Author: Janet Ashby
Article:
The power output of a generator is measured in watts and before
you purchase a generator you need to decide the size that will
meet your requirements. If you will only be using a generator
for occasional backup for lights and small appliances a side
valve generator with a 2000 watt output will be adequate. For
longer outages or for heavier use a generator with 3500 watt
output or higher and overhead valve design will be needed. We've
put together some information about features and output ratings
to help you decide on the size and type of generator that will
suit your needs.
Features
Valves - valves may be side mounted or overhead mounted. Larger
models are usually overhead mounted and in general are more
reliable and longer lasting.
Auto Shutdown - An automatic shutdown switch for low oil
conditions is essential to prevent accidental damage.
Spark arrester - always ensure your generator has a spark
arrestor if it will be used anywhere near combustible materials.
Pull Start - compression release pull starts make starting much
easier
Generator Size
It is, of course, vital that you purchase a generator that is
adequate for the intended load it will carry. You can calculate
the wattage required for your particular circumstances very
easily. Firstly decide what appliances, pumps, lights etc need
to be run then look on the appliances for the wattage required
for each. Don't forget any furnace/boiler or water pumps.
Electric motors on pumps and other appliances require more
wattage to start up than for running, sometimes up to three
times as much so this must be taken into account when doing your
calculations. In addition, if you have more than one motor,
unless you can manually stagger their start ups, they will all
be drawing start up power at the same time and put a bigger
burden on the generator.
All appliances and motors should be labeled with their wattage
requirements. Note down any that you are going to use with your
generator. The following table is a rough guide to wattages in
the absence of a label.
* Furnace fan 200 * Computer 150 * Television 450 * Fan 100 *
Hot plate 1100 * small freezer 300 * Radio 120 * sump pump 450 *
Refrigerator 2600 * water pump 250-2000 * water heater 5000
Add up all the wattages, not forgetting the start up wattage of
your motors. The total does not include any safety margin so add
10% to the total figure. Now you have the information needed to
choose the size of generator to purchase. Be sure to consider
the continuous rating not the maximum or surge rating on the
generator.
Types of Generator - Portable or Standby
Now you need to decide if you will purchase a portable or
standby generator. A standby generator is fixed in position and
permanently wired into the house circuit. It is usually fitted
with an automatic switch to turn on when the power fails. A
portable generator can be moved around and used on camping trips
or for powering tools etc away from a power source. It can be
used, with the correct add ons as a power source for your house
in an emergency although it would usually need to be switched on
manually.
Safety
Last, but definitely not least!
Always ensure that generators are installed by a qualified
electrician and never hook up the generator to the house power
outlets or to live power lines.
Run generators in open spaces never in enclosed spaces like
basements or garages as they produce deadly carbon monoxide gas.
It is a good idea to install carbon monoxide detectors to ensure
you and your family are safe.
About the author:
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compressors check out
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