Frequently Asked Questions
About Generators
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Q. What size generator do I need for my house ? |
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The generator size will depend on the total load or "wattage" you demand from the generator. This of course will depend on what electrical devices you will need to run while supplying your house with generator power. Click HERE for a chart of common household devices and their power requirements. To get a rough idea of the capacity of the generator you need simply add up the power requirements for all of the devices you anticipate operating while on generator power.Q. I have a generator. How do I determine what combination of devices I can run at one time without exceeding the capacity of my generator?Refer to the chart of common household devices. Like in the above example you can add up the power of each device. The total should not exceed the capacity of your generator. It may be necessary to temporarily turn off one or more devices in order to run another. For example you may have to turn off the air conditioner in order to operate the clothes dryer. Q. Why is it important to connect the ground lug on a PTO generator to a good ground ?Grounding of the metal trailer and generator case to a good earth ground through a ground rod is essential for safety in the event that a generator coil wind would short to the metal case. In this scenario, with no ground, the case and trailer would become "hot" or have a high voltage on it which could result in electrocution should someone touch it. This is especially true in wet weather. Secondly, it helps to prevent ground loops which can interfere with the proper operation of some electronic devices. Q. What size PTO generator can my tractor operate ?As the generator load increases the generator becomes harder to turn. As a rule of thumb it takes about 2.0 horse power per kilowatt of generated power. For instance a 12KW generator would require at about 24hp to operate at its capacity. A 100hp tractor would be needed to operate a 50kw generator at its capacity. Q. How does the generator connect to the electrical system ?Typically a generator will connect to the electrical system with a transfer switch which will allow either generator power or utility company power to supply electricity to the building. The switch allows only one source of electric current at any one time. There are two types of transfer switches. The first is a manual switch. With this type of switch a person must physically throw the switch to the generator position in the event of a power outage and then physically switch it back when utility company power is restored. The second type of transfer switch is automatic. This type is generally not used with PTO generators but with diesel, propane or gasoline powered generators although a manual transfer switch can be used with this type generator also. The Automatic Transfer switch monitors the power line coming from the electric utility company. In the event of a power failure, the switch will automatically start the generator and switch the generator output to the building(s) electrical system. When the Automatic switch again detects the proper power coming from the electric utility company, it switches the building electric system back to the utility company and shuts down the generator. |
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