Portable Generator Basics

Generator Power
Before purchasing a generator, you will need to determine if it meets your power needs.

Generator power is rated in watts. You can figure out how much wattage you need from a generator by adding the wattage ratings of the appliances you wish to power with the generator. You can often find the wattages of your appliances by checking each appliance's faceplate or owner's manual. Keep in mind that appliances with motors (like freezers and refrigerators) or that heat up will often require a much higher wattage to start than to run, in which case you will need a higher wattage generator.

Outlets
Portable gasoline-powered generators can provide power for TVs, small kitchen appliances, hair dryers, power tools, electric coolers, and lights on camping trips and other outdoor excursions. They can also be put to use in your garage or workshop to power tools like saws, drills, air compressors, heaters, paint sprayers, and lamps. It is important to make sure that your generator has enough outlets for all the appliances you wish to power with it.

Fuel Tanks and Portability
Portable generator have fuel tanks in varying sizes. The bigger a fuel tank is, the bulkier and heavier the generator will be, and therefore the harder it will be to pick up and move. On the other hand, a big fuel tank ensures a longer full tank runtime. Ease of portability is added to larger, heavier generators with wheels.

Special Applications
Besides being used to power home appliances and tools, portable generators can provide power to air conditioning units in warehouses and cooling rooms in office buildings, provide power on a boat or in an RV, and more. Use a generator in case of power outages at home or at work to provide 24-hour reliable back-up.

Safety Guidelines
When operating a portable generator, there are some safety guidelines to keep in mind for you and your family's protection:

• Never run a generator indoors and make sure there is proper ventilation around the unit
• Never add fuel while generator is running
• Avoid spilling fuel on hot components and put out all flames or cigarettes when handling fuel
• Always have a fully charged, approved fire extinguisher near generator
• Plug appliances directly into generator
• Don't overload the generator
• Be cautious handling electrical cords in wet conditions