Portable Generators

Portable generators are extremely useful machines, particularly after the loss of electricity in the wake of a storm or other unforeseen circumstance.  They are particulary useful when temporary or remote electric power is needed.  Portable generators are normally powered by gasoline, diesel, propane or natural gas.  Larger generators are also available for a variety of mobile situations.

Portable generators are also excellent for outdoor camping because of their small size and abilty to be dropped in the back of the car. They can provide the camper with lifes luxuries such as refridgeration, lighting and even TV. The smaller generators approx 650W can easily be used on campsites as they are incredible quiet.

Larger generators come with additional features such as auto-start, and can be fitted with additional wheels for easy moving, very handy on building sites. 

Mobile generators are not meant to power entire houses, only too power a number of small devices and appliances, this is entirely dependent on the rating of the generator. Smaller generators are rated around 650W and will power fewer devices than a 3KW generator would, the 3KW is physically much larger and heavier. 

The power output of portable generators

In order to determine the power output too look for in a portable generator for your home, you first need to make a list of all of the appliances and lights that you want to run off of the generator. The wattage of all of these things combined will tell you how much wattage your portable generator should have. If you are unsure of how to determine wattage, simply multiply amps by volts, most appliances will have a power usuage in Watts written somewhere them. A standard domestic fridge is rated somewhere around 40 watts. Regardless of which portable generator you choose, you must make sure that it has the maximum output and rated output that you need to run your appliances and lights. Maximum output will start an appliance or light, while sustaining that wattage depends upon the generator’s rated output.

Fuel of choice.

For larger commercial generators diesel fuel is preferred fuel because of its economy.  Standby generators for the home can also run on natural gas or propane.  For portable generators, the most common choice for fuel is gasoline.  Portable generators are almost always air-cooled, 3600 RPM models.

Safety

When using your generator NEVER use inside a home or garage, EVEN IF doors and windows are open. Generators are essentially internal combustion engines and produce carbon monoxide just like your car. Indoors carbon monoxide can build up to dangerous levels in a few minutes. Leave the generator running outside and run a cable through the window, you know it makes sense.