Portable Emergency Generator
Power outage occurs every once in a while in almost every part of the country. This disruption can range from short-term, such as in a matter of minutes or a few hours, to long-term outage, such as during natural disasters like storms, hurricanes, or earthquakes. Most short-term power interruptions are caused by maintenance, fixing of wiring, etc. They often do not require the use of an emergency portable generator unless you have very important things to do at once, such as sending an urgent e-mail to your boss and finishing projects with deadlines fast approaching. Long-term power interruptions can last for days or even weeks, which can also lead to an interruption in the water supply as well. It’s not that these emergencies happen everyday, but being prepared for them is the best way to go.
A good backup portable generator is important not only for commercial and health establishments like hospitals but for home use as well. You can operate appliances like computers, radios, fans, lights, and refrigerators during a power disruption. You don’t need to worry about power outages if you have an emergency back-up generator.
Portable emergency generators are ideal for emergencies as they are the cheapest way to attain back-up power in case there is no power supply in your area. All it takes is to plug a simple appliance, such as a TV, directly into the portable emergency generator. You can use an extension cord for it to operate. Most of these portable generators come along with either an electric start or pull start. The good thing about these portable generators is that they have additional features like extra receptacles.
Another famous type of portable emergency generators is the gas-powered generator. Some run on gasoline, others use propane, while others use diesel. These gasoline powered portable generates are inexpensive but they have shorter life spans. They also require maintenance every now and then. A regular portable emergency generator is enough to give power to simple home appliances like lights, television, and computers. A 500-600 watts portable emergency generator is enough for a regular-sized home.
Now before you make a purchase, chose what suits your needs best. A portable generator may be perfect for your power supply needs, but if not you can always look for other products, or a permanent standby generator perhaps.
Honda Coleman Power mate vs. Yamaha YG2800i
Portable generators can give you excellent results if you choose the right one for your specific needs. They can either be for outdoor activities or indoor use. Picking the right one can be a bit confusing because there are a lot of generators available in the market. Narrowing the choice to two of the most famous manufacturers can be of great help.
Take the Yamaha YG2800i inverter generator as an example. People who are looking for generators to use at home can consider this. Its main advantage is its portability. Since it is lightweight, one can easily move it around. It also features a pulse width modulator that allows you to power your power tools and computers. This generator also improves your fuel economy due to its governing system for electrical economy control. With its 24 coils starter and 16 poles alternator, it is guaranteed to reduce the noise it produces. Its cylinders are made out of a powerful cast iron type with GFCI protection. The engine of this generator is a four-stroke 5.5 horsepower.
It is usually rated for 2500 straight watts. With a one three-gallon tank of gasoline, it is guaranteed to run for 12.9 continuous hours. It has a fuel gauge and warning system for low oil. Busy people or forgetful housewives see this feature as a huge benefit. However, as in most Yamaha products in the market, the warranty of this generator is limited to only one year. It retails for about $1300.
Honda, for its part, manufactures the comparably priced Coleman Power mate generator. It retails at about $1200 in the market. It has a 500-watt Honda GX 11 horsepower motor. Its engine is an OHV model. Just like Yamaha’s generator, it has the ability to power your computer and other computer-related appliances. Additionally, it features an idle control with a safety button in case the oil is low. With its pneumatic tires, the Honda Coleman generator can be of great service for work places. It is also perfect for emergency backup for indoor use since its tank is specifically designed for long and extended runs.
With the economic crisis under consideration, consumers have to think long and hard before shelling out their hard earned cash by taking into consideration functionality as well as the price. Regardless of the brand that you choose, keep in mind the safety measures when using generators. Do not use generators indoors. It produces toxic gas which is proven fatal for humans once inhaled in large amounts. Turn off the generator and let it cool down before refueling. Be extra careful with gasoline as it might cause fire once spilled on hot surface.
Portable or Stationary Generators
There are a lot of things to be considered when choosing a home generator. One may find himself confused with what to pick in terms of features, functions, price, or brand. It helps a lot if you stick to the basics when shopping around for a home generator. Important factors such as portability, size, and power must be on top of the list before buying a generator.
First and foremost, one must consider the size of the generator. So the question comes down to whether you must pick a portable or a stationary generator. There is always a common misconception among buyers today. They usually assume that portable generators produce less power compared to stationary generators. Considering the rapid advancement of technology nowadays, one can now easily find portable generators with huge watt capacity. On the other hand, stationary generators usually run on natural gas.
These are beneficial if you live in places with frequent power failure. Keep in mind that a generator can produce power for a variety of devices and appliances depending on its wattage, from a simple light bulb to a computer. Be very keen and particular in selecting the right size of your home generator.
The advantage of a stationary generator is the fact that it can start immediately, in case power failure occurs.All it takes is just a simple push of a button. Some of these standby generators feature automatic activation system wherein they automatically start within 10-30 seconds right after a power failure occurs. On the other hand, portable generators have to be put out of their storage areas in case power failure occurs. The tank has to be filled with gas and then activated before it starts. They can also be powered by oil or liquefied petroleum gas. A possible disadvantage of these portable generators is limited run time. Refilling them every now and then depending on how long you intend to keep them running also follows. However, its mobility can be cited as its main advantage. Regardless of your location, a portable generator comes in handy.
