In school days, we studied that air, water and food are the basic necessity for any human being survive. In this modern era, power or electricity has become the 4th necessity. It is impossible to think about life without “Power”. We are highly dependent upon electricity to make it through a day. We especially realize it during power outages from bad weather or emergency maintenance.
When occurrences like these happen, naturally, you start worrying about various things – for an example, food thawing in the refrigerator, the assignment that is due before midnight, etc.
A portable generator can rush into the scene like a knight in shining armor and save the day. Having one installed in your house can ensure you have a backup power supply during blackouts.
Therefore, you will get to know about portable backup generators in detail and how they can help you on a rainy day.
Benefits of Having a Portable Power Generator
There are several benefits of having a portable generator at home. For a list of high-quality portable backup power generators, you can visit many websites like kruger power.
01. It Can Power Almost Everything
A portable generator can power your refrigerator, computer, television set, microwave, freezer, electric fan, electric heater, washing machine, electric stove, and lights. Therefore, even when the power goes out, you don’t have to compromise your comfortable lifestyle.
Although some people may prioritize powering the lights and kitchen appliances during a power outage, but keeping the home security system is more important.
02. It Can Be Carried Around
Furthermore, outdoor lovers can take the generator anywhere with them. It can be used to power different appliances on a campsite and in recreational vehicles.
In fact, standard portable backup power generators have handles and wheels. So, you can also carry them from place to place, such as during camping, hiking, etc. You can carry your generator like a travel bag!
03. It is Easy to Use
A portable backup power generator is super easy to use. There is no complex mechanism involved. Hence, all you have to do is read and follow the owner’s manual and safety precautions.
To run the generator, you just press the start button or pull the recoil. Maintenance is also simple and quick with this generator.
04. It is Safe to Operate
For those of you who have never used a portable generator, you may be a little scared. However, there is nothing to be scared of.
Standard generators are designed to prevent accidents, explosions, injury, and damage. The likelihood of a person getting hurt while using the generator is also close to zero provided, he or she has obeyed the safety measures.
Usually, every generator has a circuit breaker protection, so overloads are not possible. Its sophisticated system can regulate the voltage. What’s more, some models use inverter technology to produce clean air.
Furthermore, when the supply of oil reduces in the machine, a low oil shutoff system gets activated. The risk of fire at the exhaust is also low, as the machine comes with a spark arrestor.
How to Run a Portable Generator?
- Assuming that you have purchased a standard generator, you should set up the generator in an open space, like the backyard. Leave plenty of room around it for air circulation, and the exhaust must face outward. Make sure there is a shed above the generator to protect it from rain, snow, and sunlight.
- It is not recommended to install the portable generator indoors, because of the deadly gas that it produces. Fuels like diesel and gas produce carbon monoxide, which can cause death after ingestion.
- You should check the fuel and engine oil level before setting up the generator and fill it up. Running the engine on a dry tank may make the machine obsolete.
- In order to check the oil, remove the dipstick and locate the oil line in the tank. If there is less oil inside, refill until the oil level reaches the indicated mark.
- Although the owner’s manual will tell you exactly what type of oil you should use, we have a few recommendations. Typically, in summer, we recommend high quality 30-weight detergent and in winter, high quality 10 to 30-weight.
Precautions While Using
- When using at home, the generator should be attached to generator transfer switches. Avoid back-feeding because it is dangerous. Also, don’t plug the portable generator through a dryer outlet.
- Turn on the machine before plugging in the extension cords. Make sure the cords are dry. It is recommended to use a 12-gauge outdoor extension cord that will be connected to a multi-outlet power strip with a rating of 100 joules.
- You can adjust the speed of the motor according to the needs of the appliances you are powering. The owner’s manual will tell you how long the current fuel will last. When the fuel is running low, you need to refill it.
- There is a rule when it comes to refueling. The cords must be unplugged, and the motor must be turned off for a few minutes before you refuel.
- Overall, run the generator wisely if the power outages last for days. The sump pump needs to be powered continuously. However, the rest of the home appliances should be used economically.
How to Maintain a Portable Generator?
- You can’t predict a blackout. It can happen out of the blue. Hence, if you have not been taking care of your portable backup power generator for months, it may not operate effectively when you need it to.
- Your generator may even fail to start if you have not used it for a few months. Therefore, when it is time for it to be useful, check for broken or faulty parts. Fix whatever issues you find immediately.
- If the generator shuts off on its own after running for some time, check the air filter, fuel filter, and gas supply. It is a good idea to cover the generator when it is not in use. Weather can deteriorate it, so can dust and debris.
- The owner’s manual is your Bible. The manual will guide you on how to maintain the model that you have purchased.
Maintenance Tips
- Maintenance usually involves cleaning the screen on the spark arrestor, cleaning or replacing the spark plug, changing the oil, filling up the fuel, and washing or replacing the air filter.
- Always clean with a damp cloth or soft brush. Avoid using a hose at any cost.
- On top of that, you should run the motor for 10 minutes once every two or three months. A fuel stabilizer can prevent the carburetor from getting sticky.
- Although most portable generators start with a hand pull, some may operate on battery. If your portable generator operates on battery, you must keep the battery charged for emergency usage.
In a Nutshell, you may not be expecting a blackout in your city, but you never know. Even without the risk of blackouts, a portable backup power generator has many uses. You may like to read the list of best inverter generator around.
Depending on the type and model of your portable generator, it can supply backup power for 8 to 48 hours. However, you should not keep the portable generator on for days, weeks, and months without giving it a break.
Once you decide to add a piece of equipment like this to your home, you have to commit to maintaining it. If for some reason, you face issues, use helpful and reliable sources for a solution.