| Statistically, the most frequent power outages | | | | In contrast, a portable generator is intended for |
| are so-called rolling blackouts, when during a high | | | | temporary connections to electrical loads, does |
| demand a utility company rotates power between | | | | not require any installation, and can be moved |
| various areas. Such blackouts usually last less than | | | | from place to place. When the grid goes down, |
| an hour. However, an equipment failure or a | | | | you need to move it out of storage, fill it with |
| natural disaster can cause a long-term power | | | | fuel, and connect it to your selected appliances via |
| outage. A long-term blackout is more than just an | | | | extension cords that run through windows or |
| inconvenience; it is a potential life-threatening | | | | doors. Your lights will not work though. |
| situation, since besides loss of light and spoiled | | | | In order to energize your home wiring you would |
| food, it means loss of air conditioning in the | | | | need to install a transfer switch. The main |
| summer or loss of heat in the winter. An | | | | disadvantage of portable models is that most of |
| emergency power generator would allow you to | | | | them get fuel from an on-board tank and require |
| power critical appliances and possibly the whole | | | | frequent refueling (typically several times a day if |
| house during a blackout. There are various types | | | | you run them at maximum load). Which brings up |
| of electric generators that differ by the way they | | | | the next issue: an emergency generator is useful |
| are connected, activated and fueled. | | | | only for as long as it has fuel. The cheapest and |
| Understanding their operation and basic | | | | most common portables work on gasoline. |
| differences can help you make an informed | | | | However, since during a major blackout gas |
| decision about the right backup device for your | | | | pumps may not function, you need to store on |
| home. | | | | site a substantial amount of gasoline if you chose |
| Depending on their connection method the power | | | | a gas generator. This is not quite safe because |
| generators can be standby or portable. A standby | | | | gasoline fumes are highly flammable. Diesel and |
| device is hardwired to the house electrical system | | | | propane are more suitable for storage (and a |
| via a transfer switch and is permanently | | | | propane tank does not need electricity to refill), |
| connected to a fuel supply, such as a natural gas | | | | but devices that run on these types of fuel are |
| line or a large propane tank. The purposes of the | | | | generally more expensive and may not be |
| transfer switch are to connect the house wiring | | | | available in your local home improvement stores. |
| to either the generator or utility lines and prevent | | | | In conclusion, if price is the main object and you |
| "backfeeding" electricity from the generator into | | | | feel you are able to roll around a few hundred |
| the grid. The main advantage of a standby | | | | pound device, consider a gas portable generator. |
| system is that once it is installed, it can be started | | | | If you are caught off guard by a blackout, rushing |
| immediately and effortlessly (either automatically | | | | to a local home improvement store and getting a |
| or by a push of a button) and produce electricity | | | | portable generator is probably your only choice. If |
| for your home for as long as fuel supply is | | | | you prefer having the ability to power the entire |
| available. These features come with a price tag | | | | house including lights, rather than just a few |
| though -- besides being more expensive, a | | | | appliances, consider a bi-fuel natural gas/liquefied |
| standby system requires professional installation. | | | | propane standby generator. |