Investing in a generator means investing in reliable backup power. To make the most of this investment, you might consider adding the following generator accessories. While some are required, others are simply a great idea that you won't regret.
Portable generators have several accessories that will enhance usability and convenience.
Fortunately, there are convenience cords on the market that branch out into multiple outlets. That way, you can run only one cord but connect several items to your generators power. It's a must-have generator accessory if you don't want to be tripping over cords all day!
You need a generator enclosure to protect your unit. Generator enclosures come in the form of a tent or covering that goes over your generator to protect it from the elements. They are designed to maintain proper ventilation, unlike homemade covers you might be tempted to throw on there. This generator accessory is another one you really shouldn't go without if you want to rely on backup power in any weather.
With a power transfer system, you'll simply plug your generator into the transfer switch directly or through the power inlet box and you'll send power to your home's circuits. No other cords required. It's the simplest way to use a portable generator.
If you have a home standby generator, you already have the best backup power money can buy. However, there are accessories to make it even better!
Generator pads are composed of high-strength fibers and cement, so they won't shift, crack or degrade over time. They also include galvanized bolts for securing your generator directly to the pad.
New to the market are QwikHurricane generator pads. These innovative pads are sold at a weight of 40 pounds for easy transportation. During setup, the installer pours water inside which reacts with a special polymer to form a gel that increases the pad's weight to roughly 330 pounds. You're left with a sturdy and secure generator pad that will protect your standby for years to come.
To ensure the battery is fresh at time of setup, it's typically not sold pre-installed. Instead, it's often sold as part of a standby generator kit. Otherwise, you need to buy one separately. Learn more about electric generator batteries.
The kit basically keeps your battery toasty. Plus, it keeps the oil from freezing into sludge. We recommend installing a cold weather kit at the same time your generator is installed.
This system will promptly alert you (or your installer) of a potential problem or service issue, giving you ample time to remedy the situation between outages.
Smart management modules connect to individual electric circuits in your home and are each assigned a priority level. The priority level corresponds to the importance of the load during a power outage, and the modules manage what comes on or off depending on what the generator can handle.
For example, suppose you connect a module to the circuit controlling your fridge and assign it priority one. The modules will work to make sure the fridge is always powered, even if it means cutting power to lower priority items, such as your toaster. By managing power, the modules potentially let you save money by buying a smaller-size generator than you might otherwise need.
We strongly recommend ordering liftgate service to safely lower it from the back of the truck to the curb. Otherwise, it will take an army of people to unload the 500-pound generator without destroying it upon descent.
Generator accessories can provide extra protection for your investment and enrich the use of your product. If you have any questions about which generator accessories might benefit you, please contact us at 1-800-800-3317.
Standby Generator Navigation
Main | Essential Circuit Standby | Whole House Standby | Commercial Standby | Standby Sizing Calculator | Automatic Transfer Switches | Installation | Accessories