These are some of the factors you must know when you are buying a portable generator. This list is not complete. But it will give you a general idea from a common man's point of view.

What is Wattage and how do I calculate it?
The wattage required for your portable generator depends upon the electric equipments you plan to use with the power generated by your portable generator. In simple terms the wattage requirement of generator is the combined wattage of all your appliances including the electric lights. You can also find it out by using the formula Amps x Volts. Normally a 5 K Watt portable generator is more than enough for home use.

Type of Portable Generator
Different type of portable generators which run on diesel, gasoline, natural gas and propane are available in the market. Which type of portable generator is suitable for you is entirely depends upon the availability of the fuel and the cost of the fuel. Generally diesel generators are pretty popular.

Should I go for Portable Generator or Standby Generator?
If you are planning to use the electric generator only during emergency or during a picnic or camping, then a portable generator is the best choice. Standby generators are bigger in size and they are permanently fixed. But standby generators generally have higher capacity compared to portable generators and can run more number of electic appliances including air condition.

Potable generators are generally safe for household use. However it is better know some of the safety factors to avoid any sort risk arising from using portable generators for home.

1. Check the Electrical Connections of your Generator
Make sure that you follow the user guide of the portable generator and connect the generator to your house wiring system properly. Wrong connections can cause damage to your electrical equipments.

2. Keep the Generator in Dry area
Do not keep your portable generator under raining conditions or where water can fall on to your generator. Excessive moisture content can cause short circuit. Remember that unlike your home electric connections, all portable generators may not have inbuilt circuit breakers.

3. Do not refuel while the Generator is running
Portable generators get heated up during running. If you try to refuel the generator while it is running there is high risk of catching a fire. Also avoid keeping the fuel cans near the generators. For maximum safety, switch of your portable generator and allow the generator to cool down before you fill the fuel inside the tank.

4. Ensure Proper Ventilation
While the generator is working, it burns the fuel and produces gases much like your car. Some of these gases like carbon monoxide is toxic. Keep the Generator is place where there is proper air circulation and enough ventilation so that the emitted gas can escape.

Those are the major safety precautions to be taken while using a portable generator. If you have some useful tips to share, please feel free to add them in my guest book at the end of this page.