Portable Power Generator Might Be a Key to Power

The world is taking note:  A portable power generator might be one of the best, most affordable energy sources for those in times of crisis. In recent years, even months, Mother Nature has delivered strong blows to households across the nation via variations of wind, rain and ice.  Families who have relied on electricity for nearly every need have experienced what it’s like to do without it – and they don’t want to do without again.  But since weather is uncontrollable, they must take control of their needs another way – possibly with their own portable generator.

Just like an old friend is on standby when the going gets rough, this generator will be too.  And unlike you, it won’t be relying on the electricity.  The portable power generator does not depend on electricity as its source like an air conditioner, water heater or electric furnace, but instead is powered by an engine.  The engine is supplied with ...

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How to Avoid 3 Frequent Portable Generator Complaints

You can learn a lot by reading portable generator reviews, I know I did. While the majority of the complaints voiced by reviewers are legitimate, others are just plain nit picking. Of the legitimate complaints, the following three issues seem to surface most often.

Complaint #1: Breakdowns

If you search online for best selling portable generators it should come as no surprise when you discover they're also the least expensive models in the $300 price range. Unfortunately, the term best selling generator is commonly mistaken to mean best overall generator. The quality and reliability of generators in this price range vary not so much by manufacturer, but from generator to generator. For mysterious reasons, some ...

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Top Reasons For Buying A Used Portable Generator

Are you interested in owning a used portable generator but you are afraid to make a mistake on picking the right one? Portable generators have become very popular over the last several years as people seek to have protection for their home and family in case of power shortage or power outage.

Some areas of the world are prone to frequent electrical outages or even power surges which means that having a portable generator becomes very important. For example, if lightning strikes nearby or high winds cause problems with the local cables running power to your house, this can cause ...

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Fixing Your Portable Generator

So, you've brought your generator out of storage, filled the tank, pulled the cord, and nothing. Hopefully, you are finding this out BEFORE the power outage or camping trip. This article will help you fix some common problems you may encounter. Before attempting any repair, remove the spark plug to prevent accidental starting while you are working on the unit.

If the generator will not start or won't stay started, check the muffler exhaust for an foreign debris. Once that is clean, check the gas and oil to make sure you have appropriate levels of both. Finally, make sure the spark plug has a good connection.

If the alternator fails to excite, it may be running at too low of a speed. Adjust the rpm. This can also result from a faulty capacitor or windings, which must be replaced and tightened.

If the voltage is running high with no load on the generator, you may need to adjust the rpms to a lower speed or replace the capacitor. Conversely, if the voltage is running low under no load, you may need to adjust the rpms to a higher speed or replace the capacitor with one with a higher rating. In addition, for low voltage, you should check your winding resistance and replace your rotary diodes, if needed.

If your voltage is ok with no load, but drops when you add a small load, you may need to increase your rpms or remove some of the load. You could also need to replace your rotary diodes.

If the voltage drops when you add a high load, you probably need to adjust the rpms or remove some of the load.

Finally, if the voltage fluctuates, it may be the result of loose or dirty connections. You may also need to regulate the rpms to solve this problem.