Power & Electrical

Electricity, since man discovered how to harness it, we've become more and more dependent on it with every new technological revelation that requires it to run. Now for more than just heat and light, electricity powers virtually everything we use in our daily lives; from the alarm clock that wakes us up in the morning, to the coffee makers, elevators, traffic signals, computers, exercise equipment, and appliances that we take for granted everyday.

So much in fact, we expect it to be there even when we know it's not. Don't think so? Go back to the last power outage you remember and think of how many times you walked into a room and flipped the light switch… even though you knew the power was out!

We're hooked on electricity.

As dependable as the electrical grid our nation is, there are times when it fails and the need for emergency power arises. There are many units on the market from the smallest designed to power computers, video cameras, and equipment on remote location to units permanently mounted outside homes and businesses.

This review is on the portable units, the type most of us can either carry or wheel out of our garages and power up our homes with the basic necessities until our electric company gets us back on line.

It's important to remember when choosing a portable generator that you figure out exactly what you plan on operating and buy the appropriate sized unit. Most big box stores and websites specializing in generators have a calculator that gives you general amperage requirements for things like refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, and light bulbs.

With a little planning and some smart load usage, most of us can live comfortably with a medium sized portable generator until the situation is corrected. So, let there be light… even if it's to the drone of a fuel engine.