Affordable Backup Power for Homes, Cabins, and Small Businesses

Portable generators are one of the most economical ways to provide backup power during an outage. Compared to permanently installed standby generators, portable units require a much smaller initial investment and little to no site preparation.

Most portable generators produce between 3,000 and 12,000 watts (3–12 kW) of power. While they typically cannot power an entire home, they can keep essential equipment operating until utility power is restored.

For many homeowners, a portable generator offers an excellent balance between cost and convenience.

Unlike automatic standby generators, adding portable generator connections typically does not add value to a property's equity.

Is a Portable Generator Right for Me?

A portable generator may be the right choice for you if:

•  You experience occasional power outages.

•  You want backup power at a lower cost than an automatic standby generator.

•  You're comfortable setting up and starting the generator manually.

•  You only need to power essential equipment like refrigerators, freezers, sump pumps, well pumps, or a few lighting circuits.

If your goal is to restore power automatically or power your entire home or business without interruption, an automatic standby generator may be a better solution.

What Can a Portable Generator Power?

The answer depends on the generator's size.

Most portable generators are designed to power essential loads, not every electrical device in your home.

Common backup loads include:

• Refrigerator or freezer

• Sump pump

• Well pump

• Furnace / Non-electric heating devices

• Lighting circuits

• Network / Internet equipment

• Garage door opener

• A few convenience receptacles

The larger the generator, the more equipment it can safely operate. During our planning process, we'll help determine which circuits are the most important to keep powered during an outage.

Safe Operation Matters

One of the most important parts of any portable generator installation is making sure it can never send electricity back onto the utility lines.

This is accomplished by installing either:

• A panel interlock kit, or

• A manual transfer switch.

These devices physically prevent the generator from energizing utility power lines, protecting utility workers, your electrical system, and your generator.

Portable generators should never be connected to your home using improvised methods such as cords with two male ends or by plugging into a household receptacle. Those methods are unsafe, risk damaging equipment, and create a serious risk of injury or death.

Generators should also always be operated outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from doors, windows, and fresh-air intakes to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide entering the building.

Installation Options

Portable generator installations can be customized depending on your needs and budget.

The most common options include:

Generator Inlet with Panel Interlock

This is typically the most economical solution.

It allows selected household circuits to be powered through your existing electrical panel while preventing back-feeding of utilities.

Manual Transfer Switch

A manual transfer switch provides a dedicated, organized method for switching between utility and generator power.

Although it costs more than an interlock kit, it is sometimes preferred for its simplicity and circuit organization it provides.

Essential Load Panels

For smaller generators, a separate emergency panel can be installed that powers only selected circuits.

This helps prevent accidental overloading and ensures critical equipment remains operational.

Fuel Options and Runtime

Portable generators are commonly available in:

• Gasoline

• Propane

• Diesel

Runtime depends on several factors, including fuel type, fuel tank size, and the amount of electrical load being supplied.

Just like fuel economy in a vehicle changes depending on driving conditions, generator runtime changes depending on how much electricity the generator is producing.

Operating a Portable Generator

Unlike an automatic standby generator, portable generators require manual operation.

During an outage, the basic process is:

1. Transfer your electrical system to generator power

2. Position the generator outdoors

3. Connect the generator cord to the power inlet

4. Start the generator

5. Turn on (close) all breakers specific to your generator and electrical system

6. Monitor the generator while it operates for fuel and air flow

When utility power returns, the process is simply performed in reverse.

We'll provide an operating procedure specific to your installation so you'll feel comfortable using your system before an outage ever occurs.

Maintenance

Portable generators require relatively little maintenance, but regular service is important if you expect them to start reliably when needed.

Typical maintenance includes:

• Annual oil changes

• Air filter inspection or replacement

• Checking fuel condition

• Inspecting spark plugs (when applicable)

• Running the generator under load at least once or twice a year

We also recommend practicing the startup and shutdown procedure periodically. Familiarity with your generator can make all the difference during an actual power loss situation.

Is a Portable Generator Worth It?

For the right application, yes.

Portable generators provide one of the most affordable ways to protect your home during a power outage.

While they require manual setup and won't usually power an entire home, they can keep the equipment that is most important to you until utility power is restored.

For customers looking for options for backup power without the higher cost of a permanently installed standby generator, a portable generator is often the right solution.

How Loud Are Portable Generators?

Portable generators are generally noticeably louder than permanently installed standby generators because they lack the weather proof enclosure that also provides sound insulation. 

Noise levels vary by model, but most produce a sound similar to a lawn mower or garden tractor when operating under load.

If noise is a concern, inverter-style generators are often significantly quieter than conventional portable generators, although they typically produce less power.