Portable Generators

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Portable Generator

Generators come in two basic types: standby and portable. There also are inverters, which are not generators but may meet your needs. The source of backup power you ultimately choose will be determined by many factors, including your power requirements.

Portable electric generators are versatile. You can use them for emergency power at home, for power in remote locations where utility power is unavailable, or for recreational purposes, like boating or camping.

Portable gas generators are fueled by gasoline and include 120-volt power outlets like the ones in the walls of your home. When the generator is running, you can plug appliances and tools directly into these outlets. Some generators also include 240-volt outlets (that is, the kind of outlet for an electric dryer or for other large appliances).

There are two basic power measurements for generators: peak power (also known as startup power) and continuous power. Both are measured in wattage. Peak power is the wattage required for appliances at startup or when they are running at their highest levels of power consumption. Continuous power is the wattage required for operation of those appliances under normal load.

The smallest portable generator, 1,000-watt, may be all you need for recreational purposes. And you may use up to 8,000 watts if using a generator to power tools on the jobsite. Because you plug appliances directly into a portable power generator, you'll also want to make sure that your model has the number and type of outlets you need. The size of the fuel tank also is crucial. The bigger the tank, the longer your generator can run without refilling and produce power.

Several manufacturers provide sales of these type of portable generators, such as: Coleman, Generac, Yamaha, Onan, and Honda.

If you're not planning to hook your portable diesel generator, or gas generator into your home or building's electrical system, there is not a lot of setup involved other than finding a safe place outside your home for the generator. Because portable generators create carbon monoxide, you should never run them inside a building, beneath a window, or near any opening to your house (doors, vents, etc.).

Once situated, fill the generator with the required type of gasoline and oil and start the unit. Startup can be as simple as pressing a switch, but on some you'll have to yank a manual recoil pull-cord. Of course, you will have to plug the appliances you want to power into the generator, refuel it as necessary, and shut the generator off when you're finished with it.

If you want to connect your generator to your home's electrical system, you'll need a manual transfer switch. Make sure your generator's manufacturer supports connecting your model to a transfer switch. If supported, comply with your model's safety and warranty guidelines as well any local building codes during the installation. In general, it's best to hire an electrician to handle the wiring of your home to the generator and transfer switch.

However you use your generator, over time you'll have to change filters, oil, and spark plugs. Plus, you should not store raw gasoline in the generator when you're not using it. Either run the generator empty or add a gasoline stabilizer that will prevent the gasoline from "gumming" up. Many manufacturers sell tune-up kits for their models.

Portable Generator Safety

Do not operate generators indoors, in enclosed spaces, or near a window. Make sure there is proper ventilation for all exhaust.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation, operation, and maintenance.
Do not operate generators near combustible materials.
Operate portable generators on a level surface.
Do not plug a portable generator directly into your house circuit.
Do not attach a generator's transfer switch to your circuit box yourself unless you're very sure of what you're doing. Check all applicable local, state, and national codes and the warranty information before you do this.

Portable Generator Sales and Information websites:

• Portable emergency generators - Home portable, emergency, backup and standby generators for residential and business.

• Portable generators - Specializing in portable gas, diesel generators sales for home, or jobsite. Also smallest portable generators too.

• Home portable generators - Everything from power electric emergency generators to portable and home backup generators.

• Portable RV generators - Home and RV portable generator sales. Quiet new and used portable rv generators fueled propane, gasoline, or natural gas.

• Portable generators - Portable power, standby and backup generators sales. Quiet small Honda, Yamaha, Generac gas generators.

• Home portable power generators - Home portable electric power generator reviews and consumer information. Review the products before you buy!