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Generator Sizing Guide
Power requirements must
be determined to properly size your generator. We are providing some
steps to assist you in approximating the size generator for your power
needs. Please keep in mind that unless you are qualified, you should use
a certified electrician to determine your power needs. At Americas
Generators it is our goal to assist our customers in any way possible.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
STEPS
TO DETERMINE GENERATOR REQUIREMENTS
Answer these questions, write down
your answers.
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Determine your need, What do you want to
run in an emergency and why? |
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Do you want
the generator to operate part or all of your home or office?
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Identify the appliances and/or tools the generator
will need to power. |
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Make a list
and fill in the blanks.
Click here for a printable form
Use the form to make a list. |
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Determine the wattage for each appliance and tool
you plan to use frequently. |
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Click here
to get a list of common appliance's motors and other power
uses.
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Identify
motor and pump requirements. |
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Use the
motor and pump table by clicking
Motor Table |
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Calculate and total the wattage for the motors and
pumps frequently used. |
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use starting watts, not running watts, when determining
the correct electrical load requirements.
Calculations - Doing It Exactly |
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Total the wattage of the appliances & tools and the
motors & pumps.. |
| Keep in mind
that you will not operate everything all at once.
Therefore, for emergency use you don’t need to size the
generator to operate everything just what you need to
survive and be comfortable.Wattage
Guide |
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Convert watts into kilowatts by dividing the total
watts to determine the generator size required.
Conversions |
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Please note
that it is suggested, although not absolutely necessary, to
size the generator 20-25% over the size you determine your
needs to be. This will allow room for future growth. For
example, if you determine that you will need a 15 kW
generator then it is advisable to purchase an 18 kW
generator to accommodate future expansion. |
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