What Size Generator Do I Need?

What Size Generator Do I Need

Table of Contents

Eliminate your fears and doubts about what size generator do I need.  If you need a generator, it’s essential to hire the right generator for the job. And this starts with answering a few questions.

What are you going to be using the generator for? Will you need to power sensitive electrical equipment such as a PC or laptop music equipment or lighting for a party etc?.

How much power does all the equipment need to do the job? Will you be able to pick the generator up, or will it need to be delivered? Let’s try and make it easier.

You’ll need to check on the equipment you wish to power at the same time. You’ll need an inverter generator if you are going to power sensitive equipment.

You’ll need to determine the total running Watts versus the starting what’s required. Let’s show the difference between running watts and starting lights.

The Difference Between Running Watts and Starting Watts

Running watts have a continuous what’s needed to keep tools and appliances operating or running. Starting watts are the extra Watts that will be required for 2 to 3 seconds to start motor-driven products.

Different Types of Electrical Motors

Induction electric motors are usually used in fridges, air conditioners, water pumps, etc. Induction electric motors require more power to start than during regular operation. Sometimes up to six times more energy.

Tool/appliance

estimated run watts

starting watts

Fridge/Freezer

700

2200

Angle Grinder

2000

4000

Air Compressor 1.5HP

2200

8200

Floor Sander

2000

8100

Pressure Washer

1600

6100

Armature electric motors are usually used in equipment such as hairdryers, vacuum cleaners, and most power tools. Are mature electric motors don’t require any additional or special starting power requirements.

So you’re going to need to work out not only the equipment you intend to operate. What equipment will require additional starter power, and what doesn’t?

You will then need to select the generator that can provide sufficient ability to allow precious items to startup while others are running.

What if You Can’t Determine the Starting and Running Watts Required

What if you can’t determine the running or the starting what requirement for a tool or appliance. If the running works are not stated or shown on the device or machine. You may need to estimate using the following equation

WATTS=VOLTS*AMPS

Other Things to Consider When Using a Generator

Common sense goes a long way when using any generator. So keep in mind these dos and don’ts for.

Proper Operation

Make sure the generator is placed in an open, well-ventilated space. In other words, never operate the generator in an enclosure, to avoid any risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. All generator engines need a good flow of cooling air.

So remember not to operate the generator within one meter of any wall. To minimize the risk of electric shock, keep the generator dry and on a firm level surface while running.

Never refuel a generator while it is running; spilled fuel may ignite, so wipe off any spills. Be sure not to use the maximum output capacity of the generator for more than 30 minutes at a time.

Continuous operations should not exceed the rated load, do not repeatedly overload a generator. If you’re using the generator to power party equipment, ensure everything is going to start and operate several hours or more before the party begins. That way if you need a more best generator, you’ll have time to arrange one.

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You may read also:

How to Maintain Your Portable Generators

How to Choose a Generator – The Ultimate Guideline

Bob Stevens

Bob Stevens

Hi, I'm Bob Stevens. I spend a lot of time working with power generators and power tools. In my spare time, I like to write about my hobby.

Bob Stevens

Bob Stevens

Robert K. "Bob" Stevens was a British-born American photojournalist for the Sun, a subsidiary of American Media, located in Boca Raton, Florida, United States. He was the first journalist killed in the 2001 anthrax attacks when letters containing anthrax were mailed to multiple media outlets in the United States

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