by Sawsan Elzayyat

Created on: April 21, 2009

Portable electricity generators can be very useful in cases of temporary power outage. However, having a portable generator is not enough. In fact, if you are not sufficiently aware of how to use it efficiently and safely, your back-up generator could prove to be extremely dangerous.

To be classified as 'portable,' an electricity generator's wattage must not exceed 2,500 watts (generators are rated by wattage, or how many watts of power they produce). A 5000-watt generator that can provide power to several major household appliances simultaneously, for example, is a 'whole house' rather than a back-up generator.

Back-up or portable generators use gasoline, diesel fuel, propane gas or natural gas. If you need a portable generator, but are unsure as to what to purchase, please consider the points below.

- The advantage of diesel-powered generators over gasoline generators is that they last longer, are more fuel efficient, and do not heat up quite as much. While the energy output per gallon of diesel fuel is higher than that of gasoline, both gasoline and diesel fuel stocks will degrade with time. A general outage for a prolonged period usually means that you won't be able to get fuel for your generator (service station pumps run on electric power). You will therefore need to keep a stock of fuel. Pouring stored diesel fuel into your lawn mower (or your car if applicable) and running the engine every few months is one way of overcoming this problem. If you are storing gasoline for your back-up generator, remember to exchange it regularly.

- The comparative price of gasoline and diesel fuel varies from year to year (in the U.S.), so cost is not really a determining factor. In some countries, however, there may be a great difference in price.

- Propane gas turns liquid at - 46 F (- 43 C) and is easy to compress. It can be stored safely and does not deteriorate like gasoline and diesel fuel. You can buy compressed propane in portable tanks at many service stations.

- The principal disadvantage of natural gas powered generators is that you can't use them unless you live in an areas where piped-in natural gas services are available. Unlike propane, natural gas does not compress easily.

Once you have your portable or back-up generator, make sure you use it safely. Unless you adhere to specific safety measures, electricity generators can be hazardous. Here are some dangers you should be aware of:

Carbon Dioxide Poisoning
- Never run a fuel-powered generator indoors or in closed

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