A generator, or anything with a fuel-powered engine, should never be operated in a closed space, like a garage or shed. Exhaust gasses contain carbon monoxide CO , an odorless, colorless gas that can poison and kill people.
Most manufacturers offer models that will shut down when they detect carbon monoxide gas building up, which prevents them from running in closed spaces.
Do not run a generator in a garage, with the door open, or in front of the garage with the door open—carbon monoxide can still become trapped in the garage and slowly make its way into the home. For this reason, generators should be run outside, at least 20 feet from the house, away from windows and doors, with the exhaust blowing away from the house. Manufacturers list two figures for generators: starting watts and running watts.
Starting watts includes the initial surge required to start appliances or tools with powerful electric motors or compressors. Once started, these devices require far less power to run continuously. Many manufacturers have a chart with estimated power requirements for common appliances and tools to help add up what is required.
The figure can also be calculated by adding up power consumption of specific appliances and adding them together. To calculate watts, multiply voltage usually volts by the amps amperage required to run the appliance usually found on a tag attached to the appliance.
Do this for each item the generator will power. We researched popular features, scoured consumer reviews, and talked with product engineers to select these generators. Testing these models was based on our experience using generators for backup power with and without transfer switches, on construction sites to run power tools and equipment, as well as running sound systems and lighting at outdoor events.
We measured sound levels of these generators idling with no load, and while running under load at 2 feet and 25 feet. We used an oscilloscope to observe the sine wave of the AC current generated by these machines, and a clamp meter to check voltage output. Some examples of devices we used with large starting and running loads include a large air conditioner and a portable table saw. We evaluated these generators based on ease of starting, power response, sound levels, value, safety, and reliability to select the top performers.
In addition, we included three untested models that have compelling prices, design, or other features that may meet your needs. Many of our recommended and tested models are currently out of stock due to ongoing supply chain issues. We checked availability, and these generators with similar features from brands that have performed well in our testing, are currently available if you need one quickly.
The Generac generators in question were purchased online and from brick-and-mortar retailers from June through June Full details of the recall can be found on the U. Consumer Product and Safety Commission website. If you currently have the Generac GP COsense—or one of the other models subject to the recall—you should stop using it and contact the company for a free repair kit at , or www.
Running watts: 7, Starting watts: 9, Decibels under load: The Predator , from Harbor Freight, is a very big inverter, capable of powering all the critical circuits in a modest-size home. We were able to pull it around fairly easily with one person, but lifting it was definitely a team affair. To hit the running capacity, we powered two air conditioners, a portable heater, a table saw, and a planer. Running watts: 3, Starting watts: 3, Decibels under load: We appreciated the convenience of the push-button electric start.
During testing we used two volt loads, our amp table saw, and a amp portable air conditioner. While turning the saw on and off, the sine wave of the current had consistent symmetrical waves. The IQ is a great compact generator for job sites and emergency home backup. Running watts gas : 3, Starting watts gas : 4, Decibels under load: Champion packed a lot of value in here, starting with the ability to run on either gas or propane.
Monitoring the current when turning the saw or planer on, we saw a symmetrical sine wave. THD held at zero percent, though it blipped to 3. Running watts: 1, Starting watts: 2, Decibels under load 2 and 25 ft: At half the size and less than half the weight of the other models in this test, the Honda EUi inverter generator is the most portable of the units we tested.
That enclosure is an important feature as it protects the inverter electronics and helps contain noise—the EUi is remarkably quiet. In testing, we measured sound levels of When we started and stopped things with bigger motors, like a table saw and air conditioner, the sine wave remained smooth. Running under these heavier loads, we measured the highest sound levels for the EUi at Aside from the clean enclosure, there are some other really nice features on this generator.
The vent on the gas cap can be closed, so that fumes, or fuel, cannot escape. Lastly, the EUi has ports for parallel operation. With the correct cable, it can be connected to a second EUi to double output to starting and running watts. The EUi is ideal for camping and other outdoor events where generator noise might be frowned on. Running watts: 3, Starting watts: 4, Decibels under load 2 and 25 ft: At just over pounds, it was light enough for one person to lift it out of the truck, but it would be safer with two.
Wheels and a folding handle facilitate moving and positioning the generator to make setup fast and easy. Once the generator is running, a handy fuel gauge built into the top of the tank helps ensure there are no surprises with the gas level. We measured sound levels, with no load, in front of the generator at Under load, that number increased only to Visually checking the current output on an oscilloscope, we found slight deterioration of the sine wave, a common occurrence with portable generators.
Possibly the most important feature is CO Guard, which shuts down the engine when carbon monoxide CO levels get too high around the generator. This can help prevent CO poisoning, or death, resulting from improper placement or use of the generator. We tested this feature using a large appliance box placed over the generator, which shut down in This one consumes 7.
Its total power consumption in watts would be 7. Source: Kompulsa. Conversely, if you know the wattage and want to calculate the amperage of your portable appliances you can use this formula:. State grid and standby generators operate well below this threshold. Using them to run your laptops, flatscreen TVs, or any other kinds of modern electronics for continuous long hours can potentially damage them.
There is good news — portable inverter generators do not suffer from the same problem and can be safely used to run sensitive electronics. One problem with most of the inverters is that they are quite small. However, most inverter generators come with a parallel capability. That means you can use two inverter generators in parallel, doubling your total power output. This is already enough to power a few large essential appliances in case of an emergency.
You could also safely run sensitive portable electronic equipment. In any case, if you decide to use a portable generator, no matter if it is a conventional or inverter generator — do not operate one without a transfer switch.
Using a portable generator to power a house without a transfer switch is not the best idea. That could not only damage your household appliances and the electric grid in the entire neighborhood but in the worst cases can also result in life-threatening electric shocks. Check our help guide for more info. We are a reader-supported site.
We may earn a small commission from purchases made through links on our site at NO extra cost for you. This Calculator Will Help You. If you need a generator for home, you need more wattage to run multiple home appliances. This quiet watt inverter generator can run everything in your travel trailer, including an AC, fridge, TV, and lighting circuits.
For RV, a — watt generator would be ideal. Use our calculator to get custom precise estimates and find out which generators are powerful enough. The most expensive models cost as much as a portable generator, which can do far more. It's also efficient, capable of keeping the fridge running and the lights on for 8 to 18 hours using only 2 to 3 gallons of gas.
Cons: It can generally power only volt items with a standard two- or three-prong plug, ruling out well pumps and heating and cooling equipment. You can now find special volt transfer-switch kits, but the installation cost makes them an impractical choice because you could opt for a portable generator with a volt transfer switch for the same amount.
Certain models produce enough energy to meet all the power demands in a home. It can be connected to a breaker panel with a transfer switch to run hardwired equipment, such as a well pump. It's noisier than large inverter and home standby generators. It usually runs only on gasoline and uses a lot of it compared with inverters. And it's bulky; most weigh close to pounds.
It shouldn't be used in rain or snow without protection, such as an open-sided tent. It can be connected to your breaker panel to run hardwired equipment, such as a well pump. It's quiet and produces steady power ideal for sensitive electronics, such as stereo equipment. And it's fuel-efficient. Cons: It's expensive. It can power everything in a typical home simultaneously, up to its maximum output. It can be set up to run indefinitely on natural gas or can be fueled by propane.
There's no need to connect cables, flip a switch, or start the engine. Cons: With few exceptions, it's more expensive than other types of generators. Installation costs can run into the thousands—and they're not included in the price range we list above.
Editor's Note: A version of this article also appeared in the September issue of Consumer Reports magazine. It has been updated to reflect new safety advice and newly tested models. Damaging storms can happen anytime. As a classically trained chef and an enthusiastic DIYer, I've always valued having the best tool for a job—whether the task at hand is dicing onions for mirepoix or hanging drywall.
When I'm not writing about home products, I can be found putting them to the test, often with help from my two young children, in the s townhouse I'm restoring in my free time. We respect your privacy. All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story.
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