Every modern home relies on many different electrical appliances of varying importance in order to function in a comfortable manner. So what happens when the power goes out due to a weather related problem or a short circuit? You simply lose access to anything that requires electricity to operate and this can be very dangerous if it’s a frequent occurrence in the area you live in since power outages have the potential to impact people’s safety. This is why many Aussies that live in such areas have opted for a backup generator as to keep their households operational at all times.
A backup generator is a very general term that encompasses several different power sources you can use during an outage. The most commonly recommended type is the portable generator that uses natural gases (petrol and diesel). They might not be the most environmentally friendly option, but they can supply your home with enough power to keep the appliances operating until the electricity returns.
If you decide to buy generator, you’ll need to calculate how much electricity your appliances need. Calculating the amount of watts they require is simple and that way you can determine how much power your generator will need to produce. Most generators can generate from 3000W up to 7500W, so they are more than capable of temporarily powering your home. You’ll need to make this choice depending on which appliances you plan to prioritize for constant supply (or maybe all of them). For instance, the bath boiler requires much more power, while the refrigerator doesn’t require a lot.
Another thing to look out for is making sure you’re getting a model specifically made for household use. This is because there are generators for small worksites and generators for campsites which both have wildly different outputs compared to the portable home generators. So if you do buy generator make sure it’s one that’s meant for households. As for the voltage of common household generators, the standard amount most appliances require is 12V, but most generators supply 240V.
Finally, if you do install a portable generator in your home, you’ll also need to check and maintain it periodically. Make sure you fix anything that’s loose, stuck, or fraying and if you’re not sure what to do, seek professional advice. You’ll also need to check the battery’s voltage which is best to replace every 2-3 years in general.