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