Choosing a Portable Generator Style

Choosing a portable generator depends on your application.  There are 3 main styles of portable generators - inverter, professional and emergency.  While they can be used interchangeably, it’s best to stick with the style that matches your needs.

Honda EU2000i

Inverter generators are typically quieter than other styles of portable generators due to a unique alternator that produces clean AC power.  This alternator also reduces the size and weight of the generator, and makes them well-suited for recreational use in camping and tailgating settings.  However, they won’t power much during an outage.  They also run at a higher price tag than portable generators with comparable wattage.  The top seller in this category is the Honda EU2000i.

Generac XG8000E

Professional generators are assembled with commercial quality components and are designed to consistently run throughout the workday.  Due to the nature of their use, professional generators feature GFCI outlets to meet OSHA standards, hour meters, and lifting eyes.  These features are not typically found on emergency generators and raise the price tag.  The top seller in this category is the Generac XG8000E.

Generac GP7500E

Emergency or backup generators are designed to be used occasionally during power outages.   They will not hold up to everyday use, but are affordable and durable if used a couple times a year in the event of a blackout.  These generators range from 3000 to 17,500 watts and the price starts at about $300, the most affordable of these three styles.  At the low end of wattage, you’ll be able to power a few household appliances, like a refrigerator or sump pump, as well as keep on a few lights or a TV.  At the high end, you can achieve coverage on most if not all of your home, and the largest ones can even turn over a central A/C unit.  The best seller in this category is the Generac GP7500E.

Can I Run My Portable Generator in the Rain?

Portable generators can be used for a number of reasons. You may use one for a tailgate party, or perhaps to run tools on a job site. But the most common reason people power up their portable generator is to soften the blow of a power outage.

Power outages often happen due to storms, whether it be a winter storm, a thunderstorm, a tornado, or a hurricane. One thing these storms tend to have in common is precipitation. Snow and rain may pose a challenge when you're trying to power your home with a generator, but it doesn't mean you can't do it.

Something worth noting is that the power a portable generator creates can be dangerous if you're not careful. Operating your generator in the rain may increase your likelihood of electrocution, and you probably don't want your generator getting stormed on anyways.

While portable generators are usually designed to withstand the beatings of a strong storm, it's always in your better interest to shield it from the elements. One thing you definitely do not want to do is run your generator in your garage, shed, or home. Doing so is deadly, even with the garage door open for ventilation. The CO fumes will build up and seep into your home. Always, always, always run your generator outdoors more than 15 feet from any windows or doors.

"So how can I shelter my generator if I have to keep it 15 feet from my house?"

There's an innovative product on the market called a GenTent that will actually attach to the frame of your generator. They shelter the electrical components and gas tank, but have easy access that will allow you to operate and refuel your generator without compromising the unit or your safety.

This is the best way to protect your generator and yourself without compromising your family's safety.

GenTents are a must-have for storm-related power outages. Plus, they keep your generator clean while it's in storage. The best part is that unlike a makeshift shelter, this one moves with the generator. Since it's attached and doesn't touch the ground, you can move the generator without restriction and without having to remove the GenTent.

What's the Best Recreational Camping Generator?

A lot of people want to know which recreational camping generator is "the best."

While they all have their own benefits, I can think of one that is an all-around great recreational generator.

If you ask most camping fanatics, you'll often be told that Honda is the best. There is a reason for that. Honda utilizes innovative technology in their inverter generators to significantly reduce noise, cut down on weight, and enhance fuel efficiency.

One of the best Honda models for camping is the Honda EU2000i. It has an Eco Throttle system, enabling the engine to only run as fast as needed for the given load.

The fuel tank holds 1.1 gallons of fuel, and will run for 9.6 hours when using Eco Throttle, so you can clearly tell how fuel efficient it is.

There is also a lot to be said about Yamaha generators, and they can arguably be better, but the Honda EU2000i has been consistently popular among camping enthusiasts.

Connecting Two Parallel Portable Generators

Sometimes you need a lot of power, like when you have to power an air conditioner. However, portable generators that are strong enough to run an A/C unit also tend to be large enough to require multiple people to move them.

Imagine if you could separate your portable generator in half and move half at a time. With tandem generators, you're able to do that. 

Tandem generators are smaller generators that connect together to generate the power of a much larger generator that you may not be able to move.

If you currently have an inverter generator, you can get yourself another compatible portable generator and tether it to the existing one with a set of parallel cables to effectively double the power.

If you don't already have an inverter generator, you can get companion kits that feature two portable inverter generators and the necessary parallel cables for connecting them together.

This kind of a setup is great for RV trips, camping trips, tailgating, and any other situation where you'll have to move your generator by hand to power a large appliance or multiple appliances.

To help you understand the importance of decibels, and to explain why some manufacturers don’t measure them for their generators, we put together a chart and an article that are easy to follow.

For more information about decibels and how they relate to generator noise levels, visit our article: Not Measured by MFG – Why Some Generators Don’t List Decibel Ratings.

Storms Roll Through Upper Midwest and Northeast United States

Spring visited us for a day or two, but Jack Frost is back in town for one final hurrah! The cold, frosty scalawag is bringing with him a storm, and it won't be a little one.

Even with winter getting closer to its end, these storms will continue. As temperatures drop, they'll transition from snow and ice to rain and wind. This also means flooding

Before spring kicks into full gear with raining and flooding, it's recommended that you have a quality portable generators and a battery backup sump pump to keep your power on and your basement dry.

Dumping substantial snow from northern Illinois to northern New England, the storm will start Wednesday night and continue through Thursday. Travel conditions will be strongly effected, and school cancellations are likely.

The heaviest snowfall will be seen throughout interior New England, possibly exceeding 1 foot in the northern part of the area.

The I-95 corridor from Providence, R.I. to New York City to Washington, D.C. will see mostly rain, however colder air plunging southward behind the storm may mean a change from rain to snow toward the end.

Over 100 Thousand Without Power in Georgia

An ice storm has hit the Georgia area. Ice forming on power lines has caused major problems for people in the area, downing power lines and causing power outages.

With power still out, those affected may begin to wonder how they're going to stay warm as the sun begins to descend below the horizon.

If you are among these people affected, you can certainly do something to restore power to your home.

Go to www.ElectricGeneratorsDirect.com, and you'll see they have many different kinds of generators in stock. Portable generators are the lightest, most affordable, and easiest to get going. Just don't run the unit inside your home, garage, or cellar. The carbon monoxide fumes produced are very deadly. Leave it outside away from doors and windows and run extension cords from it to power your utilities inside.

If you're new to generators, call during the day and speak with one of the experts. They'll help you by answering any questions you might have. Visit the on-site electric generator Buyer's Guide to help you find the perfect model for you, and you'll be warm and watching television again in no time!

If you're looking for a more permanent fix that will kick on as soon as the power goes out, you can get a home standby generator from the same place and hire an electrician and a plumber to come out and install it for you.

Businesses that are worried about keeping the power on have an even better option with commercial standby generators to help keep their coolers, lights, and everything else up and running through power outages. Take a look at Electric Generators Direct.