How to Size Portable Generators
During a blizzard or hurricane, a portable generator can literally be a lifesaver. Running on propane or gasoline, a portable generator can keep everything from respirators to small radios running during extended power outages. Portable generators are also useful for construction sites where electricity has not yet been installed, and remote locations where the costs of delivering electricity exceeds the return on investment. You should be well-informed before buying a generator, though, to ensure you don't spend too much or buy too little for your needs. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Consider your electricity needs
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Decide which appliances you will need to keep running during a power outage. Refrigerators and freezers usually need electricity, and a lamp or two can be useful at night. Rural homeowners may want a connection for their water well.
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Inspect your appliances to determine the maximum number of watts required to run them, both at startup and while running. Startup power generally will require more watts than when the appliance is running.
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Convert your total power use into watts. You may have some appliances that only provide power use in volts or amperes. Convert these to watts by multiplying the amperes by the volts. If you have a refrigerator that is 10 amps, you will multiply it by 120 -- since most U.S. households use 120-volt outlets -- for a total of 1,200 watts.
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Add the wattage of all appliances you plan to operate continuously and buy an appropriately-sized generator. You may want to keep a list of the power requirements for all appliances handy so you can unplug some appliances and use others.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit power pole image by Aaron Kohr from Fotolia.com
