Portable generators are critical to have in emergencies or for use in areas where there is no traditional electricity. Always keep in mind there are safety issues related to the proper use of the generators. First is electric shock, second is carbon monoxide poisoning, and last is the danger of fire.

Portable generators can cause electrocution if they are left in the rain or sitting in water. Keep the generator under a canopy where it is protected, but not totally enclosed. It must still have adequate ventillation. Never touch the generator when you are standing in water or your hands are wet. Never run extension cords through water of any kind. Keep all unauthorized people away from the unit while it is operating.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is given off in the generator's exhaust. That is why a generator should never be used indoors or in any encloed space where exhaust can accumulate. Flowing air ventillation is recommended which will take exhaust away from any living area. If you ever start to feel dizzy or sick, shut the portabel generator off immediately and move to fresh air.

Honeywell Portable Generator Electric Start 5500 Watt 5500 Watts 6.5 gallon Fuel Tank Electric Start Color Coded Starting Controls Sound Filtered Oversized Muffler Runs 8 Hours Big Bore 337cc 11 HP OHV Honeywell Engine Bring the appliances outdoors and prepare for any emergency with the Honeywell 5500 Watt Electric Start Portable Generator. 5500 continuous watts 6875 maximum watts and a 6.5 gallon fuel tank help this generator run for 8 hours at a 50% load 220 lbs . This generator couldn't be easier to use with a color coded starting control simplified power control center and 24 hour instructions. This portable power generator comes with everything needed including the first liter of oil and funnel never-flat wheels an easy mobility high leverage handle and a 4 in 1 power cord. The sound filtered oversized muffler offers quiet operation while low oil protection fuel gauge automatic voltage regulation and overload protectioncomplete this generator. Big-Bore 337cc 11HP OHV Honeywell Engine provides more power and durability. 45.8A at 120 Volts 22.9A at 240 Volts.

Fires can be caused with portable generators in two ways. Fuel should never be stored indoors and always in properly marked containers. It should also not be stored in any room where there is a gas water heater since fumes can be ignited along the ground if any fuel is spilled. And a generator must be allowed to cool completely down before refueling, since any fuel spilled on a hot engine will ignite.

Make sure all extension cords are of high enough rating for whatever load they are to carry. Also check for fraying, exposed wires or areas where the cord may be underneath something else and is hard to see. Many people will put cords under rugs or furniture, but this can harm the cord and hide any defects in the cord.

BRIGGS & STRATTON G1000M Elite Series Generator 900 Running Watts. 1000 Starting Watts 2.5 HP OHV Engine for longer life, longer running and reduced noise 1.2 Gallon Fuel Tank / 6.4 Hour Run Time at 1/2 Load (2) 120V-15A Outlets, and a 12VDC Battery Charger Outlet Ultra Quiet, Lightweight and Compact Dimensions: 18"L x 13.5"W x 14"H Weight: 60 lbs Warranty: 2 Year BRIGGS & STRATTON Limited Warranty

Check cords when the portable generator is operating to make sure they are not overheating. Overheating is an indication of too much load for the cord or else damaged wires inside the cord. Even though the cords may be rated for the load you have, if compressors are turning on and off, the load may be temporarily increasing beyond the rating.

Portable generators can be a life-saver if you are careful and watch for these safety issues.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/portable-generator-safety-tips-46397.html

Author: Gail Metcalf  About the Author:
Gail Metcalf provides portable generator information on her Home Improvement website.

Technorati Tags: carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock, Portable Generator

There are many advantages to owning a portable diesel generator and the main advantage is that diesel generators are fuel efficient in comparison to gas-based generator sets. With fuel costs rising, a compact generator can save money. As they are portable, these generators are easily transported and therefore are suitable for meeting the power requirements for outdoor or offsite uses. Another advantage is the lifespan of the equipment, which is higher when compared to other gensets based on other fuels. Maintenance costs are also quite low in comparison to their counterparts.

Power generators are used to supply electricity to homes, businesses and industrial establishments when power is disrupted. Areas where there is no power supply also use generators.Diesel generators come in a wide variety of sizes, categories and prices. Choosing the right power generator is dependant on an individual’s need. How many appliances does the generator need to power. Add up the total wattage of the appliances, including the starting wattage to decide what size generator you need. Check whether the generators have the necessary voltage ratings.

Electric generators are supplied with many features such as electric start, power switch to alternate between 120 and 240 volts, low oil shut down and an hour meter to show the remaining running time of the engine. Power generators are usually powered by gasoline, diesel, propane or natural gas. Diesel generators are fuel-efficient, have a longer life but are relatively expensive. Propane and natural gas generators are best suited where fuel is not readily available.

PowerMax XP4400 4,400 Watt 6.5 HP Gas Generator With Wheel Kit - CARB Compliant These generators have improved design and safety features plus the rugged, long-lasting durability built into all PowerMax Generators. This unit, the XP4400, is the workhorse of the PowerMax line with its 6.5HP air-cooled OHV engine and 4,400 Watt peak output. The power panel boasts a full complement of features, including oil warning light, volt meter, circuit breaker and protected power outlets. The XP4400 has a 120/240 switch designed for use with RVs, on camping trips or even tailgate parties. The large 4 gal fuel tank translates into a continuous run time of 12.0 hours at 50% max. output. These units are EPA and CARB certified and have a noise rating of roughly 69 dBA for quiet operation. Safety features like the spark arrestor and low oil shut-off make the XP4400 one of the safest on the market. The frame is heavy duty, all-steel construction and four isolated motor mounts offer added protection and noise reduction. Another bonus is the idle control feature to hold RPMs at constant levels while significantly reducing fuel costs. The XP4400 is fully portable and includes a wheel and handle kit with pneumatic tires for easy maneuverability. The compact design means it can be easily stored.

Some safety precautions should be taken while using generators. They should always be located outside the house to prevent exposure to harmful carbon monoxide and kept in a dry area. Generators should never be refueled when in operation as fuel spilled on hot components can cause fire. The best investment you can make when buying a generator is to go for a good quality brand name such as Kipor or Pramac.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/tools-and-equipment-articles/generators-can-be-diesel-or-gas-fueled-556634.html

Author: Ben Reilly

About the Author:

Ben Reilly is the owner of Powerland Europe - Suppliers of New and Used Generators in Europe.

Technorati Tags: deisel generators, Gas Generators

Author: David Clair

Before we get into choosing a portable generator, let\'s review exactly what a portable generator is, and what the standard uses for them are.

What is a portable generator? Typical portable generators are fueled by unleaded gasoline and have standard 120-volt power outlets like the outlets you have on the walls of your home.

What can portable generators be used for? Portable generators are extremely versatile and can be used for a wide variety of purposes. Among the most common uses of a portable generator are:

- Providing power for a home in an emergency
- Power in locations that do not have access to standard eletric outlets
- Recreational use, such as at campsites and in RVs.

Honeywell Portable Generator Electric Start - 5500 Watt Bring the appliances outdoors and prepare for any emergency with the Honeywell 5500 Watt Electric Start Portable Generator. 5500 continuous watts (6875 maximum watts) and a 6.5 gallon fuel tank help this generator run for 8 hours at a 50% load (220 lbs). This generator couldn't be easier to use with a color coded starting control, simplified power control center and 24 hour instructions. This portable power generator comes with everything needed, including the first liter of oil and funnel, never-flat wheels, an easy mobility high leverage handle and a 4 in 1 power cord. The sound filtered oversized muffler offers quiet operation, while low oil protection, fuel gauge, automatic voltage regulation and overload protectioncomplete this generator. Big-Bore 337cc 11HP OHV Honeywell Engine provides more power and durability. 45.8A at 120 Volts, 22.9A at 240 Volts. Made of steel, copper, aluminum.

How do I use a portable generator? When the generator is running, you simply plug in your tools or appliances into the 120-volt (standard) electric outlets. Some models of generators also have 240-volt outlets. 240-volt outlets are used for large appliances like clothes dryers.

Now, let\'s talk about what to look for when choosing the right portable generator for you.

How high of a power capacity do I need?
Generators use two basic power measurements: peak power (sometimes referred to as startup power), and continuous power. Both kinds of power are measured in wattage.

- Peak power is the required wattage that appliances need at startup or when they are running at their highest power consumption levels.
- Continuous power is the required wattage to operate appliances under normal circumstances.

BRIGGS & STRATTON 3,500 Watt Elite Series Generator 3,500 Running Watts, 4,800 Starting Watts 6.5 HP BRIGGS & STRATTON Intek OHV Engine For longer life, longer running and reduced noise 4 Gallon Fuel Tank / 12 Hours Run Time at Half Load Power Surge Alternator Lo-Tone Muffler (4) 120V-20A Outlets, (1) 120/240V-20A Outlet Wheel Kit Included Dimensions: 38" x 22.5" x 21" Warranty: 2 Year BRIGGS & STRATTON Limited Warranty

What are standby generators? Standby generators are generators that create anywhere from 5,000 to 25,000 watts of power (sometimes even more). You need to choose a generator that supplies enough peak power and continuous power for the appliances that you need to keep powered.

What are you going to use your generator for? For recreational use, A small 1,000-watt portable generator could be all you will need. If you need to power tools at a remote jobsite, you could require up to about 8,000 watts of power.

Another thing to consider is how many outlets you will need on your generator. Make sure there are enough outlets to power all of the appliances you will be using at one time.

Portable Power 1100 Watt Generator Truck Freight Ships within 24 to 72 hours When it comes to high power output with easy to carry easy to handle and easy to use features this model offers everything you need. A rugged and heavy duty generator in a small light and portable configuration. This generator is an industry standard among small portable generators. Weight 55 lbs

The size of the fuel tank is another consideration and is very important. Depending on how long you will potentially need your portable generator to run, you may need a larger fuel tank. The larger the fuel tank, the longer your generator will be able to run without refueling.

Now that you know what to look for, you can compare different portable generators and find out which one will meet your needs. A good resource for your research can be found at this portable generator reference website.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/tools-and-equipment-articles/how-to-choose-the-right-portable-generator-for-you-779292.html

About the Author:

David Clair is an internet professional and all around good guy. Some of the websites he is currently working on include: 2Frog Media Reference and MightyChair Camping Chairs , among others.

Technorati Tags: electrical generators, emergency power, emergency preparedness, Portable Generators

Natural gas generators are becoming popular these days. This is partly due to the issue of the alarming increase in the greenhouse gases resulting to increased temperature over the Earth's surface, the use of more ordinary and less polluting substances as raw materials for many things such as product and spare parts development, and large and small-scale energy production. The use of fuels, which are "cleaner" or contribute a very minute amount of atmospheric pollutants on machines for emergency power such as generators also, has not been exempted. Coal, which is a non-renewable resource, is the most common fuel used today. It is widely used because of its relatively lower price compared to other energy sources and because of its efficiency to produce adequate energy. On the darker side though, it is quite difficult and riskier to produce coal because of the accompanying mining accidents. Apart from dangers of obtaining it, coal is rated to be one of the pollutants contributing to an unclean atmosphere.

As a cleaner alternative to coal, oil and other non-renewable energy sources, generators fueled with natural gas have been created. Compared to other fossil fuels, it has actually lowered emission of sulfur, nitrogen and greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide when burned. It is drilled from its ground source and is transported along large and small pipelines usually in liquid form. Apart from being used for power generation, this fuel has also been used domestically in various houses (cooking, central heating or cooling, dryers, furnaces and water heaters), fertilizer, aviation, hydrogen production and production of other items such as fabrics, glass, steel, plastics and paint.

natural gas generators have lowered toxic emissions thereby making it cleaner and efficient. Unlike those which are fueled with diesel or gasoline, this emergency powering device works without the undesirable or pungent odor. Using this as fuel can also lessen your electric bill by as high as 40%, aiding in the reduction of total cost allotted for energy consumption. The transfer of this type from areas of production to your house is also not a problem. In fact, there is no need to worry for gas lines are already in place for this type of fuel and absolutely for free. Therefore, you need not a lot of extra money to purchase all the pipes because transport mechanisms are in place.

This type of device can also be used anytime and anywhere because of its portability. Along with the generator, fuel storage tanks like propane tanks of barbecue grills are handy and can be packed wherever you go to provide instant energy for all your needs. To top it all, natural gas is not as costly as you think it is. Despite being a fossil fuel, it is one of the cheapest in town. Therefore using this type for your generators does not only produce convenience but is also an Earth-saving act.

By Martin Applebaum

Your guide to information on various types of generators such as natural gas generators. We also provide information for consumers on various brands as well. For more information please visit our site today. http://www.generatorsinfosite.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Applebaum
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Principles-of-Natural-Gas-Generators&id=2415618

Technorati Tags: Natural Gas Generators