Portable Generator Information

The US Carburetion Kit Center makes kits that will let you convert most portable generator brands to run on propane.

RV generators, usually designed to be mounted on the RV itself, are also usually quiet enough to meet National Park Service noise standards. Some can double as household generators, burning either gasoline or propane -- for example, the 4,000-watt Onan Juicebox (*Est. $4,000) can be hitch-mounted on an RV or truck, but has "landing gear" for use on the ground. Quite a few online forums discuss RV generators, with useful tips on installation and use. Try RV.net.

Generator buyer's guides and safety tips

To help you figure out what size generator you need, see Amazon.com's generator wattage worksheet, available by download.

Many manufacturers also have wattage calculators or charts on their websites. For example, Generac Power has a chart showing estimated wattages used by common appliances.

Honeywell has an easy-to-use wattage calculator. It only shows you what appliances you could run on the various Honeywell models, but you can generalize to other models of the same size but different brands.

Portable-generator specifications usually describe outlets in a code that can be hard to understand if you're not an electrician. The Wikipedia entry on NEMA connectors explains them very well.

ThisOldHouse.com provides an excellent article, "Transfer of Power," that covers the basics of choosing and installing a generator for household emergency use. The article explains how transfer switches work and compares the pros and cons of portable vs. standby (stationary) generators. Prices are outdated since the article is dated 1999, but the basic information is still useful.

Mother Earth News features a 2008 buyer's guide by Steve Maxwell called "Emergency Power Options."

Safety experts note an alarming number of deaths from portable generators -- from carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, burns and electrocution. Portable generators require careful positioning well away from the house and any open windows. Using one in a storm can mean working with electricity in wet conditions -- a dangerous combination. Several agencies have published safety precautions you can download and print:

Red Cross

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

The staff of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has made an October 2006 staff review of portable generator safety available that summarizes portable generator hazards plus urgent recommendations for changes in the industry -- requiring GFCI outlets, for example. The 35-page article is well worth reading before assembling and positioning a portable generator.

Portable generator manufacturers:

Blue Max Direct (not the manufacturer, but a good information source)

Briggs & Stratton

Generac

Honda

Honeywell

NorthStar

Powermate

Sears Craftsman (made by Briggs & Stratton)

Yamaha