Having a standby generator can help keep you comfortable and worry-free during a power outage. If you experience a loss of power during extreme temperatures, it can keep your family protected from the harsh temperatures outside. Having a standby generator can give you peace of mind.
If you want to equip your home with one, the first step is figuring out what size your generator should be and how much power it should generate. You should consult a licensed electrician and plumber when inquiring about standby generators. That way, you’ll ensure your generator will run smoothly and safely.
How to Determine Generator Size for Your Home
What size generator do I need? It’s important to let a licensed electrician figure this out. They have the knowledge and experience to find the right size standby generator for your home and needs.
To determine the correct size, they will take note of your appliances at home. A professional electrician will determine the electrical load requirement of the appliances, electrical plugs and switches that you want the standby generator to power and determine the kilowatt size you need. Then, they will use these steps to determine the generator size that is right for you.
Do an Appliance Inventory
An electrician will start by going around your home and writing down every appliance’s wattage. They find this by looking at the wattage stamp on the back or bottom of every device. They can also sometimes be found on its nameplate or manufacturer’s manual. However, the indicated wattage will only serve as a guide because actual electricity consumption can vary.
If they see amperes instead of wattage, they will do a simple conversion by following this formula: Watts = Amps x Volts. So, if your refrigerator uses 5 amps with a 120 voltage, you get 600 watts. Knowing the energy consumption of each appliance is the first step electricians use to determine the correct generator size and ensure the safe operation of your devices.
Determine Total Wattage
To calculate the total wattage your generator should produce, an electrician must determine the required running watts and starting watts. The running watts refer to the continuous power needed to run your appliances. Meanwhile, the starting watts refer to the additional energy your motor appliances need in the first few seconds as they power up.
They will start by writing down the running watts of each appliance and adding them up. That’s your home’s total running watts. Next, they will list the starting watts of each motor appliance and identify the highest value. That’s your highest starting watts.
Finally, they will add the total running watts and the highest starting watts to get the total starting kilowatts. Your home will need a generator capable of producing this number. Licensed electricians can correctly calculate the wattage to ensure you’re getting the right-sized generator.
Select the Right Generator Size
Once the electrician has determined the required total wattage, they will add in a 15 to 25 percent margin for error. Then, they will advise you on the correct generator size based on this adjusted number. There are various generator sizes on the market that cater to different needs. A licensed electrician will determine the right size for your home and needs.
You don’t need to purchase the largest generator to keep appliances running in your home. On the other hand, you should also avoid getting one that’s too small. This can lead to overheating and overloading problems that can damage connected appliances.
The best way to find the right generator size for your home is to seek the expert advice of a licensed electrician. They will assess the situation and guide you accordingly.
How Long Can You Run a Generator?
After figuring out what generator size you need, the next question you may have is, how long can you run a generator? Standby generators can operate for an average of 3,000 hours when powering a medium-sized home. They can get you through extended emergencies.
But many factors can come into play, including the number of connected appliances and how much power they need to operate. The type of fuel you use will have an effect as well. Most often, standby generators are powered by natural gas.
Generators that run on natural gas connect directly to your gas line. That means their fuel source isn’t limited to a tank, and you can keep using your generator indefinitely. However, homeowners can lose access to gas lines during natural disasters to prevent fires and other hazards.
If you want more guidance about what kind of generator to use, consult a licensed electrician. The electrician will give you expert advice based on the size of your home, the number of appliances you use and other needs.
Let the Pros Help You With Your Generator Troubles
Don’t hesitate to contact a licensed electrician if you don’t know what generator to get or how to use one. Professionals have the knowledge and expertise to know how generators work and can provide you with sound advice on which standby generator is right for your home and needs.
ABC Can Install Your Home Generator
If you’re interested in having a standby generator in case of an emergency, ABC can deploy licensed electricians to help. Our experts can help with generator installation and help you decide which one is right for your home and needs. They can also help with any other electrical issues you may be having, like a short circuit.
