Why is only one starting watt used to calculate the total starting watts? Starting Watts and Surge Watts are the same. Running Watts and Rated Watts are the same.
This is an important factor when estimating the size of an electrical power system because if the system is not sized large enough when the additional starting watts are required it will cause the whole power system to experience a drop in voltage which can cause some electrical equipment to overheat and may even cause damage. This extra requirement for starting watts can be two or more times the running watts. Starting Watts: Some electrical devices and equipment such as motors, require extra watts when the device is first started. Running Watts: All electrical devices need a constant flow of electricity to keep them operating which is measured and described as the Running Watts. What does Running Watts and Starting Watts mean? How many watts does it take to power the basic items in an average size house?Ī typical home using only essential items will average between 5000 to 7000 watts of generator power. The required Watts of a device is calculated by multiplying Volts times Amps.įrequently Asked Questions about Home Generators The Basics of How the Size of a Generator is CalculatedĪ watt is a measure of true power which is required to perform work at the rate of 1 joule per second. The Calculate Button Must Be Pressed when any changes are made to the form.
Perform the Calculations: The Calculate button will perform calculations from the information you have provided in this form. Other equipment and devices focuses on bathroom counter top devices as well as other essential access equipment, safety and security systems. IMPORTANT: If electronic equipment will be connected to the generator its would be best if the generator has built in electronic voltage stabilizer features. Be sure to check the nameplate information for accurate watt calculations. Step 3 - Home Appliances for the Kitchen, Laundry Room, Family Room and Office.Įlectrical Appliances and Motor Type Loads are typically larger equipment found in the Kitchen, Laundry Room, Family Room and Home Office. Heating and Air Conditioning Equipment that will be used while on generator power requires proper identification because the equipment typically consumes large amounts of electricity. Click on the Question Mark Buttons for more specific information relating to each section and entry. The Residential Electrical Load Calculator is Pre-Loaded with electrical information for you to chose from. The General Electrical Load Requirements are based on the inside square feet area of the home which is then used to calculate the basic lighting load and required appliance circuits. The Starting Watts will be filled in automatically by the calculator when a or button has been pressed. The Starting Watts is mainly for electrical devices that have one or more electric motors. Special consideration should be given to the all of the options in the form drop down choices within the form to identify your specific items for best results. This home generator sizing calculator focuses on identifying the electrical items and equipment that you would like to use while on generator power. The purpose of the generator sizing calculator is to determine the estimated size of the generator which is based upon the electrical equipment that will be used while on power that is supplied by the generator. Introduction to the Generator Sizing calculator Please Note: This online calculating tool requires javascript to be turned on in your browser.ĭetailed Instructions for the Generator Sizing Calculator Short Explanations to help you get started.ĭetailed explanations to help you get it right. Quick Start Guide for the Generator Sizing Calculator Looks like a great resource! I am bookmarking your site. Check Out What Others Are Sharing at Ask the Electrician: