Portable generators can save the day during unpredictable power outages. They can also come in handy during natural disasters or in times where the power is out for a long time.
Purchasing a portable generator for your business is a great idea because it will ensure that your equipment and machinery can keep running, even when the power is out, thereby maintaining your operational productivity and performance. Portable generators are quite useful for day-to-day operations as well, not just in times of crisis. If you are a contractor working on a site, you can use a portable generator to power your electrical tools. They are also ideal for outdoor activities, camping trips, recreational vehicles, outdoor weddings, and events, etc. The benefits of having a portable generator are endless. To help you make the right purchase and enjoy all these perks, here’s what you should look for in a portable generator.
Power and Outlets
The first thing that you should consider when buying a portable generator is how much power you need. If you want to purchase one to keep your power running in case of outages, you need to calculate how much power your appliances need. For instance, most refrigerators run on 700 watts of power. So to keep it, in addition to other appliances running, you will need more than 2000 watts of start-up power. There are guides that can help you figure out how much power you need.
The type of outlets that you need is also something that you should look into. Typically, smaller inverter generators come with a few 120V AC outlets and USB ports. The more power that your generator has, the more outlets it will offer. At around 4000 watts of power, generators will appear with 240V plugs and more 120V outlets. You can also have your electrician wire your generator into your panel directly. To do that, you will need a 240V plug. Look for generators with GFCI protected outlets if you will be using them outdoors.
Total Harmonic Distortion and Clean Power
The waveform of the portable generator is of great importance if you want to run electronic devices like lab equipment or a laptop. To prevent damage to electric circuits, you need to find a portable generator with a total harmonic distortion that is less than 6%. This more predictable and stable voltage level is often known as “clean power” or “pure sine wave.” However, these types of generators are usually more expensive and are available on lower-watt units. If you are sure that you’ll be needing clean power, you need to check the waveform. This is because some clean power generators come with a square wave and are not total harmonic disorder models.
Frequency of Use
It’s important to figure out how long you will be running your portable generator. As recommended by the experts at https://generatorgrid.com, get any reputable brand if you will be using it occasionally for power cuts, emergencies, or recreational purposes. However, if you intend to run it every day, you need to find a power generator model with a powerful commercial engine. These models will be a better fit for your needs and will have a one year warranty instead of the standard 90 day- or 6-month warranties. Keep in mind, though, that portable generators with legitimate commercial engines are more expensive than regular ones.
Fuel Types
Battery-powered generators don’t have emissions, run silently, and can be recharged via solar panels. These are all very advantageous qualities for a generator. However, they tend to be very expensive, recharge slowly, and can give a maximum of 1800 watts. This makes them suitable for nothing more than a camping trip and simple outdoor activities. This is why you should look into gas generators and their fuel options. Although they are more expensive, diesel generators are highly fuel-efficient. Besides, diesel engines don’t come with carburetors so you don’t have to worry about them getting clogged constantly. However, keep in consideration that diesel fuel can’t be found as easily as gasoline. Propane generators or gas generators that can be converted to propane use are also great options. They’re a tad more complex but are an environmentally-friendly source of fuel.
Portable generators are a great back-up to have because you never know when you might need one. They come in a variety of models and are quite handy in case of an emergency and for a wide range of recreational activities. Portable generators are highly versatile and come in many types and specs, so to find the one that best suits your needs, you should determine how and why you will be using it first.