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Choosing the right size generator for your home can be a confusing task, and it's important to select the correct size to avoid wasting time and money. The ideal generator size is one that matches the power of the items you want to run at the same time. To determine the right size, you should list all the appliances you plan to power and their starting and running wattage. The total wattage will determine the correct generator size. As a general guide, a 5,000-watt generator can run essential household equipment, while a 7,500-watt generator can run most appliances, including the refrigerator, lights, TV, and heating and cooling systems. If you live in a large home or an area with frequent power outages, you may need a larger generator, such as a 10,000-watt model.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 5,000 to 7,500 watts to run essential equipment; 7,500-watt generator to run appliances at once; 10,000-watt generator to power most appliances for a long time; 1,000 to 80,000 watts for home use; 3 to 5 kVA for an average home; 8 kVA for medium power; 10 kVA for high power |
| Use | Portable generators are for campsites, cars, small offices, and homes; large diesel generators are for large businesses, data centres, buildings, and mining |
| Safety | Never run portable generators indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning; use appropriate extension cords rated for the load; keep generators in a well-ventilated area |
| Types | Inverter generators are quieter, more fuel-efficient, and safer; solar generators turn sunlight into electricity and provide a stable power supply |
| Considerations | Starting wattage is often higher than running wattage; generators should not be operated at maximum wattage for more than 30 minutes; tally the total running watts of items to be powered |
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What You'll Learn
How to calculate the right generator size
Choosing the right generator size for your house is a confusing task, and selecting the wrong size could mean wasting time and money. To calculate the right generator size, you must first estimate your energy needs. Ask yourself: do you need the generator to power only the essential equipment or to power the entire house?
If you live in an area with frequent power outages, you should consider getting a larger generator. A generator rated at 5,000 to 7,500 watts can run the most critical household equipment, such as a refrigerator, freezer, well pump, and lighting circuits. A 7500-watt generator can run all these appliances at once.
To be 100% sure, you should check the exact wattage of your home appliances. These are commonly listed on their labels in watts or amps. Then, list all the appliances you plan to power with the generator and their starting and running wattage. Starting wattage refers to the initial surge of power required to start an appliance, which is often higher than the running wattage.
Once you have the total running wattage of your appliances, you can calculate the generator size you need. For example, if your power requirements total 1600 running watts, get a generator that offers at least 1800 rated wattage. If the total running wattage of your appliances is 6800 and the starting wattage is 8200, you will need a generator with 7500 rated and 9500 starting watts.
It is important to choose a generator with slightly more power than you need to prevent issues. Having an excess power reserve ensures seamless functionality for all electrical appliances. However, continuously operating your generator at over 80% of its capacity can shorten its lifespan and damage appliances. Therefore, it is crucial to select a generator with enough power to meet your needs without exceeding them.
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The importance of wattage
When selecting a generator, it is crucial to consider both the starting and running wattage requirements of the items you intend to power. Starting wattage, also known as startup power or surge wattage, refers to the initial power surge needed to start a device or appliance, which is typically higher than the running wattage. Running wattage, on the other hand, is the continuous power required to keep the device or appliance operating.
To ensure you choose the right generator size, it is recommended to list all the essential appliances you need to power during an emergency or power outage. This list may include items such as lighting circuits, refrigerators, freezers, well pumps, and air conditioners. By adding up the wattage requirements of each appliance, you can determine the total wattage needed for your generator.
It is worth noting that generators can typically sustain only 80% of their maximum power output over an extended period. Therefore, it is advisable to select a generator that is slightly more powerful than your calculated requirements. This will help prevent overloading the generator, preserving its lifespan and protecting your connected devices.
Additionally, it is important to consider the unique power needs of your location and any specific requirements of the appliances you intend to run. This includes understanding whether you need a generator to power only essential equipment or the entire house during a power outage. By taking the time to evaluate your energy needs and choosing a generator with sufficient wattage, you can ensure you have a reliable source of power when you need it most.
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Portable vs standby generators
When it comes to choosing between a portable and a standby generator for your house in Australia, there are several factors to consider.
Firstly, let's understand the unique power needs of your house and the appliances you want to run. This will guide you in selecting the optimal choice. As a general rule of thumb, a generator rated at 5,000 to 7,500 watts can power critical household equipment, such as refrigerators, freezers, and lighting circuits. However, it is recommended to check the exact wattage requirements of your appliances to determine the necessary generator size accurately.
Now, let's delve into the differences between portable and standby generators:
Portable Generators
Portable generators are a popular choice for their versatility, ease of use, and affordability. They are ideal for temporary power solutions and can be used during camping, outdoor events, or short power outages at home. These generators typically produce 1 kW to 10 kW of power and have outlets for plugging in appliances, tools, and extension cords. While they are more affordable and easier to set up, they require manual intervention during an outage, including refuelling, which can be unsafe in harsh weather conditions. Additionally, portable generators may not be able to power an entire house due to their limited capacity and connections.
Standby Generators
Standby generators, also known as whole-house generators, are permanently installed on your property to provide safe and reliable backup power for your entire home. They automatically start during a power outage, using self-feeding fuel sources such as natural gas or liquid propane. Standby generators can power large appliances and hard-wired systems, including HVAC systems, lighting, and sump pumps. While they are more expensive to purchase and install, they offer a seamless and worry-free experience during outages, making them the gold standard in backup power.
In summary, portable generators are suitable for temporary or outdoor power needs and those on a budget, while standby generators are ideal for homeowners seeking a comprehensive and automatic power solution for their entire house during outages, despite the higher cost.
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Solar generators
When choosing a solar generator, it is important to consider your unique power needs and the appliances you want to run. Solar generators are available in various sizes and capacities to meet different energy requirements. For example, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is a high-capacity model that can provide electricity for necessary appliances during emergencies or outages. The EcoFlow RIVER Series solar generators are lightweight and portable, making them suitable for outdoor adventures and short-term power outages.
In summary, solar generators are a reliable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective option for powering a house in Australia. By evaluating your energy requirements and choosing a suitable solar generator, you can reduce your dependency on conventional fuel-based systems and have a consistent power supply.
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The dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning
Choosing the right size generator for your house in Australia can be confusing. You don't want to waste money on something too big or that doesn't meet your power needs. To determine the right generator size, you must first estimate your energy needs. List all the essential appliances you need to run, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, heaters, and lighting circuits. Then, check the exact wattage of your appliances, which is commonly listed on their labels in watts or amps.
If you want to power only the essential equipment, a generator rated at 5,000 to 7,500 watts will suffice. With this, you can run critical household equipment such as refrigerators, freezers, well pumps, and lighting circuits. If you want to power all these appliances at once, a 7500-running watt generator will be needed.
Now, let's discuss the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas produced wherever fuel is burned. It can build up to deadly levels, especially in enclosed spaces. Portable generators are common culprits, as their engines emit as much carbon monoxide as approximately 450 cars. More than 900 people in the US died of carbon monoxide poisoning from portable generators between 2005 and 2017, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and weakness. It is crucial to never use a portable generator indoors or in an enclosed space. Even with outdoor use, ensure the generator is in a well-ventilated area, at least 20 feet from doors, windows, or vents. Always have working carbon monoxide alarms in your home, and test them monthly. Remember, carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly, so take the necessary precautions when using a generator.
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Frequently asked questions
The size of the generator you need depends on the appliances you want to run. A generator rated at 5,000 to 7,500 watts can run critical household equipment, such as refrigerators, freezers, and lighting circuits. To run all home appliances, including air conditioners, refrigerators, and other heavy power items, you will need a generator that can provide 8,000 to 10,000 watts.
To calculate the size of the generator you need, list all the appliances you plan to power and their starting and running wattage. Then, tally up the total running watts of all the items. This will give you a general idea of the generator size you require.
Starting wattage refers to the initial surge of power required to start an appliance. For appliances with heating components or electric motors, such as fridges and AC units, the starting wattage can be 3-4 times the running wattage.
It is important to note that most generators can only sustain 80% of their maximum power for an extended period. Therefore, it is recommended to select a generator that is slightly more powerful than you require to ensure it is not pushed too hard. Additionally, if you live in a disaster-prone area with frequent power outages, investing in a larger generator may be a good idea.
