Generators are essential for producing electricity in our day-to-day life. For the smooth functioning of generators, it is very much necessary to provide the right kind of fuel to them in order to help them run.
Dual fuel generators are common these days. They are popular because they are convenient to use with two types of fuel based on availability and affordability.
Let us help you know if a dual fuel generator can run in natural gas or not and some other information related to it.
What is a dual fuel generator?
A dual fuel generator is a kind of generator that can run on two types of fuel at the same time or run on one fuel at a time. A generator is called a dual fuel generator based on its engine and the type of fuel it can run on.
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There are various kinds of dual fuel generator combinations available in the market currently. The most noteworthy combination is propane and diesel.
This is the most popular combination which is the most convenient for brands to manufacture and is quite popular in the market among customers. It is easy to use and affordable for all.
Can a dual fuel generator run on natural gas?
Yes, a dual fuel generator can run on natural gas. A dual fuel generator is built to run on two types of different fuels, either mixed or alone. Moreover, these types of generators have the capacity to store two types of fuel or even intake two different types of fuel without any issue.
A dual fuel generator is currently a convenient choice to many due to its popularity and versatility of usage. It is easy to modify using officially provided or separately sold modification tools.
Therefore, you can easily perform the necessary modifications to your dual fuel generator to run on natural gas if it supports natively.
Based on brands, the method of converting your dual fuel generator to run on any type of fuel type will vary. Let us provide you insight into whether or not a dual fuel generator of the following brands can run on natural gas:
Champion dual fuel generator:
No, you can’t run your Champion dual fuel generator on natural gas natively. But performing the necessary modifications can make your Champion dual fuel generator run on natural gas.
The reason behind this is, none of the Champion dual fuel generators runs on natural gas natively. All the models run on gasoline or propane.
To use natural gas on your Champion dual fuel generator, you will have to use a conversion kit.
Westinghouse dual fuel generator:
A Westinghouse dual fuel generator cannot be run on natural gas natively. But with necessary modifications with the right conversion kit, it can be run on natural gas.
There are separate standalone models of the Westinghouse dual fuel generators that run on natural gas natively.
But if you do not use those models, you can easily convert your Westinghouse dual fuel generator to run on natural gas if you use the appropriate conversion kit.
Can you convert a dual fuel generator to natural gas?
Yes, you can convert a dual fuel generator to natural gas. Almost all dual fuel generators can be converted to natural gas by certain modifications.
If you use a conversion kit, you can convert your dual fuel generator to natural gas. Almost all brands sell natural gas conversion kits for their dual fuel generators.
You can purchase the necessary conversion kit from them. If you can’t find one from the brand that you are using, you can check out other third-party conversion kits for your dual fuel generator.
How to convert dual fuel generators to natural gas?
You can convert your dual fuel generator to natural gas if you have the right tools and skills for it. Here are the steps that you will have to follow to make your dual fuel generator to natural gas:
Purchase a natural gas conversion kit:
Before you start modifying your dual fuel generator to natural gas, you will have to purchase a natural gas conversion kit. Purchase a natural gas conversion kit according to your generator’s model.
Remove the air filter and the cover box:
At the back of your dual fuel generator, you will find a black box which is known as the air filter box. Remove it and the air filter inside by removing the screws inside it.
Attach a stud extender:
After you remove the air filter and the box, reach for the carburetor. Attach the stud extender to the carburetor. Install it tightening them up using a pair of pliers.
Attach the carburetor adapter:
After you attached the stud extender, attach the carburetor adapter over it with the necessary screws.
Reinstall the air filter and cover box:
After attaching the carburetor adapter, reinstall the air filter box and then the air filter. Tighten the screws of the box and the air filter. Use tape or a sealer if required to close any gaps.
Attach the line of the natural gas:
Connect one end of the line to the source which is basically the regulator and the other side of the line by fitting the line with the end of the hose of the carburetor.
Start the generator and open the natural gas line:
Start the dual fuel generator and provide natural gas according to the requirement.
Is it safe to convert a generator to natural gas?
Yes, it is safe to convert a generator to natural gas. If you do the necessary modifications with the right tools, you can safely convert your generator to natural gas.
To convert your generator to natural gas, you must use the correct conversion kit with your generator. Also, you need to attach the conversion kit properly.
If you do these things properly, you can safely use a generator by converting it to natural gas.
How long will a generator run on propane vs gasoline?
A generator running on propane will have three times more runtime compared to a generator running on gasoline. Depending on how much gasoline and propane you are using, the amount of time the generator runs might vary.
If we fill one generator with gasoline and another with propane respectively with the quantity of 1.1 gals of fuel in each of them, you will find that the generator runs on gasoline for 11 hours and on propane for 34 hours.
Does a generator run better on gas or propane?
A generator runs better on gas in comparison to propane. Though generators running on propane are environment friendly as they tend to release less carbon emission, they are less efficient in terms of producing electricity.
Generators running on propane tend to produce 25 – 30 % less electricity compared to generators running on gasoline. It is because gasoline has a better BTU per gallon of fuel than propane.
Is it cheaper to run a generator on propane or natural gas?
It is cheaper to run a generator on natural gas compared to propane. Though prices fluctuate based on global demand, it can be said that generally, propane is far more expensive than natural gas.
If you look into the numbers, you will find that one-gallon propane will cost you 2.41 $. Whereas for a similar quantity of natural gas, you will have to spend 0.86 $.
So, you can easily understand that it is cheaper to run a generator on natural gas compared to propane.
Can portable generators run on natural gas?
Yes, a portable generator can run on natural gas if it is a tri-fuel or natural gas portable generator. Portable generators are built to run either on propane or natural gas.
If your portable generator can run on natural gas natively, you can use it without any issue with natural gas.
Various brands are introducing tri-fuel portable generators which can run on gasoline, propane, and natural gas. Those can also run on natural gas without any problem.
Can a propane generator be converted to run on natural gas?
Yes, a propane generator can be converted to run on natural gas. A propane generator can not run on natural gas without any modifications.
There are conversion kits available in the market to make your propane generator run on natural gas.
Conversion kits are necessary because the propane generators run on a different mixture of fuel which might not be compatible without the conversion kit. Therefore, if you buy the kit and convert your propane generator, you will be able to use it with natural gas.
Final thoughts
A dual fuel generator can run on natural gas. To run it on natural gas, you will have to use a conversion kit, which you will have to attach to your dual fuel generator with proper modifications. Without these modifications, it is not possible to use your dual fuel generator on natural gas.