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How big of a generator do I need to buy?

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how big f a generator do i need- Solent Power

If you need a generator, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is figuring out what size generator you need.

A generator that’s too small won’t meet the power requirements of your appliances, while a generator that’s too large will be more expensive and waste energy.

What’s the best generator for my power requirements?

To help you make the best decision, consider what you’ll be using the generator for. If you need it for occasional use, such as camping, small generators are ideal, you can even buy small camping generators also known as suitcase generators.

However, if you’re looking for a generator to provide power to multiple home appliances in case of power outages, you’ll need to look at a standby generator.

If you need a generator that can power sensitive electronics, such as computers or TVs, you’ll need to consider inverter generators.

With so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. Read on as we look at the best generator to suit your power needs.

Not sure where to start when asking yourself what generator do I need? Lets outline the factors you need to consider when deciding what size generator to get.

So, whether you’re looking bigger generator for backup power during a power outage, or a smaller generator for camping trips, read on for some helpful advice!

generator sizes

What size generator and does it matter?

The size of a generator is an important consideration, especially when it’s the difference between an emergency power outage, powering an entire house, or simply running a couple of electrical devices.

To size a generator, you’ll need to consider how much power you’ll need to run your appliances and electric equipment.

A small generator may be enough to power a few essentials, like electrical tools, but a larger one may be necessary to run larger appliances or run multiple home appliances at once.

You should also consider how long you’ll need to run the generator; a tank of fuel may only last a few hours, so you’ll need to refuel regularly if you’re using it for extended periods of time.

Ultimately, what size generator you’ll need depends on your specific needs.

What do I need to consider when purchasing a generator?

To start with you need to consider is what type of power you need. AC power is the type of power that most appliances and electronics use. DC power is typically used for engine starters, welding machines, and other industrial equipment.

If you’re not sure what type of power your devices use, check the owner’s manual or look for a label on the device itself.

It it going to be the primary power source?

If the generator is going to be the primary power source, you will need one that can handle the starting wattage of the largest machine or electric appliance in your home.

If you only need enough power for a few electronic devices, then you can choose a size generator with a lower starting wattage.

You should also make sure that the generator you choose has enough total power output to meet your needs.

How often will you be using it?

It is also important to consider how often you will need to use the generator and how long you will need to run it each time.

If you live in an area with a lot of severe weather, it is a good idea to choose a generator that can run for at least 24 hours on a full tank of fuel.

Where is the generator used?

Portable models are small and can be carried by hand or in the boot of a car, although it is possible to get a large portable generator.

Standby generators are permanently installed, usually outside the home or business, and automatically turn on when the power goes out to ensure essential equipment and essential appliances aren’t affected.

A standby generator is used in emergency situations when the main electric grid is unavailable.

Some newer generator models have parallel capability, which means they can be linked together to increase the amount of power available.

An inverter generator is a great choice if you plan on using sensitive electronics like computers or TVs. That’s because inverter generators produce clean power that won’t damage delicate circuitry.

When choosing an inverter generator, pay attention to the surge wattage and running wattage ratings.

What is it powering?

If you’re planning on using a generator to power your home or business in the event of an outage, it’s important to know which appliances and pieces of equipment you’ll need to power.

Portable appliances can be plugged into generators to provide power during a power outage. Common examples include lamps, portable heaters, and an air conditioner.

The size of generator you need will depend on the number and type of household appliances you want to run, as well as any critical household equipment.

For example, if you need to power a sump pump, fridge or central air conditioning unit, you’ll need a generator that can handle those loads.

Do you need to power your modern electronics?

Keep in mind that you’ll also need to factor in things like lights, electronics, and any other devices you might want to keep running during an outage.

Once you’ve determined what you need to power, choosing the right generator is a critical step in making sure your home or business is prepared for an emergency.

What’s your total wattage?

You’ll need to work out the total running wattage, the exact wattage if possible to power all these appliances.

The more wattage you need the more you may need to consider a larger generator and heavy duty generators.

large generator sizes

Standby or portable generator, you do the math!

A rule of thumb is that a portable generator should be able to provide at least 1000 watts for every 100 square feet of space.

A standby generator is a great choice if you want the peace of mind that comes with being prepared for a power outage.

But how do you know what size standby generator you need? The first step is to calculate your home’s power usage by adding up the running wattage of all the appliances and devices you’d want to run in an emergency.

Once you have your total, add an additional 1000 watts for starting wattage because most appliances need more power to start up than they do to run.

Conclusion

Figuring out what size generator you need can be a daunting task. With so many factors to consider, how do you know which generator is right for you?

That’s where Solent Power comes in. We have years of experience helping people find the perfect generator for their needs. We understand the importance of finding the right size generator, and we’ll work with you to make sure you get the best product for your money.

Contact us today to learn more about our generators and how we can help you choose the right one for your needs.

Paul Phelps Solar Power Owner
Paul Phelps
Paul is the MD of Solent Power and specialises in emergency power solutions, helping to protect your facilities from power loss. Get in touch with us today to discuss the different power brands that we can offer and how they can suit your needs.
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