Portable Generator Buying Guide

On March 9, 2013, in Generators, by Staff

Once upon a time it was easy to get through a power outage any time of year, you lit some candles, you lit the fireplace and waited it out. Now, that's not the case. Most modern homes are very dependent on electricity. Sump pumps can stop working, your security system can fail without electricity and […]

Once upon a time it was easy to get through a power outage any time of year, you lit some candles, you lit the fireplace and waited it out. Now, that's not the case. Most modern homes are very dependent on electricity.
Sump pumps can stop working, your security system can fail without electricity and if you run a business from your home, well your business can absolutely suffer.

A portable generator can be your life and business saving home energy source when the power is out.
Deciding on what type of generator you need based on your energy usage is the biggest step.

Medium emergency generators (generate roughly 3,000-5,000 watts) may be relatively small in size but they bring the power. Camping generators are a little smaller than this size to give you an idea of the size. You should be able to power multiple devices at once including your rerefrigerator, sump pump, and furnace fan.
Most homeowners simply run the generator outside and string extension cords through an open door or window to the inside appliances.

Larger size emergency generators
If you want to be a little more comfortable, consider a large emergency portable generator (generates roughly 6,000-9,000 watts) instead.

It's true you can string extension cords from the generator. But, you won't be able to tap its full potential. Instead, large generators work best with manual transfer switches that can restore power up to 10 circuits in your main electrical panel. In other words, they can energize multiple rooms in your home (minus a central air conditioner).

Extra-large size emergency generators
These are the biggest and baddest generators you can buy. They will usually be able to generate 10,000+ watts no problem.
That's enough to keep the central air on in most homes in the summer. Most of these models have an electric start however it's not automatic so if you're not home during a black out, someone will need to push the button on the generator.

If you're ready to consider getting a generator as a back up plan for your home, call us and let's get you the perfect generator for your lifestyle.

Q&A: How can you make an electric generator?

On March 8, 2013, in Generators, by Staff

Question by Tiffany: How can you make an electric generator? I own 5 acres of property. Other then my gas generator, I don't have electricity on it. I have a travel trailer on it with an electric fridge and I love camping there. In Home Depot, I have seen a converter that you hook up […]

Question by Tiffany: How can you make an electric generator?
I own 5 acres of property. Other then my gas generator, I don't have electricity on it. I have a travel trailer on it with an electric fridge and I love camping there. In Home Depot, I have seen a converter that you hook up to your car battery and I have also seen what appears to be an electric generator. I asked someone at Home Depot how long the "electric generator" would run a small fridge. He told me it wouldn't be a long time, but suggested using a marine battery with a converer. I am thinking I could purchase several batteries, a converter and a battery charger. Does that sound like somethink that might work?
I do have a 5000 watt gas generator on my property. I just don't want to have to run it all the time if I am camping for several days or a week at a time. We all know the prices of gas these days.

Best answer:

Answer by lithiumdeuteride
The 'electric generator' you are describing is just a battery. A true electric generator converts motion (kinetic energy) into electricity. The converter probably changes the electricity from DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current).

Add your own answer in the comments!

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