Selecting the right generator size is crucial for ensuring you have enough power to keep your essential equipment running during outages or off-grid situations. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to calculating the power you need in a generator based on the equipment and devices you need to power.

Understanding Generator Power Requirements:

• Wattage Basics: Generators are rated in watts, which indicate the amount of electrical power they can provide. Devices and appliances also have wattage ratings, representing the amount of power they consume when operating.
• Starting vs. Running Watts: Devices often require more power to start up than they do to run continuously. The starting wattage (also known as surge or peak wattage) is higher than the running wattage.
• Total Power Consumption: To calculate the total power consumption of the devices you plan to run on the generator, add up the running watts of each device. For devices with starting wattages, use the higher starting wattage for the calculation.

Calculating Your Generator Size:

• Make a List of Devices: Create a list of all the devices and appliances you need to power with the generator. Include essentials like refrigerators, lights, heating systems, and any other critical equipment.
• Find Running and Starting Watts: Consult the user manuals or labels on each device to find their running and starting wattage ratings. If this information is not available, online wattage calculators can provide estimates.
• Add Up the Wattages: Add together the running watts of all devices to get the total running wattage. For devices with starting wattages, add their starting watts to the total.
• Account for Multiple Devices: If you plan to run multiple devices simultaneously, add their running watts together. For devices with starting watts, use the highest starting wattage in your calculations.

        Example Calculation:

• • Refrigerator: 600 running watts
  • Microwave: 1,200 running watts, 1,500 starting watts
  • Lights: 200 watts
  • Total Running Watts: 600 + 1,200 + 200 = 2,000 watts
  • Total Starting Watts: 600 + 1,500 + 200 = 2,300 watts

• Choose the Right Size Generator: Select a generator with a wattage rating that exceeds your total running watts and, if possible, also exceeds your total starting watts. This ensures the generator can handle the initial surge when devices start up.

Important Considerations:

• Overloading Prevention: Avoid overloading the generator by exceeding its wattage capacity. An overloaded generator can trip its circuit breaker or cause damage to connected devices.
• Room for Expansion: Consider future needs when choosing a generator size. If you plan to add more devices or appliances in the future, select a generator with a higher wattage capacity.
• Fuel Efficiency: Generators operate more efficiently when running near their maximum capacity. Choosing a generator with the right size ensures optimal fuel efficiency.

Ready to find the perfect generator size for your needs? Big Load Equipment Rentals offers a range of generators with varying wattage capacities. Call us at (832) 366-4862 for assistance in selecting the right generator to keep your essential equipment powered. Trust Big Load for reliable generator solutions tailored to your requirements!