Tampa Portable Generator Installation

The Tampa area, like much of the state of Florida, is known for warm weather that is frequently interrupted by storms. Some of these storms can be intense, causing damage and knocking out power for anywhere from a few minutes to even a few days. With so much of our lives depending on electricity, it’s important to have a source of backup power, which is why many homeowners turn to portable generators.

At Small Jobs Electric, we make connecting a portable generator to your home easy, safe, and straightforward. Our experienced electricians can outfit your home with the features and components necessary to make firing up and connecting your portable generator a breeze. Our goal is to help you be prepared for a major outage, which means helping you prepare your home’s electrical system to operate on generator power.

Are you looking to utilize your portable generator as a power source during a grid outage? Talk to the team at Small Jobs Electric by calling (813) 303-0052.

Portable vs. Standby Generators

When you talk about a generator for your home, you will generally have to choose between two primary options: a portable generator and a standby generator. Portable generators are what most people think of when they think of a generator, a device powered by a small engine that they can wheel out of their garage when they need power. Many people also use them for camping or when traveling in an RV. 

Standby generators are permanent generators that are always connected to your home. They are generally powered by a natural gas or propane line, and this means they can easily fire up in the event of an outage to provide emergency power quickly. 

Why Choose a Portable Generator?

Why should you choose a portable generator over a standby option? Each type of generator has its own benefits, and knowing more about them can help you make the best decision for your home and your situation.

Here are a few reasons to choose a portable generator: 

• Available space: If you live on a smaller lot or don’t have a ton of available extra space, being able to store your generator when it isn’t in use can help you keep that space free. Standby generators will permanently occupy the space they are installed in.
• Budget: Portable generators are generally far cheaper than standby generators. For those looking for backup power without a huge upfront cost, a portable generator is the answer.
• Lack of available fuel lines: If you live in an all-electric home or neighborhood without access to a natural gas or liquid propane connection, then a portable generator might be your only option. Portable generators can run on gasoline, diesel, natural gas, or propane and have their own fuel tank for power. 
• Maintenance: Portable generator maintenance is generally simple, and those who are mechanically inclined can often complete it themselves with little difficulty! Standby generators need more complex and intricate maintenance to run optimally.

One other major consideration has to do with how much power you will need during an outage. If you want to keep your entire home running the way it would with the grid on, then a standby generator will probably be the best option, as it can self-refuel and is usually much larger than a portable generator. Portable generators, however, are sometimes the more cost-effective option for those who are simply looking to keep a few things powered, such as your refrigerator and a few lights. This means you likely won’t need as much power capacity, and most portable generators can handle this kind of electrical load.

Connecting a Portable Generator to Your Home

Connecting a generator to your home generally isn’t as simple as just plugging in a few cords. Connecting your generator incorrectly could be extremely dangerous, both for your home and for anyone who might be working on the electrical lines that your home is connected to. In order to hook up a generator correctly, you’ll need a few different things.

• Inlet box: An inlet box is a special plug located on the exterior of your home that you can use to connect your generator to your home’s power grid. This is the only place you should ever connect a portable generator.
• Transfer switch: A transfer switch is a device that transfers your home’s power grid from one source (the main grid) to another (your portable generator). These are crucial for safely connecting a generator and protecting anyone who might be working on the grid outside your home.

At Small Jobs Electric, we offer installation for both inlet boxes and transfer switches to allow you to connect your generator safely. Call us today, and one of our experts will come to you and let you know exactly what needs to be done to connect a portable generator safely to your home. They can also advise you on how to safely connect your generator when you need it and what you should do to make sure it operates reliably.

Contact Small Jobs Electric today for more information about configuring your home to utilize a portable generator during an outage! Talk to us about installing a transfer switch, power inlet, and more.