Selecting The Right Standby Generator
If you plan to buy a standby generator for backup purpose, you have to know how to select a right one that meets the sizing and code requirement. Selecting a right standby generator involves a few important considerations. Below are a few important factors that you need to take into consideration in order to select the one that meets the sizing and code requirements while insuring a safe installation.
1. Motor load consideration should be included
Be aware that many electrical appliances require three to seven times of current used in normal operation to start the motor. Therefore, you should take into account on the motor load so that the generator can provide sufficient starting current.
Let's look at an example for a better understanding:
Let says your half horsepower furnace that requires 9 amps current at 115 volts, the running motor load will be 1,035 watts. But, the starting load will require 3105 to 7425 watts or 3-7KW, just for this single motor. The rule of thumb, a 25% factor is recommended when selecting a standby generator to support your home's electrical appliances.
2. Locate the generator outside your house
Most generators produce carbon monoxide that may kill everyone in the house if you place the generator inside the house and you don't vent the fumes to the outside. Therefore, for safety consideration, you should not run a generator inside the house, unless you install a venting system to channel the generator fumes to the outside.
3. Use a double-throw switch
For safety purpose, the standby generator should be installed with a double-throw switch, which the switch can be placed or "thrown" into 2 different positions. One position is connected from electric utility system and another position feeds power from the standby generator to load. When it is switching to run the standby power generator, the electric utility supply will be cut off to prevent an electrical shock from a downed power line.
4. Get information from helpful publications
There are many free and paid publications available online that contain helpful information about standby generators. These publications provide useful information to homeowners, farmers and small business owners to correctly select and safely install standby generators. You will have a better understanding on the various types of generators that include the pros and cons of them so that you know how to select a right standby generator that meets the sizing and code requirements.
Summary
Selecting a right standby generator is crucial to ensure you have sufficient power to support your home appliances when the electric utility supply is cut off. You should always take into account the above considerations when selecting it.