According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the average price of a light-duty portable generator ranged from $500 to $1,500 in April 2010, depending on the size of the machine. Portable generators produce between 3 and 10 kilowatts of power. GeneratorInformation.com lists the specifications of most portable generators on the market, making it easy to compare models produced by major manufacturers such as Briggs and Stratton, Craftsman, Husky and Troy-Bilt.
Some generators come equipped with voltmeters that measure voltage ranges and frequency meters that measure the frequency of the alternating current. Some portable generators are equipped with oil alerts which shut the engine off when oil levels reach dangerous levels. The automatic decompression feature of some portable generators reduces compression in engine cylinders, according to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs.
The oil levels in any type of portable generator should be regularly checked to keep the portable generator operating at maximum efficiency. Precise Engine Repair recommends that any portable generator receive monthly exercise for around 30 minutes to keep it functioning properly.
Portable generators are not difficult to find. They are available at most large home improvement stores and can be purchased online at such websites such as Shopping.com. Portable gas generators are more widely available than portable propane generators. Propane generators have to be attached to refillable tanks, while gas generators are readily equipped with tanks that can just be filled with liquid gasoline.
With the proper tools, troubleshooting a portable generator can be a relatively easy task. An AC voltmeter can be used to measure voltage during the process. AC ammeters measure loads that are being applied. Hertz meters measure AC signal frequencies. A load bank is used to apply the load to the portable generator, according to Precise Engine Repair.