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Generator Questions

1. How do I know what size generator I need?
2. What are some common kW ratings for home electrical devices?
3. What are the fuels generator use
4. How many types of generators systems are there
5. What's the difference in the types of generators systems

How do I know what generator I need.

 

Generator sizing depends upon the amount of electrical usage you need during a power outage generator are rated in the #  kW's they can supply 1 kW is equal to 1000watts or to  put this practically this is the power you would need to light 10 100watt bulbs

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What are some common wattage ratings for home electrical devices?

 

Application Chart for Determining Electrical Load for Generator Remember  1 kW = 1000 watts    2 kW = 2000 watts  and so on The formula for finding wattage is:  Volts x Amps = Watts Example: an appliance nameplate states 3 amps at 120 volts. 3 amps x 120 volts = 360 watts Typical Electrical Appliance Wattage's

Electric Motor Wattage Usage Electric motors present a special problem. They require up to three times their rated wattage to start. Example: an electric motor name plate states 5 amps at 120 volts, 5 amps x 120 volts = 600 watts. Multiply this by 3. This will show the starting watts needed. 600 watts x 3 = 1800 watts to start. Some motor name plates will show starting watts higher in some case 9 times higher, check the name plate.  

* - Always use starting watts, not running watts, when figuring correct electrical load

* - Always use starting watts, not running watts, when figuring correct electrical load x - Motors of higher horse power are not generally used

 

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What are the fuels that generators use.

The 4 fuels are gasoline, diesel,/ and  propane & natural gas which are the preferred fuels for automatic systems & diesel for all portables

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How many types of generators systems are there

There are 3 main types

Portable with manual start Portable with electric start Automatic Standby Generators

Note: Portable Type units require

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What's the difference in the types of generators systems

Portable with manual start you need to move to predetermined location pull star like a lawn mower and plug the generator power cord into a Cutler Hammer panel  that Pepe Electric would install that would isolate the circuits that you feel you need in the event of a power failure. Portables with electric start same as above but has a key switch like your car to start the generator. Automatic Standby Generators differ from above because you need not be home at the time power failures about 15-30seconds after power fails your generator senses this and automatically transfers power into a generator panel that Pepe Electric would install that would isolate the circuits that you feel you would need in the event of a power failure.

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Joseph Pepe Sr.
Copyright © [Pepe Electric L.L.C]. All rights reserved.
Revised: September 30, 2010.

 

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