backup generator

Reasons Why Every Household Must Have a Backup Generator

Reasons Why Every Household Must Have a Backup Generator
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black-outIn the recent past, we’ve witnessed extreme weather-related calamities that have caused immense destruction regarding property damage and loss of human lives.

Scientists are warning that massive disasters are not only currently occurring at an increased rate but also increasing in magnitude.

To ensure your family stays safe all the time, you must invest in a good electric generator. An electric generator, other than supporting your lighting systems, will support important appliances in your home, among very many other functions. Loss of electric power brings about many difficulties to homes, more so, households with persons with disabilities.

A generator provides an exceptional way of cautioning your family members against sudden lose electricity.

Typical uses of a generator in a household

  • Backup during Power outages

campingAny urban resident already knows how often power outages occur of late. You simply can’t leave the use of all household appliances in the mercy of unpredictable utility power. A generator will reliably power your major home appliances, including electric heater, lights and air conditioners. A good generator, therefore, will help you maintain the comfort of your loved ones at all times.

  • Recreational use: Camping, tailgating or RV power

Are you a fan of outdoor camping? Then you need a portable generator. With a portable generator, you will be able to transform your camping expedition into an unforgettable event. Your family members will still enjoy all the luxuries of the city in a countryside setting. It will power security lights and hence secure your surroundings. The generator will also enable you to watch your TV, charge your phones, helping you maintain your connection to the outside world among, other purposes.

  • Construction Projects

Since most constructions projects take place in regions where there is no electricity supply, you cannot depend on electricity from your utility company. That there have been widespread power blackouts lately implies that utility power is unpredictable. So, even if power is available, to predict with certainty how long it’ll take to complete the project, a reliable energy source is crucial. One such trusted source is a generator. Your choice of the type of generator to go for depends entirely on the magnitude of your project.

 Types of generators to consider

  • Standby Generators: This genset is large, typically runs on natural gas or liquid propane and mostly stationed outside far from the house. Due to their immense outputs power, it can power all the appliances in your home during a power outage. It also costs a lot to buy, install (which is usually done by skilled personnel) and connect to your household’s consumer unit. However, once installed, a standby generator runs for a very long time without necessitating refueling, servicing or maintenance. One outstanding feature of this generator type has to be its ability to start automatically, supplying your house with power even when you are away, and there is no one around.
  • Portable Generators: They are smaller generators that can be moved around with a lot of ease. Besides their smaller fuel tanks, portable generators are either attached to a trailer or fitted with wheels for increased mobility. Smaller fuel tanks present one minor challenge; the generators have to be often refueled, especially when they’re used for extended periods of time. They are, however, suitable for smaller families who probably need a generator they can use while camping outdoors, among other purposes. On account of their low outputs, portable generators tend to be cheaper that standby generators and do not need expert installation. From the best portable generator reviews, you will learn more on what to look for when buying portable generators, typical output ranges, among many other crucial aspects
  • Solar Generators: Supply green energy that is safe to use and entirely renewable. Persons who live in places with hot and regular sunshine and have sufficient initial capital will find this generator type ideal. Solar generators deliver totally quiet operations, require minimum repairs and maintenance and do not require refueling since they convert solar energy to electrical energy. Initially, the cost is high thanks to the fact that a solar generator unit requires other components including an inverter, a battery pack, and solar panels. You may also have to hire the services of a trained installer.

During a blackout follow these electrical safety tips

  • Switch off and unplug unnecessary electrical appliances, including sensitive devices
  • Disconnect any equipment, appliance or electronics that were being used before the power went out When power returns, spikes or surges can damage the appliances
  • Leave one light bulb on so that when the power comes back, you will know
  • Eliminate all unnecessary travels, particularly by car because traffic lights will not be on
  • Connect the appliance you wish to power with a generator directly to the generator outlet.

A backup generator is a must-have for all households. Regardless of whether you need insurance during emergencies or your do not want to sustain the comfort of your family members, a generator is all you need. Find out your electric power needs, buy a suitable generator and enjoy your life to the fullest.

About the author: Victor Hill is the founder of Trustworthy Power, a website that provides expert generator reviews, click here to find out more. He is a graduate in Mechatronics and currently works as a Quality Assurance Engineer at DENSO. He has a passion for generators and also loves helping users get value for their investment while shopping for generators.

TrashPod Launch Review

Gear Review: TrashPod Launch
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#trashpod

Those people that know me understand that my car is a disaster zone.  The dealer has told me repeatedly that my cube is not an off road vehicle.  I have over 120,000 miles and still have 2 more years to pay on the thing and I bought it new…

Being a road warrior, all sorts of mess accumulates on the floorboard of my vehicle.  I keep cleaning it up, and it keeps accumulating.  It is embarassing.

Then I was introduced to the trashpod, I had to try it out.  The company was gracious enough to allow me one to share with you and I recently tried it out as I had meetings and training all over Middle TN last week.

Basically, the trashpod is a nylon shell protecting a waterproof liner.  It is designed to be used as an easily removed car garbage can.

The bag is pretty sturdy and stays open by itself.  at the top of the bag there is some webbing with quick release straps that hold the bag to the headrest of the seat.

I especially like the nylon pouches that cover the outside of the trash pod.  I keep my phone chargers, radio clips, and various other bits and pieces essential to my work.

I did make two changes to the designed use.  Instead of resting the pod on the back of the seat, I placed it in the front of the passenger seat.  I rarely have passengers, but I do have a car seat for my WT.  This gives him room and lets me take greater advantage of the trashpod.

I also use a garbage bag in the pod.  You do not have to do this, but I find it makes it easier to clean it out.

I have no complaints with the trash pod.  It works great.  Actually, I need to get two more.  One for my wife and one for the work truck.

Live Infinitely Double Camping Hammock Review

Gear Review: Live Infinitely Double Camping Hammock
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#liveinfinitely

Growing up the son of a State Park Ranger, I went camping a lot.  It was a cheap vacation, and my Dad really liked laying in the hammock and relaxing as I rushed about playing wilderness survival “expert”.  I am pretty familiar with using a camping hammock.

We used to own a lot of hammocks, primarily the net kind.  Laying in them is nice, but they always seemed to snag on twigs when packing them, and they got tangled up a lot.

When Live Infinitely offered me a chance to review their Live Infinitely Double Camping Hammock I could not resist.  I ordered it off of Amazon and went out to pick out my trees.

I like this hammock as it is a double hammock and is rated for 450 pounds.  Now that I have grown up and gained some weight, the high strength makes me feel comfortable.  I also love how it is a solid nylon sheet.  This construction makes it easy to store and easy to fold.

Additionally, this hammock has a built in storage pouch that I also use as a convenient place to hold my phone and glasses as I nap.

This is, by far, the best camping hammock I have ever owned.  At $35.00 it is a good deal, and I like how it lets me sleep off the ground.

If you want more options, I have linked to a double hammock buyer’s guide.

How to Build a Wine Bottle Torch

How to Build a Wine Bottle Torch

DIY: Wine Bottle Torch
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Lighting is very important for Preppers, campers, and honestly everybody else.

Today’s article will show how to make a lamp out of an old wine bottle.

This works well as a tiki torch, and can be used outside with citronella oil to repel bugs.

Besides being a source of light and a way to repel bugs, this is a classy piece of decoration as well as an excuse to buy more wine.

Of course if you don’t want to buy more wine you can always make some homemade wine.

 

Materials

  • Empty Wine Bottle – Use any kind glass bottle with a 1” diameter neck
  • Teflon Tape
  • Copper Top Plate Connector (threaded for 3/8”-16 thread rod)
  • 1” Split Ring Hanger (threaded for 3/8”-16 thread rod)
  • 1/2” x 3/8” Copper Coupling
  • 1/2” Copper Cap
  • Two Hex Nuts (threaded for 3/8”-16 thread rod)
  • Two #10 x 1” Zinc Plated Wood Screws (if your mounting it to wood)
  • 3/8”-16 Zinc Plated Threaded Rod (a 3’ rod will cut down to 8, 4-1/2” rods)
  • Tiki Replacement Wick
  • Torch Fuel

Tools

  • Channel lock pliers
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Hacksaw
  • Screwdriver
  • Funnel

Procedure

Hanger

  1. Position the Top Plate Connector on your mounting surface and mark the holes for where the screws will go.
  2. Install Plate connector and screw in the 3/8”-16 Rod until it stops.
  3. Thread the two Hex Nuts on to the Rod and tighten one all the way down at the point where the Rod meets the Top Connector Plate. Leave the other Hex Nut at the front end so it can be used to secure the Split Ring Hanger.
  4. Thread on the Split Ring Hanger just enough so that the Rod is flush with the inside of the ring. Turn the 2nd Hex Nut counter-clockwise to snug it up against the Split Ring Hanger.

Torch

  1. Carefully and tightly wrap the 1/2” end of the Coupling with your Teflon Tape.
  2. Continue building up the tape until it fits very snugly into the opening of your bottle.
  3. Insert the Wick into the Coupling until it sticks out about 1/4”.
  4. The Tiki replacement wicks are about 3/8” in diameter so they fit well.
  5. Unscrew the Split Ring Hanger on one side and position the bottle neck into the ring.
  6. Flip the front half of the ring back into place and tighten down the Hanger evenly on both sides. You may need to loosen the other side to make sure both sides are an even tightness. (Don’t over tighten the Hanger. You don’t want to break the glass.)
  7. Use a funnel to fill the bottle with your favorite torch oil.
  8. Insert the Coupling & Wick into the top of the bottle and twist it snugly into place. Give the Wick a few minutes to absorb the oil before you try to light it.

Use the Copper Cap to keep the Wick dry when you’re not using your torch.

Winwin Bluetooth Earphones Review

Gear Review: Winwin Bluetooth Earphones
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#WinWin_BT_Earphone

I am not normally a big fan of bluetooth headsets. people talking on ear pieces normally causes irrational thoughts.  However, I do like to listen to music, and lately I have been driving to places my normal radio won’t pick up.  Additionally, while working I like being able to listen to the music I have synced to my phone.  This is where the Winwin earphone works best.

This small bluetooth headset syncs with any bluetooth enabled device to allow the wearer to listen to music.  It works great when my child wants to hear 21 Pilots “Stressed Out” on repeat for a 2 hour drive.

I especially like how it comes with a second wired earbud do that I can listen in both ears if I choose.  This gives me the freedom to hear more music, or stay situationally aware.

This was a pretty fun product to review, I got to walk around listening to Don Williams without disturbing anyone.

I like these earbuds better than the bluetooth headsets, as listening to music is cool, but those people wandering around talking to themselves is annoying.

I did not get paid to review the winwin earphones, but I did get them at a reduced price in exchange for my honest opinion.