Generator Accessories

Whether to protect your home from sudden power loss with a backup/ standby generator or to provide power where none can be accessed with a portable unit, buying a power generator is a great investment.

Generator Accessories
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Generators, no matter what style you choose, require upkeep and care to keep them running in peak form. To help you get the most from your generator, and make sure you have what the manufacturers don't provide you, here are some of the generator accessories you may need to consider purchasing.

• Transfer Switch Kits - Adding a transfer switch for your standby generator is quite a commitment and can be a great deal of work if you are not doing a direct replacement. A new transfer switch can yield a better, more accurate transfer of power between the city's power feed and the standby generator.
  
  Replacing an existing switch panel will also allow more, or less, circuits to be connected the generator. This is a much easier upgrade to make than replacing the generator if you need more power.
  
  Also available are individual transfer switches that are connected on the appliance side of the circuit, allowing power-on/off and a power check.
  
• Wheel Stands/Trailers - It's hard to believe, but some portable generators lack wheels to make them portable! Hefting around a larger generator can be more work than you'll likely want to do, so a wheel dolly may be in order.
  
  Wheel dollies attach onto most portable generators easily and offer a great deal of functionality on the cheap. Larger generators can be attached to trailer carts that can be pulled by any standard trailer hitch.
  
• Generator Covers - If you expect your portable generator to perform when you need it most, it's imperative to get a cover. Covering a portable generator keeps it safe from the rigors of the elements and keeps it free of dust and pests that would call it home.
  
  A good generator cover can be had for a rather cheap price, with covers for all sizes of generator. Even if you don't want to shell out for a custom designed generator cover, it's best to use something like a tarp to keep your unit covered when not in use.
  
• Fuel Tanks - Whether you have a gasoline/ diesel unit or a liquid propane powered model, it's a good idea to pick up a larger capacity fuel tank. Be warned, however, if your particular model doesn't allow this kind of modular adjustment, you could be wasting money.