Key Points
- Generator accessories give you flexibility in how you use your system to suit the unique needs of your situation. They can add functionality, provide remote access to monitor your system, and bolster safety.
- Commonly used generator accessories include transfer switches, surge protectors, parallel kits, emergency shut-down kits, and more.
We’ve been talking a lot about generators and their many benefits for your home or business for years, but no words can adequately describe the peace of mind that these powerful systems provide. Living in the Midwest, my family and I lose power during severe weather pretty often. It took a particularly harsh winter where our home was without power for a whole week in below-freezing temperatures before my parents pulled the trigger on a standby generator. After a couple of uses, it was easy to see how much this generator upgraded our quality of life: we didn’t have to go outside during the storm to turn on the generator, we could check fuel levels with a glance, and we had safety nets to shield us all from dangers like carbon monoxide.
As the years have passed, my family has invested in generator accessories to make using our standby even easier and safer. Don’t get me wrong, choosing a generator that works for you is the most important step in securing backup or portable power. After all, the first step is always the hardest one! But now that it’s out of the way, the time’s come to move on to the next step: ensuring your generator can do what you need it to do when you want it to.
Why Do I Need Generator Accessories?
Think of a generator like a car. Most of us go to the dealership (iwae.com), shop their selection of vehicles (generators), and bring home something we hope will suit our needs for years to come. We all know the buck doesn’t stop there when buying a new car, though. You have to pay for your plates, pass a driving test, buy insurance, and more to drive your new car safely (and legally). There are some equivalents for generators, such as CARB-compliance in California, but here’s my personal suggestion on how to view generator accessories: they’re not additions you think about years later. They’re choices you should make during your purchase.
When you buy a car, you choose whether or not to include features like heated seats, reverse cameras, and any number of upgrades when you pick out what model you want. While some generators will include functions these accessories supply, like the COsense technology in the Generac GP6500 Portable Generator, you may find a different generator without this handy safety net is a better fit for your home. Does that mean you shouldn’t reap the benefits of carbon monoxide safety? Of course not! Accessories like CO Monitors that can be used with any number of models.
Pro tip: Just like at the car dealership, you can finance your IWAE purchase with Bread Pay! Terms and conditions apply, so follow the link to learn more.
What Accessories Do I Need for my Generator?
Curious about what types of accessories exist for generators and their benefits? With IWAE at your side, you won’t be left wondering for long! If you need to find a generator before you move on to the accessories, check out our Backup Generator Buying Guide. Once you have the right unit for your needs, it’s time to customize. Let’s break down some of the most common generator accessories and the difference they’ll make in your day-to-day:
Transfer Switches
While some generators come with one built in, a transfer switch is something no one with a standby or backup generator should live without. Transfer switches connect the generator to your home, allowing it to supply power when the main grid goes down. There are manual and automatic activation options, meaning you can pick an option that best suits your unique needs.
Surge Protectors
Having backup power during an outage is one thing; protecting your electronics from power surges during severe weather is another battle entirely. You can use grounding outlets and plugs to mitigate some of the damage, but no solution is better than stopping the surge from entering your home in the first place. With a whole home surge protector keeping your computer, TV, phone, and appliances safe, you won’t have to worry about what happens after lightning strikes.
Parallel Kits
Inverter generators offer a powerful option for those looking to get more bang for their buck: the ability to supply more power by combining the output of two units. Options like parallel kits let you use two portable generators for a single purpose. Some examples of generators and their compatible parallel kits from our catalog can be found here:
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Generator |
Parallel Kit |
Emergency Shutdown Kits
Does your local AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) require the ability to shut off any standby generator remotely? Maybe you’re just looking for a little extra convenience or peace of mind knowing you can turn off your generator in any scenario without having to go to the unit. Safety should always be a priority. It’s the reason hardware like the emergency shutdown kit was created: to ensure you can turn off your generator before it damages you, your home, or itself.
Pro tip: Decrease the likelihood of problems with regular generator exercise cycles! Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your generator operating as expected over time.
Propane Supply Monitors
While there are solutions to keep tabs on fuel levels for each generator fuel type, propane may be the most straightforward, with tools available like the propane level monitor. Exactly as the name suggests, propane level monitors let you keep tabs on the level of propane remaining in the tank. Some require yearly subscription fees to use some of the features, like 4G LTE tower connection for on-the-go or underground tank monitoring, but all of them give you the information you need to know whether or not it’s time for a refill at a glance.
Accessorize Your Generator With IWAE
Our team has compiled methods to prepare for emergencies like floods, tornadoes, and winter weather for years. Keeping your family safe during emergencies is only one of the many uses for generators. You can maximize this protection by tailoring your generator to your needs with generator accessories. With any number of options that give you the power to customize your setup to your preferences, choosing the right generator accessories for your home or portable power system is the best way to get your money’s worth out of the hardware. If you have any questions about where to start, what accessories are compatible with your generator, or generator safety, give us a call! The customer service team at IWAE is ready and available to help you enjoy your generator to the max.
