Portable generators have become very important especially for emergency uses, occasions and even for remote operations. If you require electricity to light up your home in the event of a black out, power tools for construction or for use when you are out in the camps then a portable generator will prove useful. Below is the complete guide to portable generators, their uses and how to select the best one for your needs.
What is Portable Generator?
A portable generator is an easily transportable machine which has the ability to turn mechanical energy into electrical energy. Mostly it operates on gasoline, diesel, or propane and may be employed to operate electrical appliances at a time when normal electricity supply is out of reach. Portable generators can be used for both domestic and business use since they come with ports one can plug in appliances and tools to power.
Benefits of Portable Generators
Emergency Power: This is perhaps the most obvious reason as to why people use portable generators; to get electricity during emergencies. A generator can power such basic appliances as you have your refrigerators, lighting, and any other delicate medical equipment in the course of storms or grid malfunction.
Versatility: These portable generators can be applied in different situations, for instance, they are used in construction sites to power tools, or for illuminating at events and during camping. They are also portable in nature and hence suitable for use where emergency temporary power or power backup is required in several situations.
Easy to Transport: The first point of differentiating between portable and standby generators is that whereas the standby generators are installed permanently, the portable generators are lightweight and are meant to be movable. All models come with wheels and handles and this makes it easier to transfer them from one section to another.
Cost-Effective: Standby generators are usually costlier than Portable generators depending on the size of the generator. For the homeowners and small businesses, they are inexpensive source of backup power that does not require professional installation.
Power for Remote Locations: In case you confined yourself to a remote area where availability of power sources is a challenge, a portable generator is the solution. It makes sure that you get the power required for usage in tools, illuminations, and other equipment’s.
Types of Portable Generators
Inverter Generators: These generators are known to generate clean and stable power that is ideal for electronic devices such as laptops and phones and even LED TV’s. They are generally less noisy, less fuel consumptive and therefore well suitable for recreational uses and for home standby power.
Conventional Generators: These are the older models of portable generators and are usually bulkier and noise as compared to the inverter type. This is preferable for uses that require large amount of power such as motor vehicles, refrigerator, industrial usage but not recommendable for devices such as computers, television sets and so on.
Dual-Fuel Generators: Other generators are those that have the ability to operate on the two kinds of fuel and this is referred to as dual fuel generators. Such flexibility means that users can select the best or perhaps the most accessible fuel type.
Solar Generators: While they are not as potent as gas or diesel versions, solar generators utilise solar panels through which sunlight is transformed into power. They are environmental friendly and does not require fuel to produce power which makes them suitable especially for environmentally concious users.
Key Features to Consider
Power Output: Portable generators vary in the number of watts of power provided by a generator. Before you make your purchase consider the power requirements you are likely to have. The generator should have the capacity of 3,000 to 5,000 watts to be able to power household appliances but a powerful generator with watts above 5,000 watts will be needed to power the heavy devices.
Fuel Type: There are portable generators which are operated by gasoline, propane or even diesel. Gasoline is most widely used; however, propane and diesel generators can work for a longer period of time. Select which type of fuel you prefer according to the availability and its storage capacity.
Run Time: Look into the generator operating hours, this is the number of hours the generator can run with a full tank of fuel. Whereas generators with longer running time durations are useful in emergencies because they don’t need frequent refueling.
Noise Level: A few of the portable generators can be extremely loud, meaning that it may not be the best choice when the generator is to be placed at residential or even camping places. Models with features such as inverter technology for efficiency and lids that cover the Generator are usually less noisy thus; the experience is more pleasant.
Portability Features: This is especially wise in case a generator needs to be moved from one location to another on a permanent basis, therefore look for generators with wheels, handles or small designs. These are features that are of particular importance in case the generator is to be frequently transported from one place to another.
Safety Features: There are various types of generators available in the market, you should select one that comes with the following characteristics; Overload protection; Low oil shutdown; and Spark arrestors. These features assist in safeguarding the generator and the devices in the process of power charging.
The portable generators are very essential for the owners of the homes, people enjoying outdoor activities and those firms or companies which frequently require electricity in the remote areas as well as in cases of power failures. The generators come in different types and with different features; therefore you ought to choose a generator that will meet your power requirement, fuel type, and your pocket. You have to choose the right model and use it safely and then you are sure that you are always connected to power when you need it.
