Where Are the Generator Used
Camping
Whether it’s a generator for RV camping or the good old-fashioned, open-air variety, these machines add a touch of civilization to the rugged outdoors. You may want to power an electric skillet, lights, a fan, or an electric fillet knife for those fresh-caught fish, so you won’t need too much generating capacity.
Inverter generators are a popular choice for camps as they’re quiet, often a must-have as many campsites have strict noise limits. They’re also lightweight and compact, although they are often more expensive than other models.
Construction
As one might imagine, construction sites are often cut off from readily available power supplies. But that doesn’t mean everything gets done by hand. Huge diesel generators are often trailed in to support the machinery, trailers, ventilation, water pumps, security, and more, with portable generators powering table saws, grinders, drills, and other power tools. There’s even a special class of generators for welding that combines a welder with a generator. Learn how generators power construction sites (and other options for power generation)
Mining
Like construction sites, mines are often primitive environments that depend on generators to get things done. An estimated 70% of the average mining operation’s electricity comes from generated electricity, which powers shovels, drills, and excavators. It also lights the tunnels deep underground to allow the miners to work.
Agriculture And Ranching
Generators are often used as either backup power or even primary power for farming operations, as well as portable power for working on hard-to-reach locations. Barn, stable, or chicken coop heaters, fish farm air pumps, and irrigation systems are just a few farming and ranching devices that are commonly powered by generators.
Night Working
Road maintenance crews are an example of people who need to be able to work at night to minimize the inconvenience to drivers. For jobs like these, trailer-mounted light towers–often directly attached to generators–are used to provide a temporary fix.
Fairs And Carnivals
Portable generators make it possible to turn a school parking lot on Friday into rollicking carnival grounds on Saturday. They power the rides, bounce houses, shaved ice and candy cane machines, the music, the lights, and all the other fun stuff that needs electricity to work.
Family Reunions, Weddings, Cookouts
Whatever the reason for the soirée, generators are almost always needed for outdoor parties. The DJ setup, dance floor lighting, food warmers, coffee makers, photo booth, and any heating or cooling units all need a power source. Indoor power can sometimes be drawn on, but you’ll want to avoid overloading extension cords or trying to run them too far.
11. Holiday Displays
From your front yard to the town square, holiday setups can be big energy draws. To power all the Christmas lights, grazing reindeer, or giant inflatable pumpkins, you may need to fire up the generator.
Sporting Events
Many schools and sporting organizations rely on generators to power scoreboards, lights for evening games, speakers for announcers, and other electronics. Sometimes portable generators suffice for these uses, but often large, trailer-mounted units are needed to provide enough power for the setting.
Tailgating
Sports and tailgating go together like peanut butter and jelly. Tailgating is kind of like camping except you’re much less likely to see a huge flat-screen TV on a camping trip. Depending on the levels of seriousness to which you take your ‘gating, you may need a generator to power a projector, speakers, a mini fridge, an electric grill, a mobile hotspot device, fans, or even a video game console.
Boating
Marine generators are a special class of generators designed specifically for boating, to take over energy duties in lieu of running the motors. Built to optimize your enjoyment of your time on the water, the best models are built to be quiet and low in vibration, as well as easy to reach in tight spaces should they need maintenance.