Portable Generators: Your Essential Guide for Gulf Coast Storms

When storms hit the Gulf Coast, a portable generator can keep your essentials running—fridge, lights, Wi-Fi, and small A/C units—until utility power returns. This guide explains how to

choose the right portable generator, use it safely, and optimize your setup with the right accessories and code-compliant wiring.

Elios Provides Portable Generators for Houston Homes

Need help today? Elios installs manual transfer switches/interlock kits

, inlet boxes (L14-30/CS6365), surge protection, and provides safety inspections across Houston, Spring, Katy, and The Woodlands. 855-463-5467 | letsgoelios.com

What Is a Portable Generator and Is It Right for You?

A portable generator is a mobile, engine-driven power source (typically 2,000–10,000+ watts) that you fuel with gasoline or propane. Unlike standby units, portables are

manually started and plugged into essential circuits via a transfer switch or used with extension cords to individual appliances.

Great Fit When You:

• Want a lower upfront cost than a standby generator.

• Need temporary or occasional backup power.

• Can set up and refuel during an outage.

• Primarily want to power essentials, not the entire home.

  
  

Consider a Standby Generator When You:

• Want automatic, whole-home backup (HVAC + major loads).

• Prefer no refueling (runs on natural gas/propane supply).

• Need quiet, seamless operation for long outages.

  
  

Step-by-Step: How to Size a Portable Generator

1. List Essentials you want to run: refrigerator (600–800W running, higher on start), lights/LEDs (low), Wi-Fi/router (~20W), phone/PC chargers, a small window A/C (800–1,200W), medical devices.

2. Check Running vs. Starting Watts. Motors (fridge, A/C) can need 3–7×

   their running wattage at startup.

3. Add Up Watts (use the highest start value once for each motorized device).

4. Choose a Generator 10–20% above

   your peak wattage for headroom.

6. Example: Essentials totaling ~2,000 running watts with a 1,200-watt A/C start surge → target 3,500–4,500W generator.

Pro tip: If you’ll connect to home circuits, plan on a 30A (L14-30)

or 50A outlet on the generator and a matching inlet/transfer switch.

Inverter vs. Open-Frame Generators

• Inverter Generators: Quieter (often <60–65 dB

  ), cleaner power (safe for electronics), typically 2–4 kW each—can be paralleled for more output.

• Open-Frame/Conventional: Higher wattage per dollar (5–10+ kW

  ), usually louder, good for powering heavier loads.
  
  

Hybrid Approach

Use an inverter for nighttime/indoor electronics through a transfer switch, and a

larger open-frame for daytime heavy loads as needed.

Fuel Options & Runtime

• Gasoline: Most common; store safely in approved cans; consider fuel stabilizer.

• Propane (Dual-Fuel): Cleaner burn, longer shelf life, slightly less output

  than gas; excellent for emergency storage.

• Extended Runtime: Larger fuel tanks, eco-mode on inverters, or external propane tanks help you stretch runtime.

  
  

Essential Accessories Checklist (Houston-Ready)

• Manual Transfer Switch or Panel Interlock

  (code-compliant, prevents backfeed; protects utility crews).

• Inlet Box (weatherproof, e.g., L14-30

  for 30A) with proper gauge cable.

• Heavy-Duty Cords (outdoor-rated, correct gauge/length).

• CO Alarms on every level of the home.

• Whole-Home Surge Protector (panel-mounted, UL-listed).

• Lock/Chain + Cover (theft/weather).

• Fuel Storage (approved cans/propane cylinders, stored outdoors).

  
  

Elios installs and labels your critical circuits, so you can flip a single switch and power only what you need.

Safety First: DOs and DON’Ts

DO

• Run the generator outdoors only,

  20+ feet from doors/windows/vents—never in a garage, even with the door open.

• Use a transfer switch/interlock for any connection to home circuits.

• Keep the unit on a level, dry surface; use a canopy/tent designed for generators in rain (not a home-made tarp).

• Cool before refueling (wait 15–20 minutes).

• Test the system monthly and keep

  CO/smoke alarms working.
  
  

DON’T

• Don’t backfeed through a dryer outlet (illegal & deadly).

• Don’t overload the generator; watch amp draw on 120/240V receptacles.

• Don’t run long, undersized extension cords (voltage drop = heat and device damage).

• Don’t ignore odd smells/sounds—service before the next outage.

  
  

Maintenance Made Simple

• After each use: Check oil level, inspect cords, drain/condition fuel if storing.

• Every 50–100 hours (or annually): Oil & filter change, air filter, spark plug, torque checks.

• Exercise monthly for 10–15 minutes under a light load to keep the carb, brushes, and AVR components healthy.

  
  

Elios offers portable generator tune-ups,

transfer switch testing, and surge protection checks before peak storm season.

Ask us about financing to bundle your

transfer switch, inlet, and surge protection into one affordable monthly payment.

Portable vs. Standby: Quick Comparison

Feature	Portable Generator	Standby Generator
Start	Manual	Automatic (seconds)
Coverage	Essentials	Whole-home/critical loads
Fuel	Gas/Propane (manual refuel)	Natural gas/Propane (continuous)
Noise	Moderate–High	Quieter enclosures
Upfront Cost	Lower	Higher

Not sure which route to take? Elios can size both options and even design a hybrid (battery + generator) plan.

How Elios Helps Houston Homeowners

• Code-Compliant Connections: Manual transfer switches or interlocks, labeled circuits, weatherproof inlets.

• Safety & Surge Protection: Panel-mounted SPDs, grounding/bonding checks, CO alarm guidance.

• Training & Documentation: We show you exactly how to start, switch loads, and shut down safely.

• Maintenance & Repairs: Tune-ups, cord/outlet replacements, and annual storm-readiness checks.

• Upgrade Paths: When you’re ready, we can design a standby generator

  or battery backup for long outages.
  
  

Ready to Power Up Safely?

Get storm-ready the right way. Book a free home power check to review your goals, size the right portable, and install a

transfer switch/inlet that keeps your family safe and your electronics protected.

📞 855-463-5467 🌐

letsgoelios.com

Elios. Power with Purpose, Protection with Precision.

Portable Generator FAQ

Q: Can I plug my portable into a wall outlet?

A: No! This is dangerous backfeeding and illegal. Use a

transfer switch or interlock installed by a licensed electrician.

Q: How far from the house should I run it?

A: At least 20 feet from doors/windows/vents with the exhaust pointing away from the home.

Q: What size cord do I need?

A: For 30A 120/240V (L14-30), use a 10-gauge cord of minimal practical length. Longer runs may require heavier gauge to reduce voltage drop.

Q: Will a portable run my central A/C?

A: Only very large portables might start certain units (with soft-start kits). Most homeowners power a

window A/C or mini-split instead.

Q: Do I still need surge protection?

A: Yes. A panel SPD helps protect appliances and electronics from generator transients and grid spikes when power returns.