Generator question

[os1kne]

I have a simple, basic question about generators, the typical Honda, etc. style that one would use on a jobsite or for temporary backup power. Does the generator use approximately the same amount of fuel regardless of the electrical load being drawn?

Thanks.

[LCHIEN]

oh, no, they use fuel proportional to the amount of electrical power. (makes sense if you think about it). The generator is harder to turn as you load it so the engine works harder requireing more gas to keep it at speed.

Most portable gensets specify fuel consumption indirectly, as hours per tank at 1/2 max load, i think.
At full load they'll use gas about twice as fast. Unloaded you might think the tank would last forever, but it does take some fuel flow to keep the motor spinning, even with no electrical load.