Isla PrácticaGenerators and power stations: which one fits you
Before you buy, decide what you want to keep running. That answer tells you what size and type of equipment you need, and keeps you from overspending.
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Three questions before you buy
- What do you need to run? Make a short list: fridge, fans, router, medical equipment, cistern pump.
- How much power does each one use? Look for the watts (W) on the label. Motors, like the fridge or a pump, draw two to three times more when they start.
- Where will you use it? Battery power stations can be used indoors. Gas or propane generators only outdoors and far away.
Safety: carbon monoxide kills
- Never run a generator inside the house, garage, closed carport, basement or shed, even with doors and windows open.
- Place it outside, at least 20 feet from the house, with the exhaust pointed away from doors, windows and vents.
- Install battery carbon monoxide alarms on every level and near bedrooms, and test them every month.
- Choose models with automatic carbon monoxide shutoff (UL 2201 or PGMA G300 certified).
- Never plug a generator into a wall outlet. Backfeeding can electrocute utility workers. For the whole house, use a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician.
- Turn the generator off and let it cool before refueling. Store fuel in approved containers, outside the house.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Pick your tier
Tier 1 · The basics
For: Phones, internet router, LED lights, a rechargeable fan.
Large power banks or a small power station, around 300 to 500 Wh. Quiet, safe indoors and no fuel needed.
- Small power station (300–500 Wh)View on Amazon
- High-capacity power bankView on Amazon
- Rechargeable fanView on Amazon
Tier 2 · Fridge and medical devices
For: Everything in tier 1, plus the fridge in cycles, a CPAP or other small medical device.
A 1,000 to 2,000 Wh power station, ideally with a solar panel to recharge it during the day. If someone at home depends on a medical device, ask their provider which battery they recommend.
- 1,000–2,000 Wh power stationView on Amazon
- Compatible foldable solar panelView on Amazon
- Fridge thermometerView on Amazon
Tier 3 · Most of the house
For: Fridge all day, cistern pump, window air conditioner, microwave.
A gas or dual-fuel (gas and propane) inverter generator, or a large expandable power station. Powering the whole house requires a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician.
- Inverter generator with CO shutoffView on Amazon
- Expandable power station (3,000 Wh or more)View on Amazon
- Outdoor-rated generator extension cordView on Amazon
- Approved gas canView on Amazon
- Fuel stabilizerView on Amazon
Got the rest covered?
Check the full hurricane preparedness checklist: water, food, communication, first aid, documents and pets.
See the checklist →