It is inevitable to have blackouts in your area. As we are living in the modern times, having no electricity for hours or days is very inconvenient. Thankfully, there are portable power generators and power stations that you can use to power up your most essential devices.
However, which one of the two should you buy?
Even though people often confuse the two, it should be noted that they are not the same, and definitely perform different functions.
A portable generator is a device that transforms various forms of energy into electric energy. On the other hand, a portable power station is a battery-operated source of power that may power your home.
Portable Power Generator
Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
As previously mentioned, portable gas generators are devices that convert different kinds of energies from different power sources, usually by fuel, into electric energy.
Switch Equipment listed the advantage and disadvantages of using portable gas generators, which we have compiled below:
Advantages of Portable Power Generator
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A portable power generator's control panel has the option to have several outlets and features, such as 15 to 50-amp sockets.
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They have the power output to light up your house, as well as other small devices and appliances like a mini-fridge, mini-cooler, and car charger.
Disadvantages of Portable Power Generator
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Unless your portable generator is an inverter generator or you have a transfer switch installed, it is not recommended to connect sensitive gadgets like cell phones or laptops to them.
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The majority of portable generators run on fuel, which makes them a fire hazard.
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They are noisy to operate.
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When using the generator indoors or for a lengthy amount of time, the generator emits CO, which is dangerous gas.
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The majority of portable generators include at least one typical household outlet. However, there are some models that additionally have a 240 V output.
Portable Power Station?
Portable power stations, also known as battery-powered inverter generators or gasless generators, are basically large rechargeable batteries that plug into a standard AC outlet. They have a mix of standard AC outlets and USB ports for connecting other powered devices.
We have an in-depth article about portable power stations, which you can access in this link.
Advantages of Portable Power Stations
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They are compact and portable.
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It has multiple ports, for both AC appliances and USB-powered devices.
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It usually has safety protection, such as over-temperature protection, over-current protection, under-voltage protection, and short circuit protection, to ensure the safe usage of electricity.
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Some models are supported with solar panel charging.
Disadvantages of Portable Power Stations
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Gas generators still offer much power.
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They take a while to charge, for both AC and solar charging.
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Some portable power stations are not so "portable". Some of them are about the size of a typical microwave and weigh fairly heavy.
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They are expensive.