Generators are must-have equipment for any outdoor event. Whether you are tying the knot in a glitzy outdoor area or organizing a sporting event, you must have a reliable source of power for the appliances.
But selecting the best generator for outdoor events is not easy. You have to consider various factors to buy the right type of generator.
Here we will provide valuable tips for selecting a generator that will be best for any type of outdoor event from a small beach party to larger events such as funfairs, weddings, and more.
1. Know the Event’s Power Requirements
You should know about the power requirements of the event. Find out the appliances that will be powered by the generator.
Lighting is necessary for outdoor events held at night. You will also want to power a fridge to cool the drinks during the summers. Note down all the appliances that will be required for the event. The power of the appliance will be quoted in watts, kilowatts, or amperes.
Most generators are rated in watts. So, you will need to convert the rated power to watts. One kW is equal to 1000 watts. Moreover, you can use the following formula to convert ampere to watts.
Watts = Amperes x Volts
Appliances in the US and Canada have a supply voltage of 110 volts. So, if an appliance is quoted as 3 amperes, it takes 330 watts to power the device.
Make sure that you select a generator that is at least 20 percent above the power requirements. So, if your power requirement for the outdoor event is 3000 watts, you should buy a generator with a rating of 3600 watts.
2. Generator Type
You can buy gasoline, diesel, or inverter generators. Inverters generators provide stable voltage. In contrast, the voltage provided by gasoline and diesel generators fluctuates. So, unless you want to power sensitive devices such as laptops or HDTV, you should buy a non-inverter generator for an outdoor event.
A diesel generator is suitable if your load requirements are more than 5000 watts. The generator is suitable if you want to power an air conditioner or heating appliances for the outdoor event. In case your power requirements are less than 5000 watts, you should consider a gasoline generator.
3. Generator Noise
Standard generators make a lot of noise. They can make a noise similar to a jet engine of more than 100 decibels. You will have to place the generator at a far distance from the event. If the space for the outdoor event is limited, you should consider a portable generator.
Portable generators are much quieter. They have a noise rating of 48 to 57 decibels. This is the noise people make when talking. However, most portable generators cost a lot of money. The price of a portable generator is generally $1000 to $3000 more than a traditional generator.
An alternative is to buy a canopy for the generator with an exhaust outlet. Placing a canopy will greatly reduce the noise levels of a standard generator.
Final Remarks
You should consider buying a generator if you regularly hold events outside. However, renting a generator is recommended if you organize events occasionally. Renting a generator is recommended for big events that require a large generator. You will save a lot of costs if you rent a generator for such events.
Generac Superstore provides the best deal on different types of generators. We offer generator sales and rentals in Huntsville and Birmingham in Alabama. Also, we offer generator sales and service to residents of Nashville, TN. You can contact us today by dialing (855) 880-1880.