October 2006
Weathering disaster: Generators
UP AND RUNNING For comfort, count on running a fridge (600 watts), a portable heater (1,300 watts) or window a/c (1,000 watts), and lights
(60-200 watts) simultaneously.
Illustration by Jorge ColomboTornadoes in the East, power outages in the West, and a raft of tropical storms have probably put preparedness on your radar
screen. Along with an emergency plan (see our Storm and Emergency Guide) and a three-day supply of food and water, you might want to consider adding backup power at your home.
We tested 15 generators to help you prepare for blackouts. Many are better and safer than before, but refueling some generators could be a challenge during an outage.
GENERATORS: BETTER, BEEFIER CHOICES
Wheeled, portable generators are the biggest sellers. But you might need plenty of fuel on hand, since filling stations often shut down during blackouts and most home-sized models use 12 to 18 gallons of gasoline per day. You'll also need to preserve that fuel with stabilizer and store it in a well-vented shed or other area, away from the house and any ignition source.
One portable, the Northstar 8000TFG, can use a liquid-propane tank with several days' supply or a natural-gas line. But at $2,000, it's pricey for its wattage.
Stationary, outside-mounted generators are a growing alternative, since they run on propane or natural gas and supply more power. Kohler's $3,700 12RESL delivered more than 10,000 watts and costs less than many in its class.
Our wattage calculator, which provides an average wattage rating for most common electricity-using household appliances and devices, will help you tally your needs.
HOW TO CHOOSE
Portable models we tested claimed between 2,800 and 6,600 watts--enough to power plug-in appliances and lights, but not nearly enough for heavy power drains like central air. Add up the watts for the items you need. Then check our Ratings for generators with at least as many measured watts. Figure on $500 to $1,000 for installing stationary generators and, for all types, at least $500 for a power-transfer switch to power hardwired circuits and avoid having to run extension cords.
Also remember that manufacturers often overstate run time for gasoline models by basing it on 50 percent load. Our run times use a more conservative, 80 percent load.
We tested 15 generators to help you prepare for blackouts. Many are better and safer than before, but refueling some generators could be a challenge during an outage.
GENERATORS: BETTER, BEEFIER CHOICES
Wheeled, portable generators are the biggest sellers. But you might need plenty of fuel on hand, since filling stations often shut down during blackouts and most home-sized models use 12 to 18 gallons of gasoline per day. You'll also need to preserve that fuel with stabilizer and store it in a well-vented shed or other area, away from the house and any ignition source.
One portable, the Northstar 8000TFG, can use a liquid-propane tank with several days' supply or a natural-gas line. But at $2,000, it's pricey for its wattage.
Stationary, outside-mounted generators are a growing alternative, since they run on propane or natural gas and supply more power. Kohler's $3,700 12RESL delivered more than 10,000 watts and costs less than many in its class.
Our wattage calculator, which provides an average wattage rating for most common electricity-using household appliances and devices, will help you tally your needs.
HOW TO CHOOSE
Portable models we tested claimed between 2,800 and 6,600 watts--enough to power plug-in appliances and lights, but not nearly enough for heavy power drains like central air. Add up the watts for the items you need. Then check our Ratings for generators with at least as many measured watts. Figure on $500 to $1,000 for installing stationary generators and, for all types, at least $500 for a power-transfer switch to power hardwired circuits and avoid having to run extension cords.
Also remember that manufacturers often overstate run time for gasoline models by basing it on 50 percent load. Our run times use a more conservative, 80 percent load.
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