Generators have become a common household item nowadays. Therefore, almost every second house has a portable home generator. But, unfortunately, not all homeowners know how does a portable home generator works?
If you are also planning to buy a home generator, it is best to know how it works. A generator can help you power up your household items when your electricity connection suddenly goes out. In such scenarios, you are left with nothing.
So, when you have a generator installed, you won’t have any such issues. Here are some of the benefits of having a portable generator.
- They are portable
- Do not require much space
- Easy to maintain
So, given such exciting benefits, it is a good idea to get one for your residential property. Here is all you need to know about how does a portable home generator work? Let us get started!
Essential Components of a Home Generator
It is quite easy to start discussing the working of a generator, but what if you do not know the main components of a generator? Therefore, we will first discuss some of the most important components of a home generator.
i): The Engine (Internal Combustion Engine)
You would probably know that a home generator, whether heavy or portable, has an engine. This engine is responsible for creating all that raw power that produces electricity. So, without an engine, a generator is not a functional generator.
Now, coming to the type of an engine and its working. The engine that you get with a generator is a 4-stroke air-cooled engine. The working of this engine is similar to any other internal combustion engine.
| Like most vehicles, this engine runs on either petrol or diesel. In short, a fueling system is there, and you have to top it up to generate electricity. Furthermore, most of these engines require engine oil (which must be replaced at regular intervals). |
So, the maintenance is there, but it does not take too much of your time. Only after some usage, you have to replace the engine oil. Rest, there is no special maintenance required.
ii): The Alternator
Though the alternator of a generator is counted as the second essential component, a generator is nothing without an alternator. Why is it so? Simply because an alternator converts that mechanical energy from the engine to electrical energy.
This electrical energy is what your home appliances demand and run on. So, in simple words, alternate takes that mechanical energy and converts it back into AC (Alternating current).
iii): Electric Starter
This specific component should be pretty much understood. Anyhow, the electric starter is the starting motor of your generator. It is directly attached to your generator’s 12 V DC (Direct Current) battery.
So, its job is to start the engine of your generator. That’s pretty much it.
iv): Power Outlets
There are power outlets available on all types of generators. This power outlet will be delivering electrical power to your home appliances.
Moreover, some newer models even have a wide range of power outlets. Portable home generators have USB charging ports such as USB-C available too so that you can directly charge your phone or any other smart device. Even there are fast-charging ports available in today’s generators. Is it not that exciting?
v): Fuel Tank
As discussed earlier, a home generator needs fuel to deliver that power. Therefore, all types of generators have a fuel tank. Now, the fuel tanks capacity differs from company to company. A short tip: always keeps your tank full so you do not have to run after a gas station in emergencies.
Read Here: How to Pick the Right Generator for Your Home-Buying Guide
How Does a Portable Home Generator Work?
Now we have discussed how does a portable home generator works? But, first, let’s find out how do generators work for a house?
Step 1:
When you start the generator, the electric start motor ignites the spark in the engine. Combined with the air and fuel, this mixture starts the engine. This is what happens moments after you start the generator.
Step 2:
In the second, step the alternator comes into the action. As discussed earlier, it converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. In reality, this is the step where all the magic happens. Your home appliances utilize this electrical energy.
Step 3:
It’s all running. Once the mechanical energy has been formed, the generator is ready to deliver its peak power. Then, if the power outlets are properly connected, you’ll start getting the voltage. That’s pretty much how a tiny little machine creates that electrical power.
Some Safety Tips for The Best Home Generators
Home generators are pretty easy to work with, but you should follow some basic safety procedures. Don’t know much about them? Here we have a few of them.
i): Operate Them in Enclosed Space
No matter which generator you get, always operate them in enclosed space. This is because a generator, After all it is a machine, and when they burn the air and fuel mixture, they produce various toxic gases, including CO (Carbon Monoxide).
Now, carbon monoxide is not an ordinary toxic gas. However, it can raise several health issues. Therefore, you have to make sure that you operate your portable home generator in an open-air space. For instance, you can place them in your garage.
ii): Refuel When It’s Cold
Refueling a generator is a lot different than refueling a car. Therefore, it is not recommended to refuel a generator when it is running. When a generator is producing electricity, it gets as hot as fire.
So, when you refuel a generator when it’s hot, the chances of fire hazards are always high. So, do not refuel a generator when it is hot or in a running position.
Furthermore, it is also advised that you do not touch the generator when it is hot. Maintain a safe distance.
iii): Keep an Eye on Maintenance
Maintenance of your home generator is as necessary as maintaining your vehicle. So, keep an eye on its maintenance checkups.
For example, its engine oil should be replaced in time. Further, do not let the same old engine oil lubricate the whole engine.
Moreover, do keep a check on the battery of your generator. If you have not used the generator for a while, its battery may not work that well. In such cases, you should recharge the battery. So, it is best to check the battery of your generator.
FAQ’s
If you are curious about the common questions people ask me, here is a list of my most frequently answered ones.
Q1: How do portable generators work?
Ans: Portable generator works by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. The working of such generators is quite simple.
Q2: Can you plug a generator into your house outlet?
Ans: Experts recommend not to plug a generator into your house outlet. In this regard, you should check out your user manual.
Q3: Is it easy to install a home generator?
Ans: Yes, if you follow the company guidelines, you will find it easy to install a home generator.
Q4: Which generator should I buy?
Ans: It totally depends on your power requirements. You can check out our best portable generators article to pick the right generator.
Final Thoughts
So, it is time to sum up, the discussion on “How Does a Portable Home Generator Work”? Of course, you also know the safety tips for operating any generator. In short, a generator works on pretty simple and defined principles.
Keep it clean and maintained to get the best from your home generator. Then, next time when you go out to start your home generator, you will know how it functions. So, Buy A Portable Generator for Your Home Today!
