Hand crank  electrical  products are fast becoming essential additions in every household emergency kit. They are  durable, reliable, convenient and inexpensive. The most useful hand cranked items for emergency use are radios, flash lights, generators and chargers.

 

Overview  

The modern electrical grid is the back bone of the industrial world. We take it for granted and assume it will always be available when we need it until a major disaster strikes. On any given year between 450- 500 major natural disasters are reported around the world. Over 75% are caused by extreme weather conditions such as floods, windstorms, snowstorms and wildfire which inevitably lead to a power outage. 

In such an event most,  if not all, of the essential tools we need  will be inoperable . That is why a dependable alternate power source is absolutely critical. Hand crank emergency products are proving to be  the most essential tools as part of a house hold emergency kit.

Even in this day and age of multimedia and the internet , the radio remains  a primary source for  information  and communication during a major emergency.  That is why it is recommended to have a radio with its own power supply  as part of emergency preparedness.

Most people tend to  have a battery powered emergency radio. The problem is, batteries discharge continuously, even if they are not used,  and may be dead when needed. Solar powered radios are a better option but still requires sunlight to operate.  The hand crank radio , since its invention in the 1990′s  is becoming the preferred choice. For this same reason it is a good idea to consider having other hand crank electrical products such as hand crank flashlights ,  hand crank lanterns,  hand crank generators and chargers in the home.

The use of  hand crank electrical  products  is not limited to  major emergencies.   They can be useful during minor localised power outages,   long car trips and any where  there is no readily available power source  such as camping or at  the beach.  

How They Work  

All hand crank electrical products work by using an internal generator similar to power plants. Electricity is produced by a constant movement of a coiled wire around a magnet. Power plants produce a large amount of electricity by using the kinetic energy of a water fall , or oil and  nuclear energy to produce steam that drives the huge turbines.

The same can be achieved, in a small scale , by using a hand crank that is attached to a minature coiled wire around a magnet. This innovative and yet simple device allows us to produce our own supply of electricity.

Origin

Sometime in the early 1990’s Trevor Baylis, the British inventor was watching a program that dealt with the spread of AIDS in Africa and the means to stop it.  The program identified education using radio broadcast as the most efficient way to stop the spread of this dreadful disease.

The biggest challenge was most of the African Countries did not have an abundance of batteries nor electricity. Therefore it was concluded that there is a need for a cheap way to power radios.

After listening to this, Trevor Baylis went about to developing the first hand crank radio by combining parts from a music box, a toy car and a transistor radio.  This innovative yet simple invention was featured on a British television show called “tomorrow’s World” which in turn attracted investors.  Trevor baylis’ invention went on to win the BBC Design award in 1996. The BayGen Industries was created which was renamed Freeplay Energy PLC in 1999.

Other Uses

Hand crank electrical products are not only for emergency but are also useful for everyday use. They are durable, reliable, inexpensive and good for the environment .  By  using these product you will eliminate the need for batteries for ever and reduce you carbon footprint, which is a good thing!