Generators

To choose a generator that is right for your needs, consider if you need backup power for: home, business, camping, recreation or jobsite.

Solutions for these electricity needs include automatic standby and portable generators. Review the following questions to help you get started:

• Do you need standby power for your home only, or a portable model for jobsite or recreational use?
• How many and what types of appliances/equipment do you need to power?
• Do you need to power hardwired items such as a furnace, well pump, or air conditioner; or only appliances that can be plugged into an outlet?
• Do you need your generator to start automatically when an outage occurs?
• Will you be powering computers, home electronics or other sensitive equipment?
• What price range are you looking to stay within? Is price a primary consideration?

 

Portable Generators: Most portable generators run on unleaded gas and can be used for limited home standby power, portable jobsite power or recreational power. If you plan to transport your generator regularly, you should consider weight, dimensions, wheel type and handle style to determine ease of mobility. If you need your generator to run for extended periods without refueling, such as overnight or through full work days, look for a model with extended run time in addition to a fuel or hour gauge.

• Electric-start generators power up with just the touch of a button or switch; this feature requires the battery to be fully charged
• Automatic idle control idles the engine down when not in use for greater fuel efficiency and extended run time
• 12V outlets allow you to charge a wide range of batteries, from vehicle to cell phone batteries
• Features like a spark-arrest muffler, roll-bar construction and covered outlets may be desirable for added safety and durability
• Generators with built-in welders combine welding capabilities with auxiliary power for lights and other tools

 

Power Requirements: Overtaxing a generator reduces fuel efficiency and in some cases can damage the generator and connected equipment. It's very important to calculate the power output you need and to give yourself some wattage cushioning for running a few smaller items if need be. If you have the owner's manuals for the appliances and equipment that you want to run, find and add up the start-up wattages for each item. Otherwise, use the chart and formula below to estimate your power requirements.

 

Equipment	Wattage*	Equipment	Wattage*
Broiler	1,400	Personal Computer	500-2,000
Central Air Conditioning	2,000-4,000	Planer	300-900
Chain Saw	1,000-1,800	Refrigerator/Freezer	600-800
Circular Saw	1,200-1,600	Router	100-1,300
Coffeemaker	400-800	Sanders (belt, disc, orbital)	250-1,500
Drills (depends on size)	250-1,200	Shop Vacuum	700-1,400
Electric Furnace	5,000-25,000	Space Heater	1,250
Electric Range (oven only)	5,000	String Trimmer	600-1,100
Electric Range (one element)	2,500	Sump Pump	1,500
Hair Dryer	1,200-1,500	Table Lamp (tri-lite)	150
Heater (radiant)	1,300	Television	100-350
Hedge Clippers	300-1,000	3/4 HP Paint Sprayer	1,800
Hot Plate	1,250	Toaster	1,100-1,700
Leaf Blower	1,000-1,400	Water Heater	3,000-4,500
Microwave	1,200	Water Pump	1,000-2,000
Miter Saw	500-1,000	Window Air Conditioner	600-1,500
Outdoor Lighting	500-1,000

 

* This is approximate wattage only. Please refer to your appliance's owner's manual for exact wattage.

Total Your Power Requirements

1. Total your equipment's wattage requirements from the chart above

2. Multiply the total wattage requirements by two** to determine the wattage necessary to start equipment with motors

3. Select the generator that fits your needs

** Start-up requirements may be as high as three or four times the running requirements, so it's best to check owner's manuals for exact wattages; portable generators offer a higher surge wattage to help accommodate start-up requirements

Automatic Standby Generators: Automatic standby generators provide 24/7 blackout protection whether you’re home or away. It automatically supplies power within seconds of a utility outage. After power returns, the generator shuts itself off and awaits the next outage. Automatic standby generators are permanently installed and operate on an existing fuel supply – usually either natural gas or liquid propane gas.

• Decide whether you want to back up a few essential circuits or your whole house or business. The number of circuits you back up and the power requirements of the items on those circuits will determine which generator you need.

• An automatic weekly self-diagnostic test will validate that the unit is working properly

• Select models feature Quiet Test ™ technology or operate at lower RPMs for reduced noise levels

• Galvanized steel or aluminum construction for superior corrosion resistance

• Pre-wired and pre-packaged transfer switches allow for easy and cost-effective installation (models 8KW – 17KW; 20KW comes pre-packaged with 200 Amp load shedding transfer switch)

Generator Features

Automatic Transfer Switch: An automatic transfer switch will sense when your power goes out and turn your generator on for virtually uninterrupted power. When power is restored, the automatic transfer switch turns the generator off. This prevents back feed into the power grid which could cause fatalities.

 

Automatic Voltage Regulation: If you may be powering a computer, home theater components or other sensitive electronics, you should consider a unit with automatic voltage regulation. This feature stops voltage fluctuations that may harm electronics and is available on portable and stationary models.

 

Automatic Safety Shutdown: Some generators automatically shut down in event of low oil pressure, low oil level, low coolant level, high temperature and other unsafe operating conditions.

 

Circuit Breakers: Circuit breakers help prevent damage to connected equipment by shutting down the flow of power if there is too much current passing through.

 

Liquid Cooling: Liquid cooling allows generators with very high wattages to run more quietly and reliably.

 

Wheel Kit: Add mobility to your portable generator with a wheel kit that allows for easier maneuvering and transport to and from the jobsite.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many watts does it take to power basic items in an average size house?
In a typical home, essential items will average 5,000 to 7,000 watts of power to run.

What is the difference between running watts and starting watts?
Running or rated watts are the continuous watts needed to keep items running.