Portable Generators

A portable or stationary home generator can keep your home powered when snow- or windstorms or natural disasters such as hurricanes knock out electrical service. For that reason, they've become a very popular product. "In light of Katrina, home-generator sales have skyrocketed--especially in coastal areas," says Devin Castleton, a consulting analyst in energy and power systems at Frost & Sullivan, a market consulting firm. "Some companies are reporting 2005 sales figures totaling more than the previous four years combined."

Increased generator sales have also highlighted the risks associated with these fuel-burning machines. Portable generators were involved in 59 deaths in 2004, and an estimated 4,000 injuries, based on our analysis of the Consumer Product Safety Commission data. Carbon-monoxide poisoning is the leading danger, followed by fire and electrocution.

Here's how to choose a generator that meets your needs and how to use it safely:



Add up your power needs. Even a small generator can power several plug-in appliances. But you'll need a larger one and a transfer switch (about $600 installed) to power furnace fans and other devices hardwired to your home. Generators fall into four categories:

* Small portable generators (3,000 to 4,000 watts) can power the basics like a refrigerator, some lights, a TV, and a microwave. Price: $500 to $800 for most; more for inverter models that use a microprocessor-controlled circuit to improve power quality.

* Midsized portable generators (4,500 to 7,000 watts) can also power a portable heater or window air conditioner, computer, and, with a transfer switch, a furnace fan and water pump. Price: $600 to $1,000 for most.

* Large portable generators (10,000 watts) will run a water heater or central-air-conditioning unit in addition to the other devices listed. Price: $2,000 to $3,000.

* Stationary generators (10,000 to 15,000 watts) provide enough juice to run a washer and dryer, too. Price: $5,000 to $10,000 or more, plus installation.

Based on our tests, we suggest totaling the running wattages of the appliances you want to power and choosing a model with a wattage at least equal to that total.

Figure your fuel needs. Look for a model that provides longer run time per tank of gasoline if you live in an area where power outages are frequent. If you're guarding against long-term power outages, consider a model that runs on propane or natural gas because a widespread power outage may also shut down most gas stations. Your state's power regulatory body tracks the frequency and duration of outages. To find the one for your state, log on to the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (www.naruc.org) and click on "state commissions."

Consider the neighbors. Quieter models are less intrusive--important if you live in the suburbs or take a generator camping, as many do with smaller models.

Play it safe. Some simple precautions will keep you and your family safe when using a generator:



* Never operate a generator indoors or in any enclosed or partially-enclosed area--even if you think you can adequately ventilate the space.

* Keep generators away from windows, doors, air conditioners, or vents where gases can enter the house. Outside, always be conscious of the direction in which the exhaust is moving.

* Maintain working carbon-monoxide detectors throughout your home. For more information on carbon-monoxide detectors see our complete report (available to subscribers).

* Properly store and handle the gasoline. Never refuel the generator while it is running; stop operation and allow it to cool first.

* Make sure the generator is properly grounded and use extreme caution around wet electrical cords. Use a portable Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) device with extension cords whenever you use your generator.

* Never connect a generator directly to a home's wiring. If the generator is used to power home circuits, always use a properly installed transfer switch.