A portable home generator is just that, “portable.” It is designed to be relatively easily moved and consequently can be transported by the tradesman as he moves from work site to work site.

The decision as to whether to go for a standby generator or a portable will hopefully be assisted by the following:

Home Standby Generator

• Home standby generators are usually larger and more powerful than the portable versions.
• They are normally fuelled by natural gas or propane.
• They are connected directly to your home electrical system.
• An automatic transfer switch is usually recommended – it will switch the unit on when the power goes out, and then off when the power goes back on.
• A standby generator produces lots of sound, so noise reduction technology is essential for home use.

Please consider that all of the points above mean your overall expenditure will be greater than just the cost of the generator itself. Also, ensure the people you employ to install your generator are properly qualified to do so.

Portable Generator

Portable generators are designed to provide emergency cover for your home or workplace over a shorter period of time or power in a remote area.

Portable generators tend to be smaller, less powerful and less expensive than their standby counterparts. Note, unlike the standby machines you will have to start the portable generator yourself (most likely with a pull-cord) although some have battery powered ignition. Portable generators typically have a built-in fuel tank and power outlets that accommodate household extension cords.

• Check to ensure your “portable” generator includes the wheels and handle you need to move it around.
• Also, does the generator have sufficient power outlets to meet your need?

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If you're looking for a reliable energy source for your weekend camping or short term power outage needs, then the Yamaha EF2000iS Gas Powered Inverter Generator is definitely one item that you will want to put on your shopping list. There are a number of great things about this particular Yamaha generator that can help you when you need it most.

One thing that you'll find right away is that the Yamaha EF2000iS does not lack power because it is capable of outputting over 2000 watts of clean AC power which is more than enough to power many of the items in your home or on the job site. The generator can run for a long period of time and still provide a great deal of power. On average, the generator can sustain power for over 10 hours on a full tank of gas.

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Often times when a generator runs that long, there is the issue of burning up too much oil which can lead to engine damage. The EF2000iS comes equipped with a low oil indicator light so you know exactly when to add more oil to the generator in order to prevent any major engine damage from occurring.

The engine in the EF2000iS is highly efficient and runs at optimal engine heat levels. This ensures longer engine life and sustainable performance over many years. Another reasons why this particular generator runs so efficiently is because of the Smart Throttle Load feature which automatically adjusts engine speed based on power output. If more draw is being placed on the generator, then the engine will speed up in order to accommodate for it. If less draw is being placed on the generator, the engine will slow down to idle speed in order to conserve fuel to ensure longer run time.

The generator is very user friendly thanks to the centrally located, easy to read control panel. User friendliness is often times an issue with this type of equipment, but Yamaha does an excellent job of taking into account the fact that not everybody has had a ton of experience with this type of equipment, which is why you see the high ease of use factor coming into play with this particular model.

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Yamaha EF2000iS Features and Specifications

   Weight: 51 pounds

   2,000 Watt Maximum AC Output/1,600 Watt Rated AC Output

   Super-quiet muffler with USFS-approved Spark Arrestor

   Smart Throttle varies engine speed based on load

   Inverter system with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control

   CARB Compliant

EF2000iS Reviews

Customers appear to be very happy with the performance of the Yamaha EF2000iS and are impressed by the amount of power that it produces given it's size. The fact that the model is so very user friendly and reliable have also played a large role in its success. The generator is easy to start, and runs efficiently, which are two factors that have contributed to the popularity of this particular model.

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In conclusion, we have no reservations in recommending the Yamaha EF2000iS Portable Inverter Generator to anyone who is looking for a tough, reliable, and powerful generator for their alternative power source needs.

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So how do you go about choosing the right generator for your emergency power needs? It all boils down to how much power you need and how long you are going to need it. If you plan on using it as a primary power source for a number of home appliances, small electronics items, and other electrical equipment that you use regularly, then you'll want to choose a portable generator that is capable of pumping out a large amount of wattage efficiently and effectively. If you're simply looking to power up a few small necessary electrical items just to get by during the situation, then you can probably afford to choose from the many small Generac Portable Generators that are available.

Here are some popular portable Generac generators that you will find on the market today.

Generac 5982 GP3250 3,750 Watt 206cc OHV Portable Gas Powered Generator

The Generac 5982 GP3250 is perhaps one of the most popular generators that Generac produces today. It's small and compact frame makes it convenient and easy to manoeuvre and it's efficient and powerful engine produces over 3,200 watts of power which you can use to power the items that you rely on most. The Generac GP3250 is powered by a 208cc OHV engine that performs to the highest standards and is not overwhelmingly loud like some generators.

You'll find a number of great features on this particular generator including circuit breaker outlets that prevent power overload during surges, a conveniently located control panel that is easy to read and easy to use, a 4 gallon steel fuel tank with fuel gauge, never-flat wheels, and many others.

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Generac 5623 GP6500 8,000 Watt 389cc OHV Portable Gas Powered Generator

Also among the top of Generac Portable Generators is the Generac 5623 GP6500 which is a step up from the previously mentioned generator in terms of overall wattage output. If you simply need more clean power for home appliances, power tools, and other electrical equipment, then this particular model will definitely give you what you need.

The Generac 5623 GP6500 is powered by a powerful 389cc OHV engine that is capable of pumping out 6,500 watts of power, and can produce 8,000 surge watts. This particular generator also comes equipped with circuit breaker outlets which helps keep electrical equipment operation safe. The muffler helps keep the noise level at a comfortable level so you won't disrupt the entire neighborhood when you have the generator running.

This unit also comes with an ergonomic handle for convenient and pain free manoeuvrability, a large 6.6 gallon fuel tank that can extend generator run time, and it also has that same compact design that you typically see from Generac Portable Generators.

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Generac GP Series Portable Generators Comparison Table ( Click to enlarge )

Generac 5793 iX2000 2,000 Watt 126cc 4-Stroke OHV Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator

If you're looking for something a little on the lighter side both from a power output standpoint and a price standpoint, then the Generac 5793 iX2000 might just be the answer you're looking for. This particular unit can give you a sufficient amount of power, nearly 2,000 watts to be exact, without forcing you to spend a ton of money.

The Generac 5793 iX2000 is equipped with highly efficient inverter technology which provides safe and clean electricity by first passing the power through an electrical microprocessor. Not only does the inverter technology help provide cleaner electricity, but it also helps reduce noise and size of the generator all together. It is capable of running at variable speeds which allows you to control the power output as needed. The Generac 5793 iX2000 is perfect for camping, recreational use, or for those small around the house projects that require power tools and other electrical equipment.

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Generac Portable Generators iX Series Comparison Table ( Click to enlarge )

When you need power in emergency situations or you simply need a portable power source that you can rely on at all times, then the perfect solution is Generac Portable Generators.

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From an electricity output standpoint the Yamaha EF3000iSE is no slouch as it is capable of pumping 3,000 watts of raw AC power, 2,800 watts of rated AC output that is safe for every day use. That gives you an adequate supply of clean power that you can use to run household appliances that you rely on, shop equipment that you need for small construction projects, or other heavier duty items that require electricity when it isn't readily available.

Another important factor that makes the Yamaha EF3000iSE 3,000 Watt 171cc OHV 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator With Electric Start a great buy is that it is manufactured in such a way that noise is greatly reduced. A sound reduction system minimizes sound output in order to provide a non-disruptive generator use experience. The EF3000iSE is also made with sound absorbing material which helps reduce overall sound output.

Fuel efficiency often becomes an issue with common generators because they are not made with capability of increasing or decreasing engine speed according to electricity output. The EF3000iSE comes equipped with a Smart Throttle Load Sensing Throttle Control which helps adjust the engine speed according to the desired output. This helps increase overall engine efficiency and saves you money on fuel costs.

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This particular Yamaha generator comes with a low oil level warning indicator that lets you know when fluids need to be added. The protective system helps prevent damage to the engine and other components of the generator that require constant lubrication. The unit will automatically shut off if oil levels ever become to low.

In some cases you may be forced to be without power for extended periods of time. When this happens you need a generator that will run for a long period of time without having to be refueled. The Yamaha EF3000iSE 3,000 Watt 171cc OHV 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator With Electric Start can accomplish this goal as it is capable of running for up to 20 hours while on the economy setting at ¼ load. This is perfect for situations when you don't require a lot of power, but need just enough juice to provide power to a few important items.

Another great feature that the EF3000iSE comes with is the battery charging feature. The unit has 12 volt DC output capabilities and has battery cables that you can use to charge batteries for cars, boats, RVs, and more.

The EF3000iSE is easy to operate thanks to the electric start feature, user friendly control panel, and simplistic design.

Yamaha EF3000iSE Features and Specifications

   Shipping Weight: 147 pounds

   3,000 Watt Maximum AC Output/2,800 Watt Rated AC Output

   Inverter system with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control

   Smart Throttle Load Sensing Throttle Control

   Electric Start

   CARB Compliant

EF3000iSE Reviews

The Yamaha EF3000iSE 3,000 Watt 171cc OHV 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator With Electric Start has received some great reviews from many different customers and appears to be a product of choice for those looking for a reliable and dependable alternative power source. Many customers enjoy the power saver feature which allows the unit to run continuously for extended periods of time.

Customers also seem to be very satisfied with the level of power output that the EF3000iSE produces. Many commented on how they can't see how anyone would need any more power than what this particular unit can provide.

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One other point that many customers made in reviews that they left is that the unit is very quiet for it's size. This is important when the generator has to be used in heavily populated areas where noise disruption can be a problem.

The price of the unit seems to be the only real complaint that customers have about this particular generator. In reality though customers are happy to fork out a little extra money when they know they are getting a high quality product such as this. Based on what we have read in reviews about the Yamaha EF3000iSE, we are confident that it is an excellent buy.

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One thing to keep in mind is that some generator manufacturers require that the generator by installed by a professional. In some cases installing the unit on your own might void any warranty that comes with the product. This is something that you will definitely want to look into before you decide to install the unit on your own.

The first step in the installation process is to mount the unit outside of your home. The generator can be installed on the mounting pad that comes with the generator or it can be installed on a poured concreted slab. Both are suitable locations for a standby generator.

Once you have the generator mounted in place, then you'll need to connect it to the proper fuel source. Standby generators can use propane or natural gas, so which one you use will depend on what is available in your home. You'll want to contact your gas company in order to have the unit connected to the fuel supply in your home.

The last step in the installation process involves wiring the unit into the electrical system of your home. This is another step that you can perform on your own or have completed by a certified electrician. You'll find that most standby generator units come with pre-wired kits that make electrical hookup very easy for those who wish to install the unit on their own. The safest bet, however, is to have the unit installed by a certified professional electrician. This way you don't have to worry about the dangers involved in working with dangerously high amounts of electricity.

Once your standby generator is installed it is a good idea to test the unit on a regular basis. How you do so will depend on the type of unit that you have purchased. An automatic unit will turn on the moment the power goes out. A manual unit requires you to start it by hand. If you've purchased an automatic unit, then you can program the unit to run on a regularly scheduled basis for testing purposes. With manual units you have to perform this task by hand.

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Portable and standby home generators are available in different price ranges, power capacities, and fuel sources. If you want to run a device from an external source, then a portable generator is the choice for you. This type can be connected to a continuous power source like a natural gas line, extending the time you have energy supplied to your home.

There are also permanent standby home generators, which remain connected to the fuel source and the home. This means the system can be configured to be an automatic power supply backup or a push-button activation device. Either way, these permanent standby models are very convenient and valuable devices. The power supply level is so high with these models that an entire home can be supported by one generator – making it a wise choice for long-term power outages and disaster preparedness.

Home generators need a fuel source, which can vary according to your preferences or available resources. Devices run on gasoline, natural gas, petroleum gas, and diesel, with gas usually being the cheapest fuel to run and maintain. The standard way to choose a fuel source is to investigate the heating fuels available in your local area. Some generators can run on two different fuels (often propane and natural gas). If efficiency and maintenance are important deciding factors for your fuel choice, consider diesel home generators.

Wherever you decide to shop for home generators, be sure to inquire about installation, warranties, and servicing. These are just some of the most important factors to consider when buying such a device.

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Transfer switches are used to "switch" the power supply from the main’s power supply to that provided by the generator. The type of transfer switch that you purchase will depend on the size of your new generator unit.

One thing to keep in mind is that it is extremely important that you purchase a transfer switch that is capable of handling the maximum amount of power that your generator will be supplying. This will ensure that the proper amount of power is safely transferred to your home when emergency power is required. An inadequately sized transfer switch will not provide the optimal amount of power when it is needed most.

There are two types of transfer switches that you can purchase for home generators – automatic and manual. An automatic transfer switch can be used with standby generators or manual generators. Automatic transfer switches can sense when there is no power coming in on the main power line of your home. When this happens, it automatically switches to the alternate power source. The automatic transfer switch can also be run manually. The other type of transfer switch is a manual one.  This type of switch requires manual intervention any time you need to switch between power sources and is not as convenient as the automatic version. The other benefit of the automatic transfer switch is that it will automatically revert back to the main power source once it senses that power has been restored.

Transfer switches can range in size to handle small amperage amounts as well as large amperage amounts which are produced by larger generator models. Installation of transfer switches should be taken care of by a professional electrician, but can be completed by the experienced home do-it-yourselfer.

In many cases there will be a transfer switch included with the generator when you purchase it. If this is not the case, however, check the manual of your home generator to determine which switch is right for your unit.

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One of the biggest benefits of the Generac 5875 is that it is one of the more convenient generators on the market because it comes with automatic start-up functionality. You don't have to worry about manually starting it when the power goes out because it automatically fires up within seconds of an outage. This is extremely important if you have equipment that requires a constant stream of power that cannot be cut off for very long.

Traditional generators often require the use of multiple chords which can create extra clutter in your yard. With the Generac 5875 you don't have to worry about that because there is no need to run extension chords since it can be wired directly into your home electrical system. Simply run the wiring from the generator to your home and you're all set. You can even bury the wiring if you want to completely remove it from view.

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When you purchase the unit you'll find that it comes pre-wired and ready to install in a matter of minutes. All of the equipment that is necessary for operation is supplied including a 200 amp rated transfer switch, a connection box, a mounting pad, and much more. You can easily install the unit by yourself or have it installed for you. (We always recommend consulting a qualified electrician.)

One other great feature that you will find available with the Generac 5875 Air cooled liquid propane/natural gas powered generator is the Quiet-Test exercise feature. This handy feature gives you the ability to test the unit on a regular basis to ensure that it is always in proper working condition. You then have confidence it's ready to go when you need it most.

Generac 5875 Standby Generator Features and Specifications

    Product Dimensions: 48 x 25 x 29 inches ; 451 pounds

    Shipping Weight: 458 pounds

    Convenient, hands-free operation,no fueling

    Auto Start Up – No manual start

    No extension cords

    Runs on natural gas or liquid propane

    20,000 Rated Watts

    Patented Quiet-Test low speed exercise mode

    Clean, smooth True Power Technology provides safe operation of sensitive electronics

    Includes 200 Amp automatic Transfer Switch for whole house protection

    CARB Compliant

    3 Year Limited Warranty

Generac 5875 Reviews

Those who have purchased the Generac 5875 Standby Generator have a lot of positive things to say about the unit. Generac is a household name in home generators and this is one of their best selling standby models. With it's self containing enclosure, quite operation, reliability, and ability to power an average household's needs, the unit receives nothing but praise.

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Consumers are also very pleased with how easy the unit is to install and the little maintenance that is required to keep the unit in good operating condition. You can trust that the unit will start up quickly and easily when it needs to. Most of the reviewers indicated the fact that the unit did start up right away when they experienced a power outage.

Based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews that were left for the Generac 5875 Standby Generator and it's position as Amazon's top selling Standby Generator we have no difficulty whatsoever in recommending this unit for use in your home or business for all of your emergency power needs.

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A generator is a power source that produces electricity to be used in the home or elsewhere. Our focus in this article is generators for home use, in other words, the type of machine the average home owner may be interested in. Various types of generator exist to – cater for different needs, or which might be of use in specific situations, or which are powered in a particular way. The most common of these are portable generators, RV generators, wind generators, and emergency or standby generators.

Here is a quick definition of each of the most commonly used type of generator.
 

Portable Generator:

The portable generator is the most popular type of machine for home backup or outdoor activities. It has many uses and is able to supply the needed power source for home standby or construction purposes together with outdoor camping or recreation. Portable generators are convenient, generally easily moved, and useable for home, work, or recreational needs.

RV Generator:

RV (Recreational Vehicles) generators are particularly designed for motor homes or recreational vehicles. A good RV generator will  start quickly, run quietly and require little maintenance. They come in gas and diesel alternatives. There are quite a few assorted models and power options available.

Wind Generator:

As the name suggests a turbine is the energy source, which converts the wind power into electricity. Wind turbines have steadily increased in popularity these past few years as the green alternative and have made substantial ground in terms of cost and reliability. Wind generators can act as a stand alone option in a situation where there is no grid supply (in which case batteries are essential to store electric.) They are perhaps more often used as a back up to and auxiliary source to the grid supply. Hopefully reducing your home or business electricity bills.

Emergency or Standby Generator:

The Emergency Generator could be a Portable Generator but is more likely to be a Standby Generator. If there is a sudden power out the emergency generator kicks in enables your home or business to function as normal until the normal power supply is resumed. The Standby models tend to be larger, more powerful and more expensive than the Portable machines but deliberately so. And whilst it may seem like a large financial outlay, a standby generator is essentially an insurance against the possibility of a black out.

You the buyer will have to decide whether you want a machine powerful enough to power your premises as normal or simply to provide sufficient power to enable essential appliances to function, say for example, the fridge and freezer. Again, the bigger the motor, the more expensive the machine will be. The emergency generators are generally powered by propane, natural gas, petrol or diesel.

Which type of generator do I need?

You must make the choice of home generator as per your requirements. Before selecting a generator it's vital to go over the list of appliances and apparatus you would like to run from the generator. This will help you to total the wattage needed and determine the output of the generator you need. Do you intend to only use it in one location or may it be used in various places. And of course the ultimate determining factor – what is your budget.

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If you're looking for a worry free solution to providing electricity to your home in the event of an emergency, then the Generac 5870 is just the answer you are looking for.

There are a number of reasons why the Generac Guardian Series 5870 Generator is top of the line in gas powered standby generators. One reason is the fact that it can be hooked directly up to your propane or natural gas lines so you don't ever have to worry about whether or not it is fueled up and ready to go, because it always will be. The best part is that this generator will automatically start up if the power in your home ever goes out.

The Generac 5870 is ready to go as soon as you get it home. All you have to do is wire it in to your home electrical system and connect it to the gas supply in your home. Once this is complete, you can be certain that your home will always have power regardless of whether or not there is an outage.

If you're concerned about whether or not the power coming from the Generac 5870 is safe for your home electronics, don't be. This particular generator is equipped with True Power Technology which helps to provide the safest and cleanest electricity for virtually any piece of electronics that you might need to run with it.

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There is plenty of power to go around because this system is capable of providing roughly 8,000 watts of energy. You'll find that the Generac 5870 is well equipped to handle the job because it comes with an 8 circuit transfer switch, pre-wired conduits, and many other components that are needed to supply your home with the electricity it needs.

Generac 5870 Features and Specifications

   Convenient, hands-free operation with no fueling. No manual start. No extension cords.

    Runs on natural gas or liquid propane.

   Clean, smooth True Power Technology provides safe operation of sensitive electronics.

   Includes automatic transfer switch with 8 circuits protected (NEMA 1, indoor rated only)

   8,000 Rated Watts

    CARB Compliant

   Shipping Weight: 340 pounds

Generac 5870 Reviews

In common with all high ticket items the Generac 5870 has relatively few reviews compared to less expensive products. Of the comments we do have, the reception and acceptance of the Generac 5870 has been very good. Users have expressed their satisfaction with the ease of installation of the generator and its ability to provide their home with power. It appears that the installation is pretty straightforward if you follow the instructions, but because of the nature of the work required to get the unit installed, there may be a need for professional assistance. Indeed, we would recommend professional installation.

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Based on the positive reviews that we discovered at Amazon.com, we recommend the Generac 5870 Standby Generator to any homeowner who is looking for a permanent generator solution to potential power outage problems.

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