After a storm or hurricane, power outages can happen.

A portable gasoline generator can be a very important

tool to have since power can be out from a few hours to a few weeks.

Below are a few features you should consider.

• Fuel Tank –

The larger the fuel tank the better. The fuel tank should have  

a fuel gauge and be at least five gallons in size to be able to

run throughout the night without refueling. 

• Starter –

Some customers prefer an electric or a remote starter so that

there is no need to manually pull start the generator.

The electric or remote starter is ideal for elderly or physically 

impaired persons who may have difficulties pulling the start cord.

• Low Oil Systems –

Low oil shut off or alarm systems are also very

important to have. This feature will protect the engine  

from damage due to low oil in the engine.

• Noise –

Take into consideration the generator’s loud noise level. Portable

gasoline generators must be placed outside in a weather/rain 

protected well -ventilated area to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.

PORTABLE GASOLINE GENERATOR SAFTY ADVICE

It is very important to know how to set up and operate your portable gasoline generator

• Read the manufacturer’s operation and safety instructions.

• Properly ground your generator to prevent electrical shock.

• Do not use a generator inside your home or garage. It produces carbon

   monoxide that can kill people and pets. Place the generator in a well-

   ventilated area outside, protected from rain and weather.

• Do not plug a portable gasoline generator into a household outlet or

   directly to your house’s wiring. A generator plugged into a regular

   household outlet can energize the outside power lines, endangering

   neighbors and utility linemen. Do not connect a generator to a building’s

   wiring without a licensed electrician to add a transfer switch. Connecting

   an electric generator directly to your home’s wiring can damage your

   equipment, and even kill utility workers making repairs any distance

   away from your house

• Use the correct power cords. Connect your appliances directly to the

   generator’s receptacle outlet using heavy-duty, outdoor rated power cords

   in good condition.

• Do not overload the generator. Check the output rating of the generator

   and do not overload it. Power only most needed appliances. Overloading

   the generator can damage your appliances/tools and generator and cause

   a  fire.

• Handle fuel safely to avoid fires. Store the fuel outside of the home or

   garage in non-glass safety containers. When handling the fuel, put out

   cigarettes and any flames. Keep a fire extinguisher next to the generator

   in case of emergency. Refuel a generator while it is running or hot can

   ignite the fuel.

Portable gasoline generators are very useful where electrical power is required.

 In times of power outages due to storms and hurricanes or in areas where power is unavailable, portable gasoline generators provide the needed power required. This electrical power is generally needed for a variety of reasons including water pumping, lighting, refrigeration and tool operations.  

It is very important to make sure that the generator you purchase meets the normal wattage and also the start up wattage of the devices (appliances & tools) you are going to connect to the generator.

Before you choose a portable gasoline generator calculated the total wattage of all your electrical devices you plan to use. The easiest way is to just look at the data plate on the back of your appliance or tool. It will tell you how many watts, amps and volts are required to power the appliance or tool.

Purchasing the right size of the portable gasoline generator will reduce any system failures or possibility of any shutdowns due to system overloads.

Having a portable generator with a variety of outlets is important. Many appliances and tools have different plugs and power requirements. Look at the appliances and tools you are going to use and choose the correct generator that will meet these requirements.

Choosing a generator with a larger fuel tank and fuel gauge will also help during longer periods of runtime.

The ability to measure the amount of fuel in your fuel tank and have longer runtimes is an important feature to have.

Portable gasoline generators are tools that generate electrical power. Durability and reliability are very important to ensure that the correct and constant power is provided. This correct and constant power will reduce the damage to the generator and the appliances and tools you connect to the generator.

Be careful not to purchase an inexpensive generator that is built for a very short life span with fluctuating power. These are very difficult and expensive to repair and will not provide the correct or consistent power your appliances and tools require.