A portable generator can produce power to run tools and appliances when you need electricity in remote areas. These generators run on diesel, propane, or gasoline and include two electrical outlets.
Portable generators are more than a blessing in times of power outage. Isn’t it horrible to spend a couple of days without a power source and appliances?
A portable generator can save you from issues. They can run various devices, depending on their size, to provide you with comfort and satisfaction.
The size of the generator decides how much power supply it will offer. It is such a relief to have a portable generator, especially when you are facing a blackout.
Types of Portable Generators Available:
Portable generators are lifesavers, converting fuels into electrical energy. Unlike standby generators, these portable ones are more convenient in terms of usage and space.
You can use them anywhere, which is the most satisfying part of using a portable generator. Be it office, home, or a construction site; these generators will never disappoint you.
Generators are of three types, standby, industrial, inverter, and portable. Today, we are discussing different types of portable generators. Followings are the common types of portable generators:
- Gasoline generators
- Propane gas generators
- Solar battery generators
These are the three basic portable generator types. You can use any of them according to your needs as all of them work well. Gasoline ones are the most common and reliable.
These generators need a fuel stabilizer if you are using a full gas tank. It will also protect your generator from rusting, corrosion, etc.
By doing this, you will save yourself from the hassle of starting it many times before the final one. Moreover, it’s good to empty the carburetor to make it work amazingly, even after some time.
Propane gas generators are also one of the best common portable generator types these days.
People prefer these generators because of their higher performance rate and quietness. They are known as inverter generators.
Solar battery portable generators are not traditional but new. They are valuable options to give a try. Solar battery generators provide you with significant power. Even on a single charge, it can keep running your huge appliances for about 22-24 hours.
If you use solar panels to charge these generators, it will take 6 hours. Else, with an AC plug, it will be fully charged in 18 hours. They are getting popular because of their higher power supply and long-lasting charge.
Not only this, but you can keep them in your home without any worries. Solar battery generators don’t emit hazardous rays or affect your house. Hence it is safe to keep them inside.
What Should I Look for When Buying A Portable Generator?
Power:
The reason you are buying a generator is to provide a power supply to different appliances. If the generator cannot supply enough power, it is a total waste. Look for the power requirements of other devices during a power outage.
Your generator should be of higher capacity than your required power. Generators have both surge and running power.
Consider both of them because, without the right surge power, you cannot start your appliances. At the same time, the running power keeps your appliances and household items running.
Pure Sine Wave:
Generators can cause damage to your appliances and items like laptops, lab equipment, etc., if you have bought on with a pure sine wave effect. It is also known as clean power. Many devices deny the power supply if it is not clean power.
So, always choose the portable generator with a pure sine wave and table energy to avoid damages.
Running Time and Fuel Type:
The running time of your generator decides how much refueling it requires. You can also determine this by knowing the size of the engine. The bigger it is, the more it requires fuel.
Moreover, you will need to shut the generator off and wait for it to cool down for refueling. It will take about 15-25 minutes, making it horrible for you sometimes. Especially if you have an event going on. Hence, if the fuel tank is big enough, you can have more running time.
Wheel Kit:
It is not necessary to get a wheel kit along with your portable generator. Some brands offer the kit, and for some, you have to buy it separately. The wheels are beneficial for a portable generator because you can move them quickly.
Functioning of Portable Generators:
Complex from the outside, simple from the inside, these portable generators are easy to understand. They allow you to light up your home and enjoy all the facilities during a power outage.
If the fuel tank is complete, it will allow the engine to turn combustion energy into mechanical. The energy is further converted into electricity with an internal engine.
The electricity then converts into wattage to provide a power supply to different items and appliances. The startup is also easy and convenient.
Uses of Portable Generators:
These beneficial power backup supply options help you in several situations. You can enjoy as many benefits as you want with a vast range of uses. These are as follows:
- If your area is prone to frequent storms and heavy rains, you can use it as a backup power source to run your appliances.
- During power outages, there are higher chances of losing all your food. With a portable generator, you can preserve your food by running a refrigerator for a long time.
- Your camping trip is incomplete without a portable generator, especially if the area you are camping in allows generators. A small noiseless generator will be a blessing there.
- For construction tasks, the usage of these generators will help you power your tools to avoid inconvenience.
- They are easy and safe to use. Hence, you can use these machines anywhere, even inside your home, if it is solar.
Portable Generators Safety Tips:
We all know they are convenient and safe power backup options, but no generator is 100% secure. Therefore, we have mentioned some of the valuable safety tips to keep you and your family safe while using it:
- Try to use one with carbon monoxide detection, which is not available for all generators. The detection will help to shut off when there is a lot of gas.
- Never use these gas or fuel-powered generators indoors, as it is hazardous.
- Refueling just after turning the generator off can cause an explosion. Always wait until the generator cools down.
FAQ
Which Is the Best Portable Generator Brand?
Champion is the best brand for portable generators these days. If you are planning to buy an efficient generator, go for it without thinking twice.
Can I Make My Generator Quieter?
There are many ways to make your generator operation noiseless. You can use sound deflectors, turn the exhaust pipes in a vertical position, building an enclosure, replace the muffler, keep it on a soft surface and away from you, etc.
Does Size Matter When Buying A Portable Generator?
Yes, it is one of the most important factors to consider while buying a generator. The wattage requirement of your house decides the size of the generator. Calculate how many appliances you want to use with a generator and add their surge power together. Get a generator of higher wattage.
Can A Portable Generator Run A House?
A portable generator of 5000-7500 watts can efficiently run your standard household equipment. If you want your generator to run your entire house, buy one with higher wattage.
How Long Can You Run A Portable Generator Continuously?
Well, the answer is quite simple. The fuel tank decides how long the generator will serve you. A generator can run your house as long as the fuel ends. You can decrease the number of appliances with a generator to run for a more extended period.
Conclusion
If you have bought the correct generator type with enough wattage capacity, you can run almost any appliance in your home during a power outage. The modern versions of generators quite fuel-efficient and make less noise than their traditional counterparts.
