When the power goes out, many people unpack the blankets, candles, and kerosene lamps. However, if you have a generator, you might be inconvenienced for only a few minutes as you go outside and start it. If you have one that automatically kicks in, you will not, as they say, miss a beat. Of course, not having to forego the luxury of modern electrical conveniences is the obvious benefit of having a generator. That said, there are a variety of features that differentiate good generators from average ones. By extension, there are some generators that do not have some features, making them somewhat bad choices altogether.
1. Portable
Whether you enjoy camping or require power at a remote job site, a portable generator provides power where you need it. Additionally, during an emergency, you can move your portable generator to a friend’s home, keeping the household going until the power comes back on.
That said, not all portable generators are as portable as others. When you are shopping for one, you should look for one with wheels. Large rear wheels, for instance, will provide a stable method of transport. Once you have it in place, the wheels can then be locked into place.
2. CO shutoff
A generator will burn fuel, and this fuel can generate carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas. Because it is odorless and invisible, it can make you sleepy and suffocate you before you understand what is happening. The best generators have some type of carbon-monoxide detector that will shut the unit off if levels exceed a dangerous threshold.
Note: Although some generators can detect carbon monoxide and can shut down in case gas levels begin building up, it is important to remember that no generator should operate indoors. Any type of engine that runs off combustible fuel generates some degree of carbon monoxide, so the safest rule of thumb is to let these types of machines do their work outside.
3. Automatic start
A manual generator starts via you pulling a cord. A generator with a start button, however, is as easy as it sounds. All you have to do is push a button. That said, the best generator to have is one that monitors the electrical load of a system. When that system becomes interrupted, it will automatically start. These types of generators are critical for you if you have medical equipment.
Manual or push-button generators might save you money, but you might find them troublesome during a storm when you have to fight to get it started in the rain. Moreover, if you have to go out in dangerous conditions, such as in a hurricane, you might not be able to manually start the generator. In this instance, you should at least get one with a push-button. In either case, during such times, you will greatly appreciate the luxury of a generator with an automatic start system.
4. Outlets
A generator is designed to power appliances, and most appliances require an outlet for the plug. Consequently, you should look for a generator with four to six outlets. Fewer outlets will force you to prioritize between important appliances, such as the refrigerator, freezer, or radio. A generator with a generous number of outlets keeps your important appliances running while also providing you access to a certain number of electrical luxuries in a time where stress should ideally be kept to a minimum.
5. Inverter
An inverter provides direct current (DC) electricity for such devices as laptops, medical devices, or any other sensitive piece of equipment that can be damaged by an alternating current. Although a generator that produces an alternating current can successfully run a laptop, for instance, you risk ruining your device. For generators with reliable inverters, you should search for a Honda generator online.
6. Displays
Gauges in any type of machine help you monitor its performance and resources. The most obvious gauge will be a gas gauge because it indicates the remaining level of primary fuel needed to keep the generator running. However, the oil gauge is arguably the most important as low oil can seize a motor, ruining it for good.
Various displays are also important. For instance, a wattage display provides information regarding the total watts being used and / or remaining. This type of information can help you assess whether you have the electrical resources for another appliance or device.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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