If you’re interested in purchasing a whole house generator, you’ll need to find the perfect location for it. Fortunately, there are some tips to help you choose the perfect place for it.
Calculating wattages to determine generator capacity
If you want to determine the amount of wattage you will need to run a whole house generator, you should take advantage of a generator wattage calculator. A generator wattage calculator will allow you to compare models on the basis of their wattage output, eliminating any guesswork.
Before you purchase a whole house generator, you need to make sure you have enough wattage to power the appliances and equipment that you need to keep running during an outage. Most people will need about 10,000 watts to run their most important home electronics and tools. Depending on your appliance and the duration of an outage, this amount may be more or less.
To estimate how much wattage you will need, you first need to list all of your appliances and electrical equipment. This list should include items like light bulbs, TVs, computers, air conditioners, refrigerators, and sump pumps.
To start, look up the manufacturer’s recommended wattage requirements. Typically, these will be listed in the user manual or owner’s manual of the item.
Obtaining a building permit
If you’re installing a whole house generator, you should be aware that your local ordinances and zoning laws may have a lot to say about how and where you install it. This is why it’s important to obtain a building permit for your installation.
If you don’t know where to start, you can find help from the board of permits and inspections or your city hall’s zoning department. You can also hire a contractor to handle the work. They’ll know how to negotiate with your local codes to ensure your installation meets all your requirements.
Before applying for a building permit, you’ll want to have a solid idea of how much the project will cost. Depending on the type of installation, it can cost $10 to $500.
The cost of a building permit will vary depending on the state you live in. For example, it may cost more in California than it will in New York. But in general, it’s a good idea to budget for the costs of all the permits you’ll need.
Dangers of whole house generators
If you are considering buying a whole house generator, you should take into consideration the risks. These generators produce carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled. The CDC reports that CO poisoning kills hundreds of people each year. Several states require generators to be installed by licensed electricians.
You should never run a generator inside your home. This is because carbon monoxide can build up in an enclosed space. It can be particularly dangerous in basements and garages because they do not have exhaust. In addition, you should not operate your generator near windows, doors, or intake vents.
Installing a whole house generator can be a complex and difficult process. You should make sure you purchase a model with a high capacity. Also, you should ensure that your generator is properly maintained. Whole house generators should be placed at least 20 feet from your home.
You should also keep an eye out for backfeeding. Backfeeding is when the generator is connected to a wall outlet, bypassing built-in household circuit protection devices. This can pose an electrocution risk to utility workers and can lead to fires and damages to your appliances.