If you want to keep your food good, your lights on, the electronics running and your home security systems to work, and without any interruption, you need a generator
A generator can power your house in a blackout; whether the blackout stays for an hour or a week, a backup generator will be there, providing necessary power. It will put your mind at ease.
There are two types of generators, standby generators and portable generators. Standby generators are not mobile, whereas portable generators are. You can take them with you wherever you like.
The Westinghouse generator is a reliable and robust machine
A portable generator is a good choice for a temporary power outage or to power your tools at the construction site. They are available over a wide power range starting from 2,000 watts to 15,000 watts.
Other than a backup power source, a portable generator can be used for many other applications. In this article, we will discuss that, along with the safety tips which you should follow when operating a portable generator.
Do You Need a Portable Generator?
This is the first question that you should ask yourself, do I really need a portable generator?
Is it a need or simply a matter of want? There is nothing wrong if you want one, it will come in handy if not today, then some other day, you won’t be wasting your money on it, that’s for sure.
But if your budget is tight and you don’t really need one, then it will be a good idea to stay put on that thought for now.
A portable generator can be very handy
So, if you conclude that you need a portable generator, then a real query begins. There are a lot of generators on the market, and thorough research is mandatory to purchase the right one.
You can refer to some other articles to get a better understanding of different generator-related terms and to read reviews of top generators on the market.
Here is why you might need a portable generator?
When you stock your fridge for a week, it means you need to keep a large quantity of food refrigerated, then you surely need a portable generator. If the power outage stays for an extended time, then the food and your money will go to waste.
If you have medical equipment at home, which works on electricity, and you might need them in an emergency, then you must have a generator. You never know when a situation can turn from bad to worse. Medical equipment like a dialysis machine, a breathing machine, etc., works on electricity.
You have to look after your generator for it to continue working effectively
Moreover, if you have essential home appliances which need to be constantly running, like a sump pump and a heater in chilly regions, then you need a generator.
Where You Can Use a Portable Generator?
A portable generator, thanks to its portability, has a wide range of uses. It not only powers the houses and keeps the business running, but it will also be useful for many other things. Some of them we have listed below.
Emergencies
An emergency blackout can lead to a disrupted day, and it will be a hindrance to your daily task or work. If a blackout persists for an extended time, then food in the fridge will go bad, and at night there will be no power or central heating. You will have to walk in darkness. A portable generator can prevent all of these. It is a great backup solution.
Camping Trips
On a camping trip, a portable generator can power small appliances like a mini-fridge, electric skillet, or fan. Also, it can charge your electronics and their batteries. Without power, your laptop or smartphone will go dead in a few hours.
Construction Sites
Construction sites will be mostly located far from any town, so the chances are high that there won’t be access to any electricity. To run power tools like a drill, grinder, etc., you will need a portable generator. You will also need it to power lights, a trailer van, a water pump, and to keep the security system running.
Fairs and Events
A barren parking lot at a school can be transformed into a rocking carnival or festival. A portable generator can make that happen. It can run a few rides, bouncy castles, and candy machines. It can run the music equipment. A mic and speaker as well. They are good to arrange an outdoor event or a garden party.
Sporting Tournaments
During a sporting event, a scoreboard, announcement system, and lights if the game is at night must keep working. They generally work on-grid electricity, but a portable generator is used during a power outage. A portable generator becomes obligatory if the event takes place on open ground, which is without any amenities.
Weddings
A generator will always be needed for a wedding, and it doesn’t matter if it is an outdoor wedding or not. A portable unit will power a DJ setup, all lightings including dance floor, coffee makers, and heating and cooling needs.
How to Safely Use a Portable Generator?
The first step in generator safety is to keep it outside and at a recommended distance from the house, generally 20 feet away. This is to avoid carbon monoxide accumulation which can turn out deadly. You can’t use it in the garage even if you keep the garage door open.
Other than that, use quality cables of proper gauge. An extension cord should be selected based on the maximum electricity the generator can supply, and this will keep it from melting.
Extension cords are rated in amps, so you will need to find the amperage of your generator from the wattage and voltage provided.
Always check the generator’s oil levels
Don’t ever directly connect the generator to the house circuits; always use the transfer switch. A direct connection will lead to back feed, in which power lines get energized with the generator power; it may electrocute the person working on it, assuming that power lines are not live.
Other than that, don’t ever refuel the generator when it is running or just after when it stops; let it cool down. If the fuel flows over the hot engine, then it can lead to a fire or explosion. Here the safety of the unit becomes secondary, and the fire can burn the person refueling the generator.
Final Words
So, we have gone through some interesting uses of a portable generator and some safety tips on how to operate it. A portable generator is a great tool, but if not used carefully, then it may result in fatal accidents. If you are sure that you need a generator for your house, then order one now!
