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Portable electricity generators are a blessing in cases of temporary electric power failure or in remote locations with no electric power supply. For information on how to safely and efficiently use these generators please refer to this article. Generators are rated by their wattage, how many watts of power they produce and how much demand they can handle, and those whose wattage is higher than 2,500 watts do not classify as portable, or back-up, generators; 5000-watt generators, for example, are considered to be “whole house” generators because they can provide power to several major household appliances simultaneously.

Portable generators use a number of different fuels: gasoline, diesel, propane gas, or natural gas.

- Diesel powered generators last longer, are more fuel efficient, and do not heat up as much as gasoline generators. However, diesel fuel degrades over time. If you want to use your generator as a power source in a secluded cabin in the mountains, you will need to know the proper techniques for storing fuel. Keep fuel in case of emergencies especially if you live near a hurricane prone coast. Since many service station pumps run on electric power, a general outage in your area may mean that you won’t be able to get any fuel for your generator. Even if you store your automobile or lawn mower, you should pour stored fuel into it at least every few months

- The comparative price of gasoline compared to that of diesel fuel in the U.S changes yearly. Each gallon of diesel fuel produces more energy than a gallon of gasoline. In the same way as diesel, gasoline breaks down with the passage of time, and so unused fuel must be exchanged often.

- Propane gas is a great choice for safe storage as it does not deteriorate. At -46 F, this changes into an easily compressed liquid. Compressed propane is sold in portable tanks at many service stations.

- Natural gas generators are only usable where your local utility service offers piped-in natural gas direct to the generator location. Propane compresses easily, in contrast to natural gas which does not.

Improper use of electric generators can be dangerous. The safety measures below should be strictly adhered to.

- The byproduct of running a fuel-powered generator is carbon dioxide, which is both invisible and odorless. Generators must never be used indoors. Otherwise, CO poisoning is likely to result from breathing the engine exhaust. Keep in mind though that this includes sheds, crawlspaces, garages etc.

- Keep your portable generator in a safe place, outdoors. Although you will need to run extension cords into your home to supply power, the generator should not be close to doors, windows or vents that might allow CO to come indoors.

- If it appears that you will need to use your portable generator on a regular basis, it would be a wise precaution to install battery operated CO alarms.

- There is always an electrical hazard element with the use of portable generators, especially if they are operated in wet conditions, like a power outage due to flooding. When using a generator in wet weather, make sure to protect it from moisture but don’t run the generator indoors or near openings to occupied buildings.

- Use the correct size cords for extension that are made for the outdoors. The rating for each cable must be enough to carry the total wattage of all the devices drawing current through it. Fires can occur when overloaded cords become too hot. All three plug prongs should be undamaged and the cord should be free from any cuts or tears.

- Under no circumstances should you attempt to connect your generator to your home wiring by plugging it into a wall outlet, and you must never hook up generators to power lines or other power sources. Electrocution could result if the flow of electricity is reversed.

- To avoid burns and fires, turn off the generator and let it cool down before refueling; gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.

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