It’s a common misconception that generators need electricity to run, but this is actually incorrect. Generators produce electricity themselves in the form of mechanical energy, which you can use for a variety of tasks. This includes powering lights and running appliances as needed.
If you don’t have any natural gas or propane handy, it’s no problem! You can also power your generator using clean fuel like biodiesel or solar power panels if available. Not to mention that some type of fuel may be cheaper than others depending on where you live – another plus for going green! Modern generators are designed to last longer and keep running without requiring maintenance so they’re a great investment for individuals who enjoy working outdoors.
Electricity produced by a generator can also be used to charge batteries or power devices inside your home. This means that you can still use equipment like cordless power tools and battery-powered appliances if the time comes when you lose electricity. With a little bit of creativity, you’ll find that generators are capable of providing the power you need in any situation.
Some electronic devices are sensitive and therefore require an inverter generator. This type of device is specifically designed to regulate energy and provide steady current. By regulating the flow of power, it ensures that electronic items are not damaged by fluctuating or erratic power.
Which brings us to the reason you’re interested in learning how to run a generator – whether it be on your own or as part of a preparedness group. Many people use generators primarily for motorized tasks, like running ATVs and boats. You’ll also want to create a reliable source for power if the grid goes down, fires break out or other natural disasters strike.
But regardless of whether your primary purpose for a generator is camping, boating, ATVing or disaster preparedness, there are always more reasons to have one in your arsenal.
Power outages happen and they can cause chaos at best and serious injury at worst if you’re without modern power for a prolonged period of time. A generator is like a portable power plant to protect yourself from the elements.
Many people opt to get generators just as a precautionary measure or way to enjoy the outdoors more fully. Camping enthusiasts will want to use this item as part of any trip to ensure that their tents and other camping equipment are working as normal when they return home.
Boaters who aren’t always able to connect to the grid may rely on generators that can power their electronics and provide a source of power when no other is available.
Survivalists will find that generators are an essential element in their planning, especially if they’re prepping for disasters or planning for long-term survival situations. If you want to be prepared for anything from a flooding disaster to a zombie apocalypse, you’ll need a reliable source of electrical power.
There are certain items that people will only be able to use after days without power, like refrigerators, television sets, and radios. Anything connected to electricity needs a constant supply – which is why these items are so important in survival stores.
If you enjoy the outdoors, a generator can provide you with an extra source of power when you’re in the backcountry. You’ll find that running a generator is much easier if you have some basic knowledge about how it works.
In this article, we’ll cover the basics of what generators do, how they work, and where to get information on your particular model. We’ll also go into detail about why generators are so important for survivalists, boaters, and campers alike.
If there’s one thing that people will always have in times of trouble, it’s electricity. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking at prepping for disasters or simply wanting to enjoy nature more these days… electricity will always be a necessity. And when you’re trying to power your home, you’ll need a reliable source of electricity. A generator is an incredibly useful tool that can help you in times of trouble and allow you to power your entire home with one simple machine.
What Is An Emergency Generator?
You know that feeling when your lights go out and it’s dark? Your house is so cold and you’re so cold. Where are the rest of your family? Why did this happen?
Well, with a generator, you’ll be able to keep the power on for yourself instead of relying on electricity that may not always be there. Generators provide electricity to indoor lights, appliances and fans – they also will produce enough power for basic electronic devices like televisions, computers and smartphones.
As a survivalist, you’ll be able to use this power at any time of day or night and give your family a sense of security during times of trouble. If you live in an area that’s prone to natural disasters, having the ability to power your home with a generator is an absolute must!
You’ll find that many companies are now making devices that are capable of running for a longer period of time without requiring fuel. In fact, many companies recommend using generators for long-term survival situations because they’re so reliable.
In addition to using them for general emergencies or as part of survival planning, you can also use generators recreationally.
How Much Does an Emergency Generator Cost?
A good generator can provide you with enough power to run your entire home for many months or even years. However, there are certain things to consider before you go out and buy a generator. Check out the pros and cons listed below, which will help you decide whether or not a generator is right for your needs.
Standby generators – standby generators can be used in an emergency or disaster, but also have the ability to power your entire home on a full tank of fuel. These types of generators can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000 depending on their size and capabilities.
Standby generators Pros:
- Provide you with ample amounts of power for your home, apartment or cabin simply by putting them in the back of your truck.
- Can increase home value and sell for a higher price if you ever decide to move.
- Can be used in emergency situations when the power goes out.
- Provide you with a source of power that will not require any outside fuel sources to run off of.
- Automatic trigger devices make them extremely easy to control.
Cons:
- They take up a lot of space and can be very heavy. This can make it difficult to move around if you have limited space.
- Maintenance will be required to keep them running at peak performance.
- Cost will be greater depending on the size of the generator.
- Fixed location, and you will not be able to move them around.
Solar generators – If you don’t want to rely on outside sources of energy, you’ll want to look into solar powered generators. These devices run off of solar panels and are absolutely silent when they’re running. These types of devices are also very quiet and can run for as long as 30 days if they’re fully charged (they have a backup battery system that provides power if there is not enough sunlight during this time). Depending on how many watts you want to generate, these devices can cost upwards of $2,000 and can power everything from home entertainment systems to small appliances. You can also combine solar generators with batteries to create large renewable energy sources.
Solar generators Pros:
- They are quiet and can power whatever you need in your home in an emergency situation without being too expensive or difficult to install.
- Maintenance will be easy because they only depend on sunlight for power. However, they only work during the day which means they’re useless during a blackout.
- You will not have to worry about adding fuel or oil (solar powered generators don’t run off of gas).
- They can be quite useful in areas where there is a lot of sunlight, such as the desert.
Solar power systems – These devices are very similar to solar generators, but they’re better at storing energy than solar generators and are more efficient in general. Power companies use this type of system to store electricity during off-peak hours and then release it during peak hours. These systems have been around for a while now so you’ll typically find them only on large properties or businesses with large amounts of electrical demand.
Portable Generators – These smaller power generating devices are great for use in the home or for camping trips. They’re usually made from metal or plastic and can be filled with fuel. Some of them offer the option to run on electricity as well. Depending on your needs, you’ll likely want one that’s good at both producing electricity and running off of gas.
Diesel Generators – Not all diesel generators are created equal. Check our article on the top rated portable generators for more info.
Cost: Portable generator prices vary depending on a few different factors, such as what type of generator you buy, how many hours/gallons they will run per day, and if they’re solar powered or not (e.g. Goldline). While most portable generators range from $250.00 to $2,500.00, you can even find some that go up into the thousands.
Fuel: Portable generators can be fueled with diesel (gasoline in some cases), gasoline, propane or natural gas. Diesel fuel is the most plentiful and will usually be cheaper than other options if you’re willing to pay a little more to avoid using electricity (which is what we recommend). Generators can start using natural gas as soon as the lines are turned on; however, it may take several hours for them to get use to the new source of fuel so it’s important that you don’t run out of gas before they get used to it.
Portable generator Pros:
- They’re still portable and easy to move around. This is great if you own a house or have only a small amount of space where you can place your generator.
- Little maintenance is required, as the fuel won’t be in the engine.
- They’re great for emergency situations such as power outages. They’re relatively cheap and will give you power when you need it the most.
Portable generator Cons:
- The amount of noise they make is usually very loud and can easily be heard throughout your home or neighborhood. If you are trying to live discreetly, this may not be a good option for you (especially if you live close to neighbors).
- Manual turn on and off controls may be difficult to use in emergency situations.
- Fuel storage can be dangerous if you are using diesel fuel (gasoline can leak and cause fires).
- Powering an entire home can be challenging if you only have one generator.
What Safety Precautions Should I Take?
Before you purchase a generator, there are several safety precautions that you should take to ensure that it is used properly. Follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions when dealing with fuel or oil; most of them include specific safety instructions on how to handle these items.
Never keep more fuel than necessary on hand, and always be careful when storing fuel where kids or pets may find it. It’s also important that you take care of your equipment and make sure every part is working before you use it for the first time (or anytime). A good idea is to test your device on a set schedule (eg every 3 months).