Generator Rental

Tips For Choosing the Right Emergency Generator:

The size of the generator that you choose will depend on your specific power needs, which should be determined prior to buying one. To determine this, follow these steps:

1. List the items that you would need to power at the same time.
2. Find out how much running watts each item requires to operate (which can be easily found through a Google search).
3. Add all these numbers up to come up with a total – the generator you choose will need to be able to produce at least this many running watts.
4. Select the one specific item that has the highest number of starting watts.
5. Take this number, then add it to the total running watts you obtained from step 3 – this number represents the total number of starting watts your generator will need to produce.

After you’ve determined how much wattage you’ll need, be sure that the generator you choose runs just a bit above your peak wattage.

If you run your generator continuously at peak wattage, it’ll burn out.

And don’t assume that a bigger generator is the ideal choice. If you only need 2,500 watts, for instance, and you get yourself a 7,500 watt generator, you’ll be wasting a lot of energy.

FAQ’s Regarding Generators

Why is it necessary to include one additional starting watt item to come up with the total starting watt requirements?

Starting watts are only needed to actually start up the appliances, which lasts for just a couple of seconds. On the other hand, running watts is what is needed to run the appliance continuously. For the most part, just one item will begin at the same time.

What do I do if I can’t calculate the starting or running watt requirement for an appliance?

Every appliance will come with a sticker that identifies precisely how much continual wattage is required to power it. If not, use the following equation to estimate this number:

volts x amps = watts

How many watts are needed to power basic items in a home of average size?

You’ll need between 5,000 to 7,500 watts of power to operate essential items in an averaged-sized home.

Is there a difference between running watts and starting watts?

It’s important to calculate the running wattage and starting wattage requirements when you choose a generator system.

Running watts represent the continuous amount of watts that are needed to constantly run the appliances in your home. Starting wattage is the additional amount of power needed to start up typical items that are motor-driven, such as your fridge.

Always consider the appliances with the highest additional starting watts when choosing a generator.

What’s the Difference Between ‘maximum’ versus ‘rated’ power?

Maximum power is exactly what it sounds like – the maximum wattage that a generator is able to produce, which usually only lasts for up to 30 minutes. Rated power is the amount of power that a generator can produce for a sustained period of time. This is typically about 90% of the maximum power.

Don’t just look at maximum power when buying a generator. You’ll definitely burn out the generator if you operate it continuously at this wattage. Instead, look at the rated power to determine how a certain generator will be able to power your home’s appliances on a continual basis.

Why does it take 1,000 watts to run my appliance that’s a 500 watt model?

Certain labels can be tricky. An appliance that’s labeled a 500 watt model doesn’t necessarily mean that it only takes 500 watts to run it.

Safety Tips For Using a Generator

✓         The exhaust from generators contains carbon monoxide, so it should never be operated indoors.

✓         Start the generator when you first purchase it to make sure that it works properly.

✓         Make sure the generator is securely fastened to a durable item that can’t be moved, as it can be easily stolen if not.