Generator Size Calculator
ArcSite’s generator size calculator helps you choose a generator with an appropriate power. While determining the size, you must carefully determine the power ratings of all appliances in your house. The tool outputs the correct starting watt and running watt for your generator.
Why does generator size matter?
The generator size calculator ensures you have sufficient power backup for your home. Under-sizing a generator may damage your appliances whereas oversizing may incur additional costs. You must consider the wattage ratings of all appliances in your household before selecting the generator. Remember to leave some unused or “safe” percentage in cases where your devices may consume higher power. This will protect your devices during power fluctuations.
Starting wattage is the extra wattage that a generator must offer momentarily when starting an appliance, while running wattage is the power required to keep an appliance running. Appliances such as ACs and refrigerators require a higher starting wattage, in comparison to lights or fans. If you do not choose a generator with a sufficient surge rating, your appliances may overheat or overload.
What are starting and running wattages?
Starting wattage is the extra wattage that a generator must offer momentarily when starting an appliance, while running wattage is the power required to keep an appliance running. Appliances such as ACs and refrigerators require a higher starting wattage, in comparison to lights or fans. If you do not choose a generator with a sufficient surge rating, your appliances may overheat or overload.
Overview
ArcSite’s generator size calculator helps you choose a generator with the correct rating for your household. Simply enter the wattage of your devices along with the number of devices. Our tool also lets you add custom devices, outputting a more accurate generator rating.
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FAQs
Add up the wattage requirements for all your appliances in your household to calculate the size of the generator that you must install.
Starting or surge wattage is the temporary wattage that your generator must provide to start an appliance whereas running wattage keeps your appliance running.
Generators run on various sources, including fuels such as diesel and gasoline as well as renewable sources like hydrogen and solar energy.
