When natural-gas capability is worth it: dual vs tri-fuel scope, per-fuel output ratings, gas-supply interface, certification and a tri-fuel RFQ field sheet.

In this guide7 sections

Specify a gasoline-LPG-natural-gas generator only when the buyer needs all three fuel options. Before listing or quoting a model, confirm output on each fuel, the natural-gas supply interface, the factory-build or conversion scope and the applicable destination documents. Keep unresolved fields on hold.

Choose tri-fuel from the operating environment, not the fuel label

Add natural-gas capability when the customer has a defined use for it and can provide the required supply and installation arrangements. If the buyer needs only gasoline and LPG, use the dual-fuel checklist and leave natural gas outside the quotation.

Know where dual-fuel ends and tri-fuel begins

The extra fuel changes the scope of the sale, not just the label. Keep the two offers distinct so your customer receives the right hardware and documents.

Comparison showing gasoline, LPG and natural-gas output typically stepping down, and the added natural-gas scope in tri-fuel versus dual-fuel
Adding natural gas adds a supply-and-installation scope that a dual-fuel offer does not carry. Output is usually declared separately per fuel.
Item Dual-fuel offer Tri-fuel / multi-fuel offer
Core fuels Gasoline + LPG/propane Gasoline + LPG/propane + natural gas
Main decision Does LPG flexibility improve the gasoline offer? Is adding natural gas technically and commercially justified?
Gas-system scope Propane cylinder + supplied LPG regulator NG demand regulation, inlet pressure, pipe/hose capacity, field connection
Output comparison Gasoline vs LPG Gasoline vs LPG vs NG
Main risk Assuming all propane arrangements match Treating NG as "just another hose"

Treat natural gas as a supply system, not a hose

Define the natural-gas supply before accepting the connection claim. Record the demand regulator, available inlet pressure and pipe or hose capacity, with an owner for each supplier-side and site-side input.

Diagram splitting natural-gas connection responsibility between the generator supply, the site gas supply and the qualified installer
Confirm which party supplies the demand regulator, verifies inlet pressure and sizes the pipe. This split belongs in the quote, not on site.

Gas-appliance connection, ventilation and carbon-monoxide risk are treated as installation-critical by general guidance such as the ANSI/PGMA G300 portable generator standard and national fuel-gas codes; a US CPSC report on generator CO hazards reflects the same concern. Cite these as context only — the binding instruction is the model manual and the destination's fuel-gas code, applied by a qualified installer. Record HOLD until the gas-supply responsibility split is written down.

Get fuel-specific output ratings — and confirm factory build vs conversion

Usable output normally steps down from gasoline to LPG to natural gas, and the exact figures are per-model. Do not publish one wattage for a tri-fuel set. Require rated and peak values for each fuel, as several makers already publish per-fuel ratings for one model. Use the same rating discipline as the rated versus peak guide, once per fuel.

Also confirm whether the set is a factory-engineered multi-fuel platform or a gasoline unit adapted with a conversion kit — the two differ in warranty, durability and certification scope. If the supplier gives no valid NG rating or cannot confirm the build type for the exact model, record HOLD — NG RATING/BUILD NOT PROVEN.

Match certification to each fuel and market

A mark in a catalogue is not proof of compliance for your buyer's country, and tri-fuel adds gas-appliance requirements on top of the electrical ones. Confirm which certificates apply to the destination for each fuel path, then require the matching documents before shipment — see the import compliance by market guide and the documents-before-order checklist. Destination voltage, frequency and phase still follow the voltage and frequency checklist.

Build a tri-fuel RFQ field sheet

Send one request covering all three fuels, the destination, quantity and intended use. Require each supplier to identify the returned ratings, hardware, documents and installation responsibilities by model.

Request-for-quote field sheet listing per-fuel ratings, natural-gas regulator and inlet pressure, build type, certification and warranty
One sheet that names per-fuel ratings, the NG supply interface, build type, certification and warranty makes tri-fuel offers comparable.

Include at minimum:

  • Destination country, voltage, frequency and phase.
  • Rated and peak output required, per fuel (gasoline, LPG, natural gas).
  • Natural-gas demand regulator supplied, and the required inlet pressure and pipe/hose capacity.
  • Factory multi-fuel build vs conversion kit, stated explicitly.
  • Certificates and marks that apply to the destination, per fuel path.
  • Warranty scope across all fuel paths and the installation-responsibility split.
  • Intended use and duty, forecast quantity and any acceptance test.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Quoting the gasoline wattage as the set's output while the customer runs natural gas.
  • Treating natural gas as a simple hose connection instead of a pressure/flow-dependent supply system.
  • Accepting a conversion kit as equivalent to a factory multi-fuel build.
  • Leaving the demand regulator and installation responsibility out of the quote.
  • Assuming one catalogue mark covers every fuel path and every market.

Send your completed sheet — destination, per-fuel ratings, NG supply interface, build type and required documents — to request a quotation. BEAR confirms the exact model configuration, applicable documents and acceptance terms per order; ratings and certificates are verified for the quoted build rather than assumed from this guide.