If you’re looking to buy a standby generator, you may be unsure how much power you’ll need. To get an accurate estimate, you can use a standby generator calculator. There are several factors to consider, and you’ll want to keep them in mind when you use this tool.
Home standby generators
A home standby generator (HSB) can be installed to provide power to a household for almost indefinite periods of time. They are permanent and can be connected to natural gas, propane, or electricity. Having one of these units on hand can give you peace of mind, especially in the winter months when you may lose power for long periods of time.
Before buying a home standby generator, you will need to determine how much electricity you need to power your appliances. This will help you decide what size unit to buy.
One way to do this is by using a calculator. You can find free online calculators. There are also tools available from many manufacturers. These will make it easy to determine how much electricity you will need.
Whole-house generators
Whole house standby generators provide backup power for your entire home. This will ensure you have access to important appliances, like your refrigerator, furnace, sump pump and more. If the power goes out, the generator will automatically turn on.
Whole-house generators run on natural gas, propane or diesel, depending on the model you choose. The fuel will connect to your home’s existing gas line.
A whole house generator will not only add value to your property, it will also increase your home’s comfort during outages. These systems can work for hours, providing total home functionality during a power outage.
A standby generator is a great insurance policy for your home. It can be installed by a professional, and will be set up so that all your major appliances are turned on. They also protect your family against theft.
Variables that affect the size of your generator
When it comes to selecting a standby generator, there are many variables to consider. The size of the generator should be based on what you will use it for and how long you expect the need for backup power to last.
One of the largest power draws in most houses is the air conditioner. You need more power to operate the unit than you would with a gas furnace. For most homes, the wattage required by the unit is in the neighborhood of one hundred to two thousand watts.
The power factor is also a major deciding factor. Higher PF drives require a larger machine than lower PF drives. This means that the power needed to operate an air conditioner may actually be larger than it is to run a washing machine.
Single- or three-phase power generators
Three-phase generators are often used in industrial applications. These types of power generators are usually more powerful than single-phase models. They can run more reliably and offer greater stability. This means they can handle higher voltages and run longer without breaking. In addition, three-phase power is more versatile and can be utilized in both large and small applications.
Single-phase power distribution is common in residential areas. It is used to supply the energy needed to operate appliances such as light bulbs and refrigerators. The output of a single-phase generator is typically limited to 240 volts.
On the other hand, 3-phase generators are designed to run larger and more reliable electrical loads. A three-phase generator has a 120-degree phase difference, which helps to ensure that one wave is always reaching its peak. Additionally, the wires are synchronized, meaning they never cross paths.
Commercial generators
Commercial standby generators help keep your business running, even during power outages. These units automatically start when the electricity goes out. The generator’s automatic transfer switch cuts the utility line and reconnects it with the new power line coming from the generator.
In addition, they offer peace of mind for your customers. They can be installed in commercial buildings, residences, and even construction sites.
They are available in liquid or air-cooled models, as well as diesel, natural gas, or propane. Diesel is the cheapest to run and is widely available.
Natural gas is a cleaner fuel that is also readily available. Gasoline, however, is not. Propane is an alternative fuel that is delivered by local liquid propane dealers.
The most common type of commercial standby generator is a three phase unit. Depending on your needs, you can choose a larger generator to meet the needs of your business.