What Size Generator Do I Need?

Portable Inverter generators can supply power to several electronics from small appliances to Air conditioners. You can use medium to larger generators to operate power tools. One of the most important decisions to make when choosing a generator is making sure that it will be able to handle all of your power requirements.

If your portable generator doesn't provide enough electrical output to power up your appliances, this could not only damage your appliances but also the generator as well. 

CHOOSING A SUITABLE GENERATOR SIZE 

Selecting the right size generator depends on the power that you need. It is very important that you know the wattage requirements of the appliances that you are planning to run off the generator. The power when starting the appliance can be up to triple (or more) the power used to run the appliance. 

Don't get bogged down with all of the numbers. Just follow these steps to determine the wattage requirements:

1. Make a list of all of the appliances that you want to use on the generator at any given time. 
2. Write down all of the running watts and starting watts required for each appliance. The starting Power is a very important factor, because it can be several times of the running wattage. (as an approximate guide, please see table below.)
3. Now add all of the running Watts for all of the appliances. You should get a generator that produces at least this many running watts. 
4. Choose one device with the highest number of extra starting watts and add it to your total running watts. You should get a generator that produces at least this many Watts. Please see example below. 

(The Power Wattage of the above products are only examples. Remember to check the appliances' manuals for the exact starting and running wattage.) 

From this table, you can see that the appliance with the highest starting Wattage is the microwave oven. 

Add the running power of all the appliances together. 

900W + 150W + 140W + 40W = 1230 Watts 

Now add the appliance with the highest starting wattage. 

1230 Watts + 900 Watts = 2,130 Watts. 

Using this example, you know that you need a generator with a power output with a minimum of 2,130 Watts if you would like to run all of these devices together. It's better to be safe than sorry, so we advise that you purchase a generator with slightly more power than you need. Using this example a Cromtech 2.4kW Inverter Generator  or  Briggs & Stratton P2400 Inverter Generator would be a good choice.

Factors you should consider 

• Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR)-  We highly recommend using a Generator with an AVR, when providing power for sensitive electronic devices. The AVR regulates voltage variations to deliver constant, reliable power supply. If it does not have an AVR, it could damage the electronic device or appliance. 
• Dimensions and weight - Portable generators come with different ranges of weights and dimensions. Inverter generators weigh from about 20 Kgs. But high wattage generators can weigh up to 105 kgs. Always buy a generator that you can manage without getting injured when moving the device. 
• Starting Method - The Starting method varies between models. Some of them have a manual pulling cord to get them started. Some come with an electronic start (push button battery starter) or remote control, which makes them more convenient and easier to use. 
• Noise of the Generator - Another important factor to consider is noise. Portable generators generally range from 54dB to 75dB when measured from a distance of 7 Metres. Industrial or Diesel Generators can produce up to 80Db of noise. If you are planning on going camping, try to get a quieter one, like an Inverter Generator. 
• Fuel type - You can use different fuel types for your needs. 

Conclusion

Investing in the right generator is the best thing to do so you have power backup whilst you're on a Holiday or at home. If your generator doesn't have the right amount of power, you will not be able to start or run the appliances. Sometimes this will come at times when they are needed. If the generator isn't powerful enough, you may not be able to run the appliances simultaneously when you need to. 

It is worth taking a few minutes to do the calculations, so you choose the right power generator. 

There are many benefits to choosing a Generator with the right amount of output:

• Increased safety
• No system failures from capacity overload
• Increased lifespan of the generator
• Increased performance
• Lower risk of damage to your appliances

Be considerate whilst using your generator, so you can stay on good terms with your neighbours. I would try to avoid using a generator late at night.