f you’ve ever had to deal with a power outage, you know how frustrating it can be. Not being able to use your appliances or get warm can make life very difficult. A portable generator can be a lifesaver in such situations, but it’s important to know how to set it up properly so that you stay safe and don’t damage your equipment.
Most people who own a portable generator know how to use it in an emergency, but few know how to properly set it up. So the question is portable generator users is that have you have ever set up a portable generator yourself.
Now you don’t need to worry about how to set up a portable generator anymore because you are at the right place. Here is what you need to know about portable generators and how to set them up.
How to set up a portable generator?
You don’t have to be a power company worker for you to know how to set up a portable generator. In fact, as mentioned above, most people who own a portable generator do not know how to or simply forget that they should set it up before they can start using it.
So if you are shopping around for a good quality generator, you need to know how to set it up. This is because the process of setting up a generator may vary depending on its model, so you have to familiarize yourself with your portable generator’s user manual.
After buying a good quality portable generator, the next thing that comes into mind is where and how should I set it up? Or what do I need to do for me to start using my new machine?
Setting up a portable generator can be easy or difficult, depending on its features and brand. However, one thing that most users of this equipment would agree on is that they don’t want anyone messing with their stuff while they’re not around. So you don’t just go out there willy-nilly and start playing around with your newly bought equipment.
To set up a portable generator, you’ll need:
1. A flat and level area
2. The appropriate extension cord for the appliance or tool that you intend to power using your portable generator
3. Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to lubricate the outlet of the generator before powering it on
4. A voltage detector to test if there are any issues with the outlet from which you’re going to plug in your generator
5. At least one person’s help especially when lifting the machine into place and setting it up properly Powering up a portable generator can be dangerous, given its size and weight, so involving other people might come in handy during this process.
After getting the generator into place, it’s time to connect all of its parts properly. This includes connecting the generator to its starter, fuel tank, transfer switch box, and outlets. You might need an electrician in order to help you with this part since some portable generators are too complicated when it comes to setting them up.
However if ever there is a power outage or when you travel with your generator during camping or road trip and don’t want others tampering on your stuff (which happens more often than not), you can set up a permanent structure for your generator like building a shed around it. Here is what we recommend: Portable Instant Canopy Shelter
How to Set Up a Portable Generator for Emergencies?
If you’ve ever had to deal with a power outage, you know how frustrating it can be. Not being able to use your appliances or get warm can make life very difficult. A portable generator can be a lifesaver in such situations, but it’s important to know how to set it up properly so that you stay safe and don’t damage your equipment.
The first thing that needs to be done is determine what the volume of electricity needed is for the space that needs power. This will determine which size generator you should buy.
Portable generators are sized in watts rather than amps because they are meant primarily for occasional emergencies rather than continual use, and watts can be determined by multiplying amps and volts together.
For example, a 1,500-watt generator will provide 1,500 watts at 120 volts of power. If you need to power more than one appliance at a time or larger appliances such as washers and dryers, you’ll need a higher wattage unit so that they don’t cycle off and on repeatedly.
You would also measure the total amperage for all of the items that will be powered from the unit – this includes lights, heaters and anything else that is running – to ensure that your generator can accommodate them without overloading.
Turning Your Portable Generator On and Off
The type of portable power generator that needs to be used depends upon where you live. If you live in an area that has frequent power outages, a standby generator is probably the best choice. This type of equipment runs directly from your home’s natural gas or propane supply.
Power inverter generators are better for use when camping since they don’t need to be attached to a permanent source of fuel and can run on gasoline instead. Turbine generators operate most efficiently when attached to a large tank of fuel but aren’t as noisy as piston portable generators, which use combustion engines.
Conclusion:
After answering how to set up a portable generator, you can see that it is not as complicated as it may seem. There are just simple safety precautions to take when using this equipment. By following the above guide, you can be sure that you’re setting your generator up properly and safely for whatever occasion you need it for.
FAQs:
Q 1) What is the best generator to buy, according to you?
Definitely go for Briggs & Stratton 30471 portable gasoline-powered generator. It provides 10000W peak power capacity, suitable for powering multiple devices at once. Maintains voltage even under heavy loads, thanks to low 7750 running watts and 12000 starting watts.
Q 2) How often should I have my generator serviced?
You should have it checked every six months or so on average. However, if you don’t use it too frequently then try giving it a good servicing after every few years. This will keep it in tip-top condition and ensure that there are no serious problems with the engine when you need your generator on hand for emergencies!
Q 3) What are some of the safety measures to take when using a portable generator?
First of all, keep your generator in well-ventilated places. Don’t use it in closed rooms or garages as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. You should also check that any extension cords are sturdy enough for the current draw. Use them outdoors whenever possible since you don’t want them to become wet due to rain or snowfalls.
Never switch on generators inside homes unless they are installed by qualified technicians and properly grounded according to national electrical codes. Finally, make sure you never work on a generator while it is running.
