Portable electricity generators are a blessing in cases of temporary electric power failure or in remote locations with no electric power supply. For information on how to safely and efficiently use these generators please refer to this article. Generators are rated by their wattage, how many watts of power they produce and how much demand they can handle, and those whose wattage is higher than 2,500 watts do not classify as portable, or back-up, generators; 5000-watt generators, for example, are considered to be "whole house" generators because they can provide power to several major household appliances simultaneously.
Portable generators use a number of different fuels: gasoline, diesel, propane gas, or natural gas.
- Diesel powered generators last longer, are more fuel efficient, and do not heat up as much as gasoline generators. However, diesel fuel degrades over time. If you want to use your generator as a power source in a secluded cabin in the mountains, you will need to know the proper techniques for storing fuel. Keep fuel in case of emergencies especially if you live near a hurricane prone coast. Since many service station pumps run on electric power, a general outage in your area may mean that you won't be able to get any fuel for your generator. Even if you store your automobile or lawn mower, you should pour stored fuel into it at least every few months
- The comparative price of gasoline compared to that of diesel fuel in the U.S. varies from year to year. A gallon of gasoline will nevertheless produce more energy than a gallon of diesel will. Like diesel fuel, gasoline deteriorates overtime and has to be exchanged regularly.
- Propane gas can be safely stored because it does not decay/spoil. At -46 F, this changes into an easily compressed liquid. Compressed propane is sold in portable tanks at many service stations.
- Places where natural gas pipeline utility is offered are the only places natural gas powered generators will work. Unlike propane, natural gas does not compress easily.
While generators can be quite useful, they are also very dangerous if proper procedures are not followed. The safety measures below should be strictly adhered to
- The byproduct of running a fuel-powered generator is carbon dioxide, which is both invisible and odorless. Generators must never be used indoors. Otherwise, CO poisoning is likely to result from breathing the engine exhaust. Keep in mind though that this includes sheds, crawlspaces, garages etc.
- Portable generators should always be stored outdoors in a secure location. While it's possible to run the generator close to a home, it's best to keep it away from doors, windows, and vents that could allow the Carbon Dioxide exhaust to filter back inside.
- If you will use your generator often, you should consider installing battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms as a precaution against poisoning.
- There is always an electrical hazard element with the use of portable generators, especially if they are operated in wet conditions, like a power outage due to flooding. If it is raining, keep the generator covered, but don't use it inside buildings or near their entrances.
- Be confident that you have extension cords that are the right size and meant for the outdoors. For safety, it is essential that you use cords rated for an appropriate wattage. The rating should exceed the combined wattage of all devices connected to it. Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires. All three plug prongs should be undamaged and the cord should be free from any cuts or tears.
- Do not attempt to power your home wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, and never connect generators to another power source such as power lines. This will cause a reverse flow of electricity and represents electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors.
- To avoid burns and fires, turn off the generator and let it cool down before refueling; gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite. - 16463
Portable generators use a number of different fuels: gasoline, diesel, propane gas, or natural gas.
- Diesel powered generators last longer, are more fuel efficient, and do not heat up as much as gasoline generators. However, diesel fuel degrades over time. If you want to use your generator as a power source in a secluded cabin in the mountains, you will need to know the proper techniques for storing fuel. Keep fuel in case of emergencies especially if you live near a hurricane prone coast. Since many service station pumps run on electric power, a general outage in your area may mean that you won't be able to get any fuel for your generator. Even if you store your automobile or lawn mower, you should pour stored fuel into it at least every few months
- The comparative price of gasoline compared to that of diesel fuel in the U.S. varies from year to year. A gallon of gasoline will nevertheless produce more energy than a gallon of diesel will. Like diesel fuel, gasoline deteriorates overtime and has to be exchanged regularly.
- Propane gas can be safely stored because it does not decay/spoil. At -46 F, this changes into an easily compressed liquid. Compressed propane is sold in portable tanks at many service stations.
- Places where natural gas pipeline utility is offered are the only places natural gas powered generators will work. Unlike propane, natural gas does not compress easily.
While generators can be quite useful, they are also very dangerous if proper procedures are not followed. The safety measures below should be strictly adhered to
- The byproduct of running a fuel-powered generator is carbon dioxide, which is both invisible and odorless. Generators must never be used indoors. Otherwise, CO poisoning is likely to result from breathing the engine exhaust. Keep in mind though that this includes sheds, crawlspaces, garages etc.
- Portable generators should always be stored outdoors in a secure location. While it's possible to run the generator close to a home, it's best to keep it away from doors, windows, and vents that could allow the Carbon Dioxide exhaust to filter back inside.
- If you will use your generator often, you should consider installing battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms as a precaution against poisoning.
- There is always an electrical hazard element with the use of portable generators, especially if they are operated in wet conditions, like a power outage due to flooding. If it is raining, keep the generator covered, but don't use it inside buildings or near their entrances.
- Be confident that you have extension cords that are the right size and meant for the outdoors. For safety, it is essential that you use cords rated for an appropriate wattage. The rating should exceed the combined wattage of all devices connected to it. Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires. All three plug prongs should be undamaged and the cord should be free from any cuts or tears.
- Do not attempt to power your home wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, and never connect generators to another power source such as power lines. This will cause a reverse flow of electricity and represents electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors.
- To avoid burns and fires, turn off the generator and let it cool down before refueling; gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite. - 16463
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