With such a growing number of natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms, and earthquakes in recent years many people have begin putting preparedness at the forefront of their minds. Many are considering adding backup power systems to their homes.

A generator is a mechanical device that creates energy and converts that energy into electricity. This conversion of mechanical energy into electricity is done by a motor. The generator forces electrons into windings that move through an external electrical circuit.

Each generator requires field magnets that run north and south inside the generator. Inside the field there is a coil of wire. There is also a field line that runs across the mechanism.

As the wire passes through the field line an output is formed. When the field line cuts through the magnetic field it generates an electrical current.

The electricity that's made is fed to a home, mechanism, or appliance that the generator is connected to in order to power it. A generator is generally used as a standby power source when traditional forms of electricity aren't available.

There are several types of generators available on the market to suit various needs or wants. There are gas, natural gas, diesel, full home, and industrial types of systems to produce small or large quantities of electricity.

It's important to keep in mind that most generators are not made to be the primary source for electricity, although there are several types of generators that can function as such.

Wheeled, portable generators are the biggest sellers on the market and can be purchased at most hardware stores and even big retail stores. Gasoline powered generators are generally portable; however there are units available that are permanent such as natural gas generators.