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November 5, 2024
A standby home generator is a heavy-duty device that gives your home backup power during an electrical outage. A whole-house generator is hardwired into your home. It should be installed by a professional so you can ensure it is set up in the proper location and follows local ordinances and noise restrictions. It is connected via a transfer switch and automatically kicks on in the entire home when there is a power outage and turns off when it senses power has been restored.
One of the primary considerations when buying a generator is: what do you need to power? Depending on the size of your home and the number of devices you need to power, standby generators should have the amount of power you need for most, if not all, of your home appliances. In most situations, operating a 20kw generator should be enough to power the majority of your home devices.
However, if you’re operating a portable generator, you’ll need to consider the power requirements for the devices you want to use. Larger portable generators will be able to power more devices but will be harder to move around and more difficult to maintain.
The larger the generator, the more it weighs and the bigger it is, the more fuel it takes. Some people are going to say, well, I’m just going to get the biggest generator I possibly can and then I don’t have to worry about it. But realize, if you do that, you’re going to be burning a lot more fuel, and it’s going to take up a lot more space.
What size generator do you need? You can calculate your power needs by using something like the chart below, which gives you a general estimate of how much wattage everyday household items like a fridge, air conditioning unit, and washing machine use.
Transfer switches safely connect your generator to a circuit panel via a cable and allow you to “switch” between grid power and generator power.
Automatic transfer switches come installed in standby generators and automatically switch between power grid and generator power when they detect a blackout. Manual switches require you to switch over the power at the electrical panel yourself.
Without a transfer switch, portable generators need to run on extension cords, which can be hazardous and difficult to set up. Operating a generator with an extension cord means you can only operate devices running through an electrical outlet, not other units such as overhead lights or sump pumps. If you do run extension cords, you’ll need to ensure they are properly rated for the current they will be carrying.
Performance, type, fuel source, and safety features are the most important factors when buying a generator, but many models also come with additional features that help them stand out. Here are some extra features you can look out for when choosing between the generators on the market.
Some generators come with automatic carbon monoxide shut off if they detect certain gas levels that could be fatal. This feature is common in most newer portable generator models, giving you peace of mind while operating the unit.
Many portable generators come with an electric start feature, which means the generator can turn on via a switch, remote, or push-button instead of using a pull-cord.
Some generators come with low-oil shutoff, which means they automatically shut off when the oil reaches below a certain level. Keep an eye out for when your generator’s oil and filter need to be changed. If you aren’t comfortable changing it yourself, it’s always best to call in a professional.
A fuel gauge allows you to easily track the fuel level and see when the fuel tank is getting close to running out. You will only need this feature if operating a gas- or diesel-powered generator.
The noise level of a generator may be a factor if running it outside your home or campsite. Quieter generators run around 50-60 decibels, while louder generators can run as high as 90-100 decibels.
If you are considering buying a generator, contact South Shore Generator Sales & Service and get started on your backup power plans!
Source: thisoldhouse.com/
Whether your need is to power your business to keep on your production schedule or your home to keep your family safe and sound;.South Shore Generator has the product diversity to meet all of your generator requirements. We are proud to sell and service generators from 2kW to 2000kW single set units and up to as large as 100MW utilizing Generac's innovative Modular Power Systems (MPS).
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