In the event of a power outage, a generator capable of providing enough power to support essential systems and devices during the outage is necessary. This includes generators capable of providing power to critical systems such as refrigeration, heating or air conditioning.
Portable generators may be sufficient for short-term power outages, while standby generators are better suited for longer outages and can be permanently connected to your home’s electrical system.
The power required for a standby generator for a home depends on the total load of all the essential appliances and systems you want to power. Typically, a home needs a generator with a capacity between 5,000 and 10,000 watts (5 to 10 kW) to run basic functions such as lighting, refrigeration, and heating.
For larger homes or for additional needs, such as running multiple appliances simultaneously, a higher capacity generator may be necessary.
Appliances that typically require backup power include refrigerators, freezers, heating systems, air conditioning units, medical equipment, and essential electronics.
It is crucial to identify and prioritize these devices based on their electrical needs and the capacity of your generator to ensure they are properly supported during a power outage.
For a single-family home, a generator generally needs to be able to handle the combined power of essential appliances and systems. A generator with a capacity between 5,000 and 10,000 watts (5 to 10 kW) is usually sufficient.
However, calculating the total power of your appliances and systems can provide a more accurate estimate of the size of generator needed.
The amount of electricity produced by a diesel generator per liter of fuel varies depending on the efficiency and load of the generator. On average, a diesel generator can produce around 3 to 4 kWh of electricity per liter of diesel fuel. This figure may vary depending on the specific generator design, load conditions and fuel efficiency.