ANSWERS: 1
  • No matter how you plan to use a generator in your home, office or recreational vehicle, you need to determine your power requirements first. That way, you avoid blowing circuits by using a generator too small for your needs. Do a little homework to pick the right-sized generator, and you'll enjoy all the comforts this backup power source offers.

    Home

    First determine what essential appliances you must run if the electricity goes out. Carefully consider adding larger appliances such as ovens, air conditioners, dryers and hot water heaters to your list, since they use so much power. Also, avoid appliances with motor-starting requirements unless they're essential. Once you've created your list, add up the wattage requirements for each of those appliances and tools. Add or remove appliances until you reach the wattage for the generator you're most interested in; plan to use about 75 percent of the generator's available wattage to account for surges when starting appliances. Take your list to your local dealer, and get their advice on the generator that best fits your requirements.

    Recreational Vehicle

    When considering which portable generator works best for your RV, first make a list of all of the appliances you want to run when no reliable source of power exists. Take into account how often you plan to use the generator on your trips. If you only plan to use the generator one day every few months or so, you may find a small portable generator does the trick. To find the right size, just add up the wattages used by the appliances you want to run, then confirm your findings with a company that specializes in RV generators before buying.

    Business

    Decide what aspects of your business need to keep running in the event of a power outage. Think about what you would lose--sales, customers, products--if you could not keep all your systems running. You may also want to examine how an outage would affect employee output. Add up the wattage of all critical systems to find out what size generator you must buy for your business. Plan on using less than the full capability of the generator to allow for surges when starting equipment. Once you've created your list, you're ready to start shopping for a generator; ask for the advice of a reputable company on which one will work best for you.

    Source:

    Finding the Right RV Generator

    Generator Sizing Procedure

    Generator Size -- What Do I Need?

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