Types of generators 
There are two types of generators to choose from: engine-driven and tractor-driven. Home generators are usually engine-driven; they’re fueled by gasoline, diesel, natural gas or propane, and may only be powerful enough to operate a refrigerator or group of small appliances. However, engine-driven generators also come in units powerful enough to operate fans in swine or poultry confinement facilities; these larger units can be permanently installed and can even turn on automatically.

The other type of generator—tractor-driven units—use a tractor’s power take-off as an energy source. They’re cheaper, with no maintenance required for the generator engine itself; they’re also portable, able to be moved by the tractor from one location to another.

Before purchasing
According to Paul Gillis, an energy management engineer with Gen~Sys Energy who works with electric cooperatives in north central Iowa, you should consider the following things before purchasing any sort of generator:

• First, decide how quickly it will need function before pipes freeze, animals become stressed, perishable foods begin to thaw, and so on. If the generator must spring into action immediately, a permanent, automatic system may be best.
• Next, evaluate how much power you’ll need. Your generator should actually produce more power than will be drawn by the combination of lighting, appliances and equipment you plan to connect, to prevent blowing a fuse on the generator or damaging the connected equipment.
• An electrician can determine how much power will be required, or you can look at the labels on things you’ll connect to the generator. For lighting, look for the wattage of the light bulb; appliances and equipment usually have labels with their power requirements.
• If you’re leaning toward a gasoline or diesel generator, remember that you’ll need to keep the fuel fresh year-round and change the oil annually.
• Your generator should have the following things: a grounding lug; a large-size fuel tank; an extended lifespan; an overhead valve engine; and a pressurized oil system.
• You may need to consider the amount of noise produced, since some generators are quieter than others.
• Whatever type of generator you buy, be sure it’s listed with the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM).

Precautions
Once you’ve bought your generator, protect yourself and others by using it properly. Generators can be lethal; they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution, and fire, so never forget the following safety tips:

To prevent carbon monoxide problems:

• Never use a generator indoors, not even in the garage. Instead, place it outside, well away from all doors, windows and vents. 
• Protect yourself further by installing carbon monoxide alarms in your home that will warn you if the generator’s fumes leak inside.

To avoid electrocution:

• You can safely connect whatever appliances you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator—or, if you prefer, connect appliances to the generator via heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension cords. If you use extension cords, check them for cuts or tears and be sure the plug has all three prongs, including the grounding pin.
• Never, never plug your generator into your home’s wall outlet unless you have a disconnect to the main power feeding lines. Otherwise, the generator could backfeed 7,200 volts, endangering repair crews, you, and your neighbors.
• The National Electric Code(NEC) does permit connecting your generator to your usual power source (i.e., your electric utility) if you have the right transfer equipment to prevent backfeeding. A qualified electrician can install a certified transfer switch (double pole, double-throw) properly mounted within an electrical box, in accordance with NEC code and state and local electrical codes.
• Be sure your generator is grounded, and be careful when using it in wet weather conditions.

To prevent a fire:

• If you’ll be operating your generator where sparks could cause a fire, be sure you get a generator with a spark arrestor.
• Never refuel while the generator is running. Turn it off and allow it to cool down first.
• Ask your fire department about local regulations for storing generator fuel, since local laws may restrict how much fuel you can store and where. 
• Fuel should never be kept in the garage, basement, or anywhere in your home, since vapors can cause illness, fire or even an explosion. Instead, put it in a locked shed or other protected area, making sure to use an approved, labeled storage container that’s child-proof.

For tractor-mounted generators, remember these special safety tips:

• Make sure the unit is securely mounted, since there will be sufficient torque to tip the generator over or spin it around.
• The generator must be sufficiently shielded so that the person operating it can’t get tangled up in the unit.
• Turn off the tractor and PTO control before servicing the generator.
• Set the tractor brake before starting the generator.

For further information, consult your electric cooperative.

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