| Portable electric generators have been available at | | | | powered versions. It is highly unlikely there will be |
| hardware and major chain stores for several | | | | a diesel version of such a small engine anytime in |
| decades but the latest generation of gasoline | | | | the near future. If you happen to be waiting on a |
| (petrol) powered generators, referred to as | | | | diesel version before you purchase, consider the |
| Suitcase Generators, pretty much take-the-cake | | | | lawnmower Industry. There are basically no mass |
| on portability. Suitcase style generators are | | | | production diesel lawnmowers. The same will |
| significantly lighter than their wheeled | | | | probably be true for the suitcase generator |
| predecessors and are designed to be carried by | | | | industry. |
| their handle, similar to a piece of luggage. While | | | | They can run up to 5 hours on a single take of |
| some models do exceed 70 pounds, many of the | | | | gas, which on some models is less than 2 gallons. |
| newer versions are less than 30 pounds and can | | | | Some people consider them a great standby as |
| produce over 1000 Watts of electrical power. | | | | backup power in case of a residential electrical |
| There are some battery storage units that are | | | | outage. Many outdoorsmen have begun to carry |
| considerably cheaper and look very similar to the | | | | them on camping trips. This was not practical |
| gas powered generators but they are not really | | | | when the wheeled version. Since a single individual |
| generators. They are simply DC power storage | | | | is able to carry one of these generators, they are |
| capacitors, very similar to a car battery, that | | | | very practical for a variety of other functions. |
| have the ability to output AC power. Once the | | | | They are starting to become very popular in the |
| battery is "dead" you are out of power, so it is | | | | emergency services field and the military has |
| incorrect to refer to these types of storage units | | | | been using them for years. Construction workers |
| as generators. However, a lot of companies like | | | | have found them very useful for small jobs |
| to advertise them as such because of their | | | | where electrical service has not been hooked up |
| inexpensive price point. | | | | yet or is turned off due to an occupant vacancy. |
| The true suitcase style electric generators are still | | | | Just like any other gasoline engine, they do |
| fairly expensive but just like most previous | | | | produce carbon monoxide and should never be |
| consumer items as demand increases and | | | | used in an enclosed area. The use of an extension |
| technology improves, the prices will come down. | | | | cord is recommended, so the engine can be |
| Currently they are only available in gas/petrol | | | | located away from the user. |