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How to Choose the Right Generator

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Which Generator is Right For You

 
To choose the right generator, first decide how many circuits or rooms you should protect. The more circuits, the larger the generator you need. The automatic transfer switch in pre-packaged, air-cooled systems (8-17 kw) allows you to match the system’s load center circuits to the amperage in your home’s main distribution panel (see Chart below).  For whole house protection, consider the air-cooled 20kw.
 
Simply determine which circuits to protect during an outage and choose a generator. There is no need to add up wattages, since you’ll never use all appliances on every circuit at the same time.
 
 

Transfer Switch Circuits

 

Air Cooler Generator

8kw

10kw

14kw

17kw

Circuits

20kw

5-Ton Central Air 1

 

 

X

X

(50 Amp/240V) 2

200

Amp

panel

covers

all circuits

4-Ton Central Air 1

 

 

X

X

(40 Amp/240V) 2

3-Ton Central Air 1

X

X

 

 

(30 Amp/240V) 2

Well Pump or Water Heater

 

X

X

X

(20 Amp/240V) 2

Family Room

 

X

 

X

(20 Amp/120V)

Master Bedroom

X

X

X

X

(20 Amp/120V)

Home Office

 

 

X

X

(20 Amp/120V)

Media Room

 

X

 

 

(20 Amp/120V)

Garage

 

 

X

X

(20 Amp/120V)

Kitchen (#1) 3

 

 

X

X

(20 Amp/120V)

Kitchen (#2) 3

X

X

X

 

(15 Amp/120V)

Bathroom

X

X

X

X

(15 Amp/120V)

Furnace

X

X

X

X

(15 Amp/120V)

Sump Pump

X

 

 

X

(15 Amp/120V)

Bedroom (#2)

X

 

X

X

(15 Amp/120V)

Bedroom (#3)

 

 

 

 

(15 Amp/120V)

Bedroom (#2)

 

 

 

X

(15 Amp/120V)

Circuits

(8)

(10)

(14)

(16)

 
Check your air conditioner's starting requirements. Starting requirements for older and/or less efficient equipment may exceed recommended generator capability. Additional, for any electrical equipment or appliances, always check the manufacture's power requirments. This will help to ensure power accommodations for items that cycle during operation.
 
240 volt appliances require 2 circuits.
 
Most kitchens require multiple circuits.
 
Note: Rooms and appliances indicated here are for example only. You may choose others that better reflect your needs. Because of the cycling nature of some appliances such as refrigerators and furnaces, it may not be possible for all appliances to run simultaneously.
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