For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Follow Select. By Whitson Gordon. Shopping Expert picks: Solar-powered gadgets. Shopping Expert shopping: Best beach day essentials. Home Depot.
Shopping Expert shopping: Coronavirus face shields. Recent test data from CR shows that this safety feature is likely to save lives. Consumer Reports recommends a portable generator only if it passes our newly expanded CO safety technology test. Even if your generator has this potentially lifesaving feature, we still advise consumers to follow our longstanding safety guidelines: Always operate a generator a minimum of 20 feet from your home, with the exhaust directed away from any windows, doors, air conditioners, and other structures.
Consider these options to make sure you get the best generator for your needs. More brands than ever offer models with this technology, including heavyweights such as Generac, Honda, and Ryobi. In fact, we have over a dozen generators in our ratings with a CO safety shutoff.
Low-CO Engine An additional safety feature that brands such as Ryobi and Echo are using to guard against risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Automatic Start When the power goes off, the generator goes on—without you lifting a finger.
Electric Start Several portable models offer this push-button alternative to the hassle of pull-starting the engine. Stationary models have automatic starting. Alternative Fuel Capacity Most portable models run only on gasoline, though some come equipped to run on a propane tank or natural-gas line and others can be converted with kits. Fuel Gauge Especially during long blackouts, you may appreciate the ability to see at a glance how much fuel remains in your portable generator.
Low-Oil Shutoff If oil falls below minimum levels, the generator shuts down to prevent engine damage. See the next section on transfer switches.
Removable Console This connects to the generator so that you can plug in appliances without running potentially risky extension cords outdoors.
The short answer: It safely connects a home standby or portable generator to your circuit panel via one cable. And a transfer switch is infinitely more convenient. With a transfer switch, you can power entire circuits in your home with no extension cords. With a stationary model, the transfer switch turns on automatically. Be sure to have your electrician walk you through the procedure. One tip that will make prioritizing easier is to determine which outlets and appliances are controlled by each circuit breaker in your panel, and label them accordingly.
That way, you can make sure the electrician connects the circuits for all your essentials. Want to save money? We respect your privacy. Share your feedback. Send feedback to the editorial team. Rate this Article. Thank You for your feedback! Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Our Guides. More from. By Christin Perry Contributor. Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances.
We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities.
Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results. 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.
0コメント