Portable generators
Portable unit supplying selected electrical equipment
Information that should be supplied
Safety alert – unsafe battery charging leads and portable generators
A portable generator is handy when camping or to supply small power tools, television or other appliances when there is no electricity supply available.
But portable generators must be used with caution. Read the safety alert about charging batteries with small portable generators.
Portable unit supplying selected electrical equipment
Use a good quality extension cord from the generator directly to the appliance you want to use.
Portable generators may be connected to fixed wiring. This must be carried out by a licensed electrical contractor. Get a licensed electrical contractor to check that the wiring and safety switch are compatible with your portable generator.
Know which appliances can be safely powered by the portable generator - appliances have different power needs.
Are there power need priorities to consider? During a power outage, sufficient light for the safety of your family may be most important. But if power is out for several hours, you may want to supply your refrigerator or freezer to prevent food spoiling. You may not need to continually power all the appliances. Freezers can retain their chill for hours if not disturbed.
Information that should be supplied
Australian Standard AS 2790:1989 Electricity generating sets - Transportable (Up to 25 kW) (non-Queensland Government link) has the following information that should be supplied on purchase of a portable generator:
- Intended usage, or dominant load e.g.
- Leisure, sports, camping: lights, cooking appliances, refrigeration.
- Light industrial: portable tools.
- Domestic household: mains-failure back-up.
- Industrial, construction and building trades: tools.
- Marine applications.
- Special requirements e.g. high ambient temperature, high altitude, or both.
- Whether set is to drive electric motors e.g. refrigerators, grinders, pumps, fans, air conditioners.
- Intended operating periods e.g.
- Number of hours per day, week, or month, as appropriate.
- Maximum usage on one occasion, in hours.
- Expected usage before engine overhaul, in years.
NOTE: The specification of a lengthy period before overhaul may involve considerable additional cost. - Fuel used e.g.
- grade of petrol; petrol-oil mixture (2-stroke); diesel; other e.g. LPG.
- Voltage, frequency, phases e.g.
- 240 V 50 Hz, single-phase.
- Output required, in watts or kilowatts and load power factor:
- Note the marked load of each item you intend to use simultaneously and add them. Make allowance for motor-operated appliances like airconditioners, refrigerators and freezers which can take two to 10 times the rated load when starting up.
- Consider a larger output if you require reduced variations in voltage and frequency due to load changes e.g. with sensitive electronic equipment.
- If 15 A plug-sockets to AS 3112 are to be provided.
- If a lower noise level is required.
- If manual setting of voltage or closer automatic control of voltage is required.
- If a voltmeter or ammeter is required.
- If a better voltage waveform is required.
- If the generator short-circuit withstand is required to be checked by test and the generator voltage at which such a test is to be carried out.
- If a special lifting arrangement e.g. single-point lifting, is required.
- Any special protection of the ignition system, if any, from the ingress or deposition of moisture, or of the engine intake from ingress of water.
- Any special protection against fungus growth (in the tropics), salty atmospheres (coastal) or corrosion (industrial environments).
- If a larger capacity fuel tank is required.
- Any special protection of electrical equipment against ingress of objects, dust, or water.
- If routine testing of noise, vibration, or fuel consumption is required.
Safety alert – unsafe battery charging leads and portable generators
The Electrical Safety Office warns some generators on the market may have an unsafe 12 volt d.c. socket-outlet for battery charging.
The danger is that the 12 volt d.c. socket-outlet looks identical to a standard 240 volt socket-outlet. This means the associated plug on the battery charging lead could be easily pushed into a 240 volt power point. As the other end of the battery charging lead is fitted with alligator clips for connection to battery terminals, this creates a lethal situation.
Two people in Australia have already died.
What to do?
Battery charging leads:
Return it to your supplier and request it be changed. Get your electrical contractor to replace the plug top on the battery charging leads with a switchable type or destroy lead.
Portable generator: Get your electrical contractor to replace the 12 volt socket-outlet on the generator with the switchable socket type or screw type terminals, or to disable the socket-outlet by filling the apertures with epoxy filler.
Suitable 12 volt plugs and socket-outlets such as Clipsal 402/32 socket and 492/32 plug are available from electrical wholesalers.
If your brand is not listed, please check to ensure that it is not fitted with the incorrect socket.
Some brands of generators have been recalled due to this problem. To check if your portable generator is affected, view the product recalls.
Last updated July 17, 2005
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