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It takes a lot of calculation to
properly size a home generator, and you'll need to talk to a
dealer to be sure you've got it right. In a nutshell, though,
the machine's wattage has to be slightly larger than all
simultaneous loads. First, tally the running watts of the
appliances and devices you will use at the same time. Now add
the startup wattage of the largest motoroperated load liable to
come on line with the other loads. Motor wattage is three to
five times greater at startup than it is running at steady
state, and your largest startup load will usually come from a
furnace fan or a well pump. (That assumes you won't be running
an air conditioner during a power outage.) Wattage is listed on
a motor's nameplate or on the electrical data plate affixed to
an appliance. If wattage isn't listed but amperage is, calculate
wattage by multiplying amps by volts. Aside from motor wattages,
other loads, such as those imposed by electric water heaters,
can severely strain a generator's output. Calculate accordingly.
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The risk from
carbon monoxide poisoning is not to be taken lightly, so locate
the machine to minimize that risk. The Consumer Product Safety
Commission estimates that in 2005, for 10.6 million portable
generators, there were 85 CO deaths. A rule of thumb is to keep
a portable generator 10 ft. away from the house. Permanently
installed generators are much safer in this regard since they
are fuelled not by gasoline but by cleaner-burning natural gas
or propane. Make sure the generator's distance from the house
meets both the manufacturer's specifications and the
requirements of building and zoning codes (it can't infringe on
your neighbour's property line, for example).
The next major safety issue with generators is electrical. Don't
operate a portable generator using a homemade extension cord
with two pronged ends, connecting one to the generator and the
other to a wall outlet receptacle. Electrifying a house's branch
circuit this way can create a fire and shock hazard, especially
in older homes with weak or improper wiring.
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