Sizing Your Generator

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  • Charleybravo56

    Plinker
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Aug 28, 2010
    59
    8
    Nashville
    Ohm’s Law: amps x volts = watts.
    This calculation can help you determine what size generator to purchase.
    For instance, a refrigerator may use 7 amps to operate.
    7(amps)x120(volts)=840watts.
    Include a percentage for startup and calculate your next item.
    There are variables such as the age and efficiency of the items you wish to power. A voltage regulated generator is always recommended.
     

    churchmouse

    I still care....Really
    Emeritus
    Rating - 100%
    187   0   0
    Dec 7, 2011
    191,809
    152
    Speedway area
    If you use a meter to measure the actual draw of a given appliance you will find it is below rating plate. Start up might take you north of rating plate but not much if the appliance is in good condition and not very long either.
     

    Leadeye

    Grandmaster
    Rating - 100%
    4   0   0
    Jan 19, 2009
    36,686
    113
    .
    I sized the generator to run the basement and a few other things. I can't run the HVAC plant, but have a 110 window air unit for summer and wood burner for winter.
     

    rhino

    Grandmaster
    Rating - 100%
    24   0   0
    Mar 18, 2008
    30,906
    113
    Indiana
    Ohm’s Law: amps x volts = watts.
    This calculation can help you determine what size generator to purchase.
    For instance, a refrigerator may use 7 amps to operate.
    7(amps)x120(volts)=840watts.
    Include a percentage for startup and calculate your next item.
    There are variables such as the age and efficiency of the items you wish to power. A voltage regulated generator is always recommended.


    Apologies to all for the pedantry, but I can't help myself. Ohm's Law (for simple DC circuits) is a statement of proportionality (in this case equality) of the current to the electric potential drop divided by the resistance.

    74540cf41241949caaa632d5db5825b5db49821f


    The relationship P = I*V isn't typically given a name, but it's a result of using Joule's First Law (simplified as P = I^2*R) and using Ohm's Law to substitute as follows to yield a very useful, very simple relationship:

    P = I^2*R and V = I*R

    P = I*(I*R) = I*V

    P = I*V


    Where:

    P = power [Watts]
    I = current [Amperes]
    V = electric potential or potential drop (Voltage) [Volts]
    R = resistance [Ohms]
     
    Last edited:

    churchmouse

    I still care....Really
    Emeritus
    Rating - 100%
    187   0   0
    Dec 7, 2011
    191,809
    152
    Speedway area
    Apologies to all for the pedantry, but I can't help myself. Ohm's Law (for simple DC circuits) is a statement of proportionality (in this case equality) of the current to the electric potential drop divided by the resistance.

    74540cf41241949caaa632d5db5825b5db49821f


    The relationship P = I*V isn't typically given a name, but it's a result of using Joule's First Law (simplified as P = I^2*R) and using Ohm's Law to substitute as follows to yield a very useful, very simple relationship:

    P = I^2*R and V = I*R

    P = I*(I*R) = I*V

    P = I*V

    English man..............English.........:):
     

    rhino

    Grandmaster
    Rating - 100%
    24   0   0
    Mar 18, 2008
    30,906
    113
    Indiana
    English man..............English.........:):

    Okay! Here is the translation in the English:

    rhino can't mind his own business and is compelled to butt-in to conversations that don't include him when he notices an inconsequential detail that is essentially irrelevant in the given context. However, all agree that he is an exceptionally handsome fellow.
     

    churchmouse

    I still care....Really
    Emeritus
    Rating - 100%
    187   0   0
    Dec 7, 2011
    191,809
    152
    Speedway area
    Okay! Here is the translation in the English:

    rhino can't mind his own business and is compelled to butt-in to conversations that don't include him when he notices an inconsequential detail that is essentially irrelevant in the given context. However, all agree that he is an exceptionally handsome fellow.

    Got it.........:thumbsup:
     

    woowoo2

    Expert
    Rating - 100%
    1   0   0
    Aug 17, 2010
    1,448
    83
    Jeffersonville
    Size your generator as big as you can afford.

    Your potential wattage output is too high... said no one ever.

    Actually, no.
    That would be a waste of fuel.

    The thread title should say " Generators "
    As in multiple.

    The best thing to do is have one of the quiet, inverting generators in the 2Kw range, then another larger one for heavier usage.
    The electricity you make is the most expensive electricity you will ever buy.
     

    KLB

    Grandmaster
    Rating - 100%
    5   0   0
    Sep 12, 2011
    23,003
    77
    Porter County
    It may be expensive, but when everything at your house relies on electricity to function, you make sure your generator can run everything.
     

    woowoo2

    Expert
    Rating - 100%
    1   0   0
    Aug 17, 2010
    1,448
    83
    Jeffersonville
    It may be expensive, but when everything at your house relies on electricity to function, you make sure your generator can run everything.

    No need to run everything, just the basics till shore power is restored.
    A medium sized (4Kw) genset can easily go through 6-7 gallons a day.

    A week or two (been there, done that) of that nonsense gets expensive.

    I would much rather rotate cords and run the quiet, fuel sipping, inverter genny.

    Of course, this is just my opinion.....
     
    Last edited:

    churchmouse

    I still care....Really
    Emeritus
    Rating - 100%
    187   0   0
    Dec 7, 2011
    191,809
    152
    Speedway area
    No need to run everything, just the basics till shore power is restored.
    A medium sized (4Kw) genset can easily go through 6-7 gallons a day.

    A week or two (been there, done that) of that nonsense gets expensive.

    I would much rather rotate cords and run the quiet, fuel sipping, inverter genny.

    Of course, this is just my opinion.....

    WE have 2 houses and a shop on the property. There are 3 bigger genny's and a 2 cycle inverter unit. (2) are 7500K and (1) is a 5500K.
    The inverter is for electronics. With 3 G-daughters next door we best have some movies etc available.

    The other 3 can cover any loads we may need t cover with lots of cords to do the job. Rotate the heavy loads as required. Lighting is a minimul load if you can get your people trained to shut **** off when not needed.
    Fuel is a huge factor and has been considered in our equation.
     
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