A generator can be a big investment but is one that could make a huge difference in your life.

If you’ve been considering purchasing a generator, you probably want to know if it’s something you might need. What is a generator used for? Is it something worthwhile for me and my family? 

Or perhaps you are considering a generator for your business. 

Generators are used all over the world in many different ways, and we’re going to go over 10 of those common uses to help you determine if you can justify purchasing one for yourself. 

What is a Generator?

Most people have heard of generators, but many don’t know how they work.

Generators are fuel-powered free-standing devices that contain a motor and use that mechanical power to create electrical power. They come in all shapes, sizes, and load capabilities depending on your particular use. 

They can be stationary or portable, small or large. Generators are used in different applications worldwide and provide power to those in need.

Most generators run on gas, while others run on diesel. However, there are other ways this power can be created as well, including wind power and solar power. 

There’s a huge market for generators, so big in fact that the sales market is expected to reach $27.24 billion by 2023. There’s a generator out there for every application at a wide range of prices. 

What Is a Generator Used For?

Let’s talk about some of the most common uses of these power-making machines.

1. Emergency Situations

This might be one of the most important and common uses for generators. Whether you’re dealing with a quick power outage or a natural disaster, a generator could be lifesaving. 

This doesn’t just go for homeowners. Business owners can benefit greatly from a generator in an emergency situation.

If the power is out across the city or even county, your business could stay open and provide services to the community in need. 

Having a small or medium-sized generator could keep your food from spoiling and the heat running during a winter storm outage. It could run critical, lifesaving medical devices for those who rely on them. 

While these situations don’t happen very often, this is easily the most important and necessary reason to have a generator around. You never know when disaster might strike, and a generator is one way to stay prepared.

2. Camping

Whether you like to camp out in a tent or in your trailer or RV, having a generator can make camping much more convenient. 

This could run the lights in your trailer, keep your devices charged, or even run any electric cooking devices. 

If you’re planning on staying in a remote location for an extended period of time, having a generator can make a huge difference. Especially if you have electronics along with you that need power like your phone, laptop, camera, etc… 

A generator is especially useful with trailer/RV camping, as there are several aspects that rely on power. While most of trailers and RVs come with internal generators, most of them won’t be able to run all of the functions at once. 

Having a generator can give you the ability to run the AC and heat up your food in the microwave at the same time.

It also helps keep the fridge or freezer running smoothly while keeping the heat on. Make your camping experience better with a small portable generator!

3. Living Off Grid

If you have aspirations of living remotely off the grid, you are going to want to have a generator. 

Whether you’re charging power tools, keeping your food cold, or even simply turning on the lights at night, you need some sort of power. 

Having a generator gives you the ability to be completely self-sustaining without having to hook up to local power or utilities. Just because you’re living off the grid doesn’t mean that you have to live without electricity!

These can run important home functions like lighting, water heating systems, charging electronics, running appliances, and much more. 

Some people use generators on a use-by-use basis, and others rely on their power constantly to keep them warm in the winter. In cases like this, you could even consider running generators in parallel operation.

This is especially true for off-griders who operate small to large-scale farms. There are endless uses for a generator on a farm.

4. Temporary Construction Sites

When getting started on a building project, no matter the scale, you’re going to need access to power to run the tools, lights, and water necessary to get the job done. 

Most of the equipment used in modern construction today require electricity. From power saws to impact drills, there’s a huge demand for power at a building site.

Often times, in the early stages of building, there are no utilities to the building site. Contractors use generators all the time to get the power they need. 

If you are building your own home in a remote location, having a generator could be the difference between using hand tools or electric tools. And trust us, hand tools take far too long on a project that big…

If you’re planning on building remotely sometime soon, you might consider getting a generator. It will save you time and be a huge help in the process. 

5. Hosting Events

Concerts and outdoor events often require power from a generator, as many of these events are hosted in areas where power isn’t immediately available. 

Whether you’re powering a booth or running the sound system for a show, generators are critical to these kinds of endeavors. 

If the event runs into the evening, you’ll need some way to power those heavy industrial-style lights so people can continue enjoying the event into the late hours of the night. 

This is also useful for food vendors and those who require refrigeration.

Having a party in the woods? A backyard wedding? You’ll need a generator to keep the music playing and the drinks cold. Those party lights require power, too!

6. Food Trucks

Food trucks, whether they are at events like mentioned above, outside of stadiums, or on the side of the road in the city can benefit from generators. 

Many food trucks run off of electricity for refrigeration, cooking surfaces, appliances, heat, AC, and more. 

A simple little generator off the back or outside the rig can provide all the power necessary to make some awesome food without having to hook up to local utilities.

This is especially true in remote or rural locations, as there is often no ability to use local power. Something needs to keep the lights on and the grill running if you’re going to make money in your food truck!

7. Military Deployments

One of the biggest, yet least known uses for generators are in military deployment situations.

When a base is established in a foreign country, whether temporary or long-term, it is up to the Power Production units to maintain large generators to keep base operations afloat. 

These generators are huge, usually sitting on the back of a 5-ton military vehicle. They provide power to radars, buildings, barracks, and other mission-critical applications all over the world. 

Generators like these require diesel fuel rather than gas like most other standard generators and require frequent significant maintenance. 

Similar systems like these are what government agencies like FEMA, Red Cross, and other emergency divisions use during emergencies.

It’s systems like these that save lives and help thousands in need after a natural disaster like a hurricane, flooding, tornado, or earthquake. It can sometimes take days, weeks, and even months to get utilities back on.

8. Supplemental Power

Sometimes the power that is required to run certain operations is too large for the local utilities. 

In these cases, generators can be used to supplement the remaining necessary power. Some of these situations include industrial businesses, residential utility power, large-scale farming, and more. 

When demand exceeds supply, generators can help bridge the gap.

If you are running a large-scale operation of any sorts and you find that your utilities just aren’t cutting it, consider getting some generators for supplemental power. 

Power When and Where You Need It

These are just some of the many ways that generators are utilized all around the world on a daily basis. 

So what is a generator used for? The answer is anything under the sun. These machines can be used for convenience, comfort, or life-saving efforts. 

The possibilities are endless, how would you use a generator? 

If you’re looking for more great content about how technology can help you, and so much more, check out our blog. See you there!