| Portable generators are used in homes and in | | | | volts. A portable generator should have at least |
| places where there is no power or the need for | | | | two receptacles of 120 volt each. Generators that |
| power is minimum. Portable generators are | | | | provide a longer runtime per tank of fuel or |
| generally smaller and are designed to use for a | | | | having a fuel tank capacity of around 5 gallon of |
| few. A portable generator of 5KW has enough | | | | fuel are preferred especially, by people living in |
| power to keep lights, refrigerators, computers | | | | areas where power failures are quite frequent. |
| and televisions running for 7 to 8 hours. Portable | | | | A portable 7KW generator that can power lights, |
| generators are normally powered by gasoline, | | | | furnaces, sump pumps, televisions and |
| diesel, propane or natural gas. They are the most | | | | refrigerators may cost $1000 or more depending |
| popular of all portable generators. Gasoline | | | | upon the quality and the type of generator. For a |
| generators are relatively less expensive but | | | | normal home, an ideal generator would be in |
| require frequent maintenance and have a shorter | | | | 10KW to 12 KW costing around $2700 for 10KW |
| life span. Gasoline has a short shelf life and cannot | | | | and $3700 for a 12 KW. Portable diesel |
| be stored for a long time unless treated with | | | | generators are available for use on construction |
| stabilizers. | | | | sites in the range of 200KW and more. |
| Diesel generators, on the other hand, are | | | | Before operating the generator, read and follow |
| fuel-efficient, consume less fuel per kilowatt of | | | | the instructions given in the owner's manual. |
| power produced, have longer life and require less | | | | Observe the operating and the maintenance |
| maintenance. Diesel can be stored for longer | | | | procedures strictly for safe and trouble free |
| periods of time. However, they are harder to | | | | operation. Avoid putting loads on the generator |
| start in cold weather and noisy. Portable | | | | that exceed the manufacturer's rating. Also, do |
| generators powered by natural gas or propane is | | | | not run too many devices at the same time. This |
| the best choice if available. The generator lasts | | | | trips the generators circuit breakers causing loss |
| longer and burns cleaner. | | | | of power. The generator must be operated at |
| Before choosing a portable generator, the total | | | | least twice a year with full load to keep it in |
| wattage of all appliances to be powered by the | | | | working condition. Keep the generator outside the |
| generator must be calculated. This includes the | | | | house but never in a garage or in a basement. |
| starting wattage required by appliances with | | | | Carbon monoxide emitted from the generator |
| motors, such as refrigerators and freezers that | | | | can be hazardous to health. Use only the |
| use two or three times their normal wattage | | | | recommended extension cords for the generator. |
| power to start. The generator should not only | | | | Hire the service of a qualified electrician to install a |
| meet the normal wattage, but the start up | | | | transfer switch if the generator is to be |
| wattage of the appliances. Moreover, the | | | | connected to home wiring. Do not refuel the |
| generator must have the necessary voltage | | | | generator when it is under operation. Spilling of |
| ratings to run electric appliances such as the | | | | fuel may cause fire. The generator should be kept |
| ovens and clothes driers that are rated at 240 | | | | dry and should not be run in wet conditions. |