and provide fuel tank propane as per its requirements, the generator will run for you whenever you need it. 

For your information, the generator has a 20 pounds tank running for at least four straight hours. Keep in mind that a 20-pound fuel tank holds about 4.6 gallons of propane.

You can fill a tank with propane in liquid form, which will expand to 250 or more gallons if the tank’s valve remains open. 

People have to connect the hose to the tank when filling the fuel. Do you have any idea of the generator’s running time, built with a 100-pound tank?

Normally a tank carrying a 100-pound capacity is running for at least 66 hours, and it is capable of operating a 12 KW generator for one and a half days, meaning a total of 36 hours. 

Propane-Powered Portable Generators: Are They A Good Option?

Do one thing if you don’t want to face the fuel run-out issue. Yes, we are talking about gas regulators. This will allow the users to connect two propane tanks with one gas line.

Once you do this, the next thing is to turn one tank flow on and leave the other one closed. If you can repeat this switching tank process for days, you will enjoy an uninterrupted power supply. 

There is only one limitation: how to check the oil level. Generally, the generator is filled with enough oil, and the surprising fact is that it can run with one time filling for up to 200 hours, but this is limited to a maximum of eight days. 

Oil is a much-needed thing for generators to run properly, and experts always suggest monitoring the oil levels from time to time.

Many generators, including propane-powered generators, automatically turn off when there is a low oil level.

This automatic turning-off feature is good to some extent; you will not have to keep an eye on the oil level. When it turns off, add more oil. 

Propane fuel is not so expensive, but most generators using this fuel are not so affordable. So, check your budget, and then go for a propane-powered generator. It is a long-term investment.

All you need is proper maintenance and care. 

Standby Propane Generators: Are They Useful Or Not?

People having large houses and commercial buildings always prefer to go for standby generators as they are best to provide power for hours without interruption.

To enjoy power for a longer time, they avoid using portable generators.

Standby generators have automatic switches because of which you don’t have to leave your place and turn it on after a sudden power outage.

They specialize in giving electricity when there is no power for 4 to 5 hours. It runs automatically and saves you time. 

They are engineered with stand-alone and highly efficient engines capable of running for an extended time.

They mostly use about 500 to nearly 100-gallon propane or natural gas tanks. The gas is supplied via home lines providing natural gas.

They are best to produce electricity for 2 to 3 weeks. Don’t put the excess load. Otherwise, the generator, as well as the appliances, get damaged.

It is comfortable to refuel propane in your generators instead of natural gas generators that have to be connected to a power source directly. 

Some Advantages of Propane Generator

There are some perks that you will get while investing in quiet propane generators. 

1. Efficient Than Gasoline:

Generally, it is noticed that generators using propane fuel are more efficient than others running on gasoline.

These generators are more powerful, and the best thing is their environmental friendliness and quiet running.

This is highly recommended for LP generators due to fewer pollution problems. Propane carries almost 143,300 BTU each gallon which is different from per gallon of gas, which is 125,000 BTU.

2. Provide More Watts Per Pound:

The greatest advantage that will make you a fan of propane generators is they have more watts of power generation per pound than diesel or gas-powered generators.

Sometimes, the generator weighs the same, and their size is the same, but the power generation varies just because of fuel. Sounds like an interesting fact indeed. 

3. Cheap Fuel:

Propane is a less costly fuel and provides clean running, which is needed now in this globally polluted environment. This is not as affordable as gasoline, but you can run your generator for at least some hours before refilling it again. 

4. Portability:

If you are an owner of a small office or house and plan to spend some bucks on a propane generator, you are on the right track. These generators are portable and carry less space. 

Can Be Used In Dual-Fuel Generators:

Most of the world’s renowned generator manufacturers add a special feature in which the generators automatically switch to other fuel when one runs out.

For example, when they use gasoline in their generator, and suddenly it runs out, they switch to propane on their own. Otherwise, use another option; yes, you can manually turn them into propane by pushing the button. 

An Easy Way To Know The Runtime Of Propane Generator:

Calculating the runtime of a propane generator is not rocket science. All you need to do is follow simple steps.

• Whether standby, propane, or natural gas, every generator has a particular runtime. The same is true with propane generators, with limited time per hour for propane consumption. If the generator does not have this information, take help from an internet source. Typically, the 2 gallons of fuel have been used by a generator. 
• Check the tank body and check thoroughly. Manufacturers mentioned the tank size. Commonly used fuel tanks in a portable propane generator are nearly 20 pounds. 
• After gathering these two values, the next step is to follow a method. If you want to use an amount of fuel in pounds, the formula is as follows: propane tank size in pounds divided by fuel usage in an hour. 
• The formula is almost alike for gallons. All you need to do is use the values in gallons. 

This is the convenient and easiest method by which you can calculate the runtime of a propane generator. So choose as per your needs and the size of your home or business place.

See More:

Can You Charge A Tesla With A Generator
How Much Natural Gas Does A Generator Use Per Hour

Video Help:

For complete guidelines, watch the full video.