How to Use a Portable Generator at Home

Portable generators are a great way to ensure that you can power your home, even if there is an outage. They’re perfect for camping trips and outdoor events, but they’re also great at home. There are many different types of generators out there, but one that is becoming more and more popular these days is the portable generator. Portable generators have been around for a while now, but they aren’t as common as other options. There are a couple of reasons why this type of generator has become so popular lately. Because it’s convenient and can power home instantly. However, now you will learn more about how to use a portable generator at home below.

8 Steps To How To Use A Portable Generator to Power a House

Guess the Amount of Power you Need at Home:

Now that you have a portable generator, it is time to plan out what will power your home. First things first—think about the appliances in question and their wattage requirements, how much do you need for your refrigerator? What about lights or media devices though too!?

So the more specific details of these needs will help when considering generators with higher running capacities. But if you’re just looking at one large appliance like your fridge here then let’s calculate its starting/surge watts as well so there aren’t any surprises later on to be down the line.

Choose a Safe Place for a Generator:

The best place to put your generator is 20 feet away from the house and on a flat surface. Make sure it has enough room. So you don’t have any obstacles in between like trees or buildings that could cause sparks when running at high speeds. It’s also important for there not to be any windows nearby, because the rain may get inside and cause more damage than good due to all its water weight soaking up through your floorboards into the electrical systems.

Plugin The Emergency Generator:

It’s important to make sure you use a heavy-duty exterior extension cord designed for use with generators. Run the cords through a window or door, and then attach it securely to both ends outside of your home before hooking up any appliances that need power from inside such as well pumps and furnaces.

Now Start The Generator:

When you’re ready to power up your generator, make sure that no electricity or gas is running into it and fill the tank with either gasoline, propane, or propylene natural gas fuel blend III-A or diesel. It’s always best for beginners who don’t know what they are doing yet. So double-check before starting your generator.

Moreover, it might also be worth checking whether there are hard lines already in place near these items. If yes, simply connect them using this type of conduit which can handle higher current needs without having too much resistance on either end. Because they have been approved specifically by municipality codes.

Plugin the Devices or Appliances:

To start your generator, plug in an appliance that requires a lot of energy such as a fridge. Connect the device with its own cord and then connect it to the extension from inside this enclosure which will provide more power when necessary.

Refuel the Portable Generator:

It’s easy to forget that when you are using your generator, the fuel will eventually run out. This means it is time for some maintenance and refueling. So follow these simple steps—after turning off all of appliances or electronics connected with electricity use including any lights, turn on power sources one at a time while watching how they respond before doing more than two simultaneously. Then shut everything down completely by flipping their corresponding switches “Off”. This includes extension cords too if necessary. Now allow appliance(s) and generator cool-down for some time between uses as needed through proper cooling system design featured on. It will help regulate the temperature of the generator.

Maintenance of a Generator:

A portable generator is a great way to help power your home in emergencies, but you should periodically take it for maintenance. Here are some steps that will help ensure the best possible performance from your generator.

Clean the air filter regularly by removing the air filter and washing it with water or an appropriate cleaner. Always check fuel lines, connections, and hoses for any signs of wear or leaks. If any problem, replace if necessary. Inspect belts for cracking, glazing (a shiny appearance), or other damage and replace them as needed. Also, inspect pulleys for wear that could cause vibration problems. And, remember to lubricate if necessary. Clean the engine cooling fins before each season to remove dirt and debris buildup on these fins that can impede airflow around the engine.

FAQs

Final Thought

With the power of a portable generator, you can take care of all your household needs even during an outage. This article has provided some helpful information on how to use a portable generator at home and what its advantages are. Now that you know everything about this handy device. But don’t forget to prepare for emergency supplies needed in advance.

We hope these tips have been useful in helping you decide on whether or not a portable generator is right for your situation. You may read more articles from our website if you need help with other aspects related to generators. Please stay tuned as we will be coming out with many new posts soon.