Mobile Generator Buying Guide: What You Need to Know Before Getting One

Of late, getting an uninterrupted power supply beyond the grid has become a necessity for various reasons. Mobile power generators are used across multiple sites from adventurous outdoor activities to emergency situations like power outages where everything might come to a standstill if power isn’t supplied immediately.

In fact, mobile power generators offer you the freedom to power your devices & appliances wherever you go. However, people face a lot of confusion when it comes to buying a mobile power generator. In this article, we will provide you with a guide on things to consider before buying a mobile power generator.

Power Output & Wattage Needs

One of the most important factors to consider before you move forward with your buying is the power output of the generator & your wattage requirements. You must take into account the appliances you are planning to run with the help of your mobile power generator like fridges, tools, and electronics.

You should have a look at the wattage ratings of these appliances and also factor in startup surges as certain home appliances like compressors & refrigerators display startup surges while calculating your wattage requirements. Now, when it comes to buying, you must always opt for a generator whose running wattage is more than what you require as it will prevent overloads.

At times, people are unsure about their wattage requirements and if you find yourself in this category then you must go for a generator that comes equipped with variable output or inverter technology. Often it is noticed that both underpowered generators & overpowered ones add to the problems as they can trip or damage and waste fuel respectively.

Movability & Size

Now, when you are planning to buy a mobile power generator, its portability is of much significance and you must give considerable thought to its dimensions, handle designs, and whether there is an availability of handle or not. In fact, mobile power generators are available in varying sizes from small ones that weigh around 50lbs to large generators weighing 200lbs meant for use in job sites or home backup.

Whenever you are in the process of buying a mobile generator, then you must definitely consider your physical capabilities & how often you would be moving the generator. In addition to that, mobile power generators also come equipped with many interesting features like never-flat wheels, telescoping handles, and compact frames making it easier to move them around.

Inverter or Conventional Generator

Most of the time it is seen that a lot of people face a dilemma in choosing between an inverter or conventional generator. Now, both of this equipment come with their own usage as an inverter is meant to produce clean, stable power which is suitable for sensitive electronic items like laptops, smartphones, and medical devices.

However, inverter generators provide lower wattage & cost on the higher side in comparison to conventional generators. On the other hand, conventional generators come with a basic design & deliver higher power output making the best option for heavy-duty tools or providing your entire premises with power backup.

While the conventional generators provide you with more power, they tend to be louder, heavier, and won’t be able to provide you with clean power delivery. Now, if you require maximum power output with affordability then you must opt for a conventional mobile power generator.

Certifications & Safety Features

When you are buying a power generator safety should be your top priority and you must always opt for models that come with built-in safety features like automatic low-oil shutoff, overload protection, and sensor & technology to detect the emission of carbon monoxide (CO).

In fact, there are many new models of mobile power generators that will automatically shut off if unsafe levels of carbon monoxide are detected. In addition to that, your mobile power generator must have GFCI-protected outlets as they are necessary to prevent electrical shocks.

Besides that, you must look for certifications from EPA & CARB compliance to make sure the generator you are buying has its emission within the safe & legal limits.

Finally

The above-discussed factors are some of the most important things that you need to consider when you are thinking about buying a mobile power generator. You can also get in touch with some professionals to gain a deeper insight into the workings of the generators & what could be the best option for you.