Top 5 Reasons to Get a Portable Power Generator
Portable generators are useful in a variety of circumstances. They can supply emergency backup power for a few appliances in the event of a power outage and are a handy way to power electronic equipment on a camping trip or for an outdoor event. They can also be useful on a job site, providing portable power for work equipment.
Whatever the reason you need portable power, Honda offers a generator that should work. Their wattage calculator and online generator selector make it easy to see which of their generators are a close match for the type of power that you’re looking for.
1) Power What You Need
When selecting a portable generator, the first consideration is making sure the generator can run the equipment you need. Check the generator’s “rated” or “continuous” watts to see how much power the generator can consistently put out. This rating tells you whether the generator can supply enough power for the devices you want to operate.
Generators also list a “maximum” or “starting” wattage, but that only lets you know how much extra power the generator can put out for a short time when starting an electric motor. It’s not the best guide for how much the generator can consistently power.
2) Power Without Too Much Noise
Noise level is also a concern when purchasing a generator. This is especially true if the generator will be used during an event, while camping, or in town. You don’t want the generator to be so loud it annoys the neighbors or drowns out conversation.
Honda’s decibel chart compares the noise level of each generator to common everyday sounds so you can get an idea of how loud each will run. The loudest generator on this chart is about as noisy as a vacuum cleaner, while the softest would blend into the background noise in a quiet office.
3) Compact, Portable Power
When purchasing a portable generator, make sure the size and weight work for you. You don’t want to buy a generator hoping to use it for portable power and then have trouble moving it from place to place. Some portable generators are small enough to lift with one hand, while others require a little more effort.
Honda’s smaller EU generators are compact, so you can easily move them by hand. For example, the EU1000i supplies 900 rated watts of power and weighs less than 29 pounds. It can power things like lights, a TV, a microwave, a coffee maker, or a two-way radio.
Larger portable generators are equipped with wheels. They’re a little harder to move around but supply more power. The EU2000i, for example, weighs less than 47 pounds and supplies 1600 rated watts. It is large enough to power a computer or energy-efficient refrigerator. For more power, you can link two EU2000i Companion generators.
4) Easy Backup Power
You don’t have to get a huge standby generator if you want backup power for your home or business. Compact generators (up to 2,000 watts) can typically power a refrigerator (700W), laptop (200W), 5-10 lights (250W), smartphone charger (20W), and home security system (100W). You won’t be able to power everything in your house with a portable generator, but it’s a good option for occasional power outages.
Another option is Honda’s EU3000i Handi. This is Honda’s lightest weight 3000-watt generator. It weighs 78 pounds and supplies 2,600 rated watts. The EU3000iS is heavier, weighing 124 pounds, but supplies 2,800 rated watts. These generators are both powerful enough to run an RV air conditioner, and the EU3000iS could run a furnace fan as backup power in the winter.
5) Safe, Reliable Power
When used correctly, portable generators can provide safe and reliable power. Just be sure to follow generator safety guidelines to protect yourself and your home or business. These tips will also help extend the life of the generator.
Let the generator cool down before re-fueling, to prevent splashing any fuel on a warm engine. Always keep a portable generator outside when it’s running, and away from open windows and doors. Running engines produce carbon dioxide, so it’s not safe to run the generator in an enclosed area like a garage, house, or RV. Make sure to protect your generator from rain while it is running to avoid the risk of electrocution.
Plug appliances directly into the generator, or use a heavy-duty grounded extension cord to supply power. If you’ll be using the generator for backup power in your home or business, consider installing a transfer switch.
Finding and Purchasing the Right Generator
Here at Richarson Saw & Lawnmower, we stock a range of Honda power generators. Honda generators are widely considered some of the most reliable, powerful ones on the market, and we’re sure you’ll be able to find one that meets your needs.
Not sure which generator will be best for you? Give us a call at 972-235-2086 or stop by our location in Richardson, Texas. As a Honda Power Choice dealer, we’re among the top Honda dealers in the country. Our sales staff will be happy to assist in selecting the perfect Honda generator to fit your needs.
