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
GeneratorJoe 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? |
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. |
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. |
Click here to get a list of common appliance's motors and
other power uses.
Wattage Guide |
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Identify motor and pump requirements. |
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. |
Always
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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