Because a portable generator uses a combustion engine to generate electricity, it must have several regulators on board. The engine must turn at 3600 rpm in order to generate the standard 60 Hz of alternating current in North American homes. In order to control engine speed, a portable generator uses a ‘governor’ which mechanically keeps the engine from spinning too fast. A voltage regulator also keeps the output at 120 volts, which keeps electric motors from burning out.

For safety reasons, a portable generator must be operated under dry conditions in a ventilated outdoor area. Carbon monoxide fumes can build up from the exhaust of the generator’s engine, so indoor use is strongly discouraged regardless of the ventilation system. Touching a working portable generator with wet hands can cause electrocution. A canopy can be placed over the generator to protect it from the elements, but the ground below it should be dry.

A portable generator is designed to be a temporary electrical generator, measured in hours of use instead of days. Size does matter when it comes to the capacity of any portable generator. The key measurement is total wattage. All electrical motors need more power to start than to run. Before plugging appliances into the generator, add up the total number of watts all of them will require. This information should be found on a plate near the plug. Compare this number to the wattage rating of the portable generator. The generator needs to produce an equal or higher amount of wattage in order to work safely. This may mean sacrificing the use of an air conditioner in favor of a refrigerator. A bigger portable generator with a higher wattage rating means more available power for higher wattage tools and appliances.

Our lives literally depend on the safe use of electricity in our homes, and often safety hazards can go unnoticed or unseen. Even what homeowners might think of as a “minor” problem can lead to a devastating fire. In fact, electricity is a leading cause of home fires in the U.S.

Each year fires that start in electrical systems or lighting equipment
• damage more than 24, 000 homes
• kill 320 people
• injure 830 more

With today’s modern electrical systems you can insure that you home is safer than it ever was. However some older homes still have dangerous electrical systems such as knob and tube wiring and may have electrical panels like Federal pacific that have a tendency not to trip under a specified load and cause a potential fire. It is important for you to have your electrical system checked out by your local electrician to insure that your home is safe and operating under the parameters set in the National electrical code. Play it safe and have your home inspected it just may save your life.