1. What is Whole House Generator Power Calculation?

The whole house generator power calculation determines the appropriate generator size needed to power all essential appliances and systems in your home during a power outage. Proper sizing ensures your generator can handle the load while providing a safety margin.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( P_{total} \) — Required generator power (watts)
• \( \Sigma P_{loads} \) — Sum of all electrical loads you want to power (watts)
• \( 1.2 \text{ to } 1.5 \) — Safety factor (accounts for startup surges and future needs)

Explanation: The safety factor ensures your generator isn't running at 100% capacity continuously, which extends its lifespan and provides headroom for additional loads.

3. Importance of Proper Sizing

Details: Correct generator sizing prevents overload (which can damage the generator) and under-sizing (which leaves you without power for essential devices). A properly sized generator operates efficiently and lasts longer.

4. Using the Calculator

Steps:

1. Calculate or estimate the total wattage of all devices you want to power simultaneously
2. Select a safety factor (1.2 for basic needs, 1.5 for more headroom)
3. The calculator will recommend an appropriately sized generator

Tip: When in doubt, choose a higher safety factor to allow for future power needs.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I calculate my total loads?
A: Add up the wattage of all appliances you want to run simultaneously. Check appliance labels or manuals for wattage information.

Q2: What safety factor should I choose?
A: 1.2 for basic coverage, 1.35 for average homes, 1.5 if you want extra capacity or have motor-driven appliances.

Q3: Should I size for starting or running watts?
A: Generator capacity should accommodate the highest starting wattage of any single appliance plus the running watts of others.

Q4: Can I power my entire house?
A: Whole-house generators typically power essential circuits. Powering every circuit in a large home would require an extremely large generator.

Q5: What about central air conditioning?
A: AC units have very high starting watts. You'll need to account for this in your total load calculation.