There are several different things to consider when you’re trying to choose the best diesel generators size to meet your power needs, and you should probably consult an expert if you’re not sure of what size generator you need. We’ll help you get started with this guide on how to choose the best diesel generator size for your needs and help make your life easier in case of an emergency or power outage.
Why Proper Diesel Generators Sizing Matter?
Before you buy a generator, it’s important to understand how much power you need—not just how much money you want to spend. That’s why it’s important to know what size generator you need. A poorly sized generator won’t provide you with all of your home comfort needs or offer backup in an emergency. Here are some factors that can help determine which size generator will be best for your needs.
How do you figure out what size generator you need?
There are two things that need to be considered when figuring out what size generator you need: total wattage and generator run time. In general, generators come in sizes of 2000w, 3000w, 5000w, 10kW, and 15kW (or more). They also run between 4-12 hours on a full tank of gas, depending on what size is used. The total wattage you’ll need will depend on how much power your home needs at any given moment.
You can calculate your home’s power needs by multiplying together all of your appliances’ individual wattages. For example, if you have an electric stove with a 1200w element, an air conditioner with a 5500w compressor, and a light bulb that draws 60 watts, then your home’s current draw would be 6300 watts.
Determining Your Starting and Running Wattage
First, you’ll need to determine your starting wattage, which refers to how much power your generator needs in order to start it up and keep it running. Typically, a big rig will take between 3,000 and 5,000 watts of power before it even fires up. Once your diesel motor is rumbling along, you’ll need less power; typically between 2,000 and 4,000 watts.
Estimate how long you’ll need power
If you need electricity for more than three days, you’ll need a generator that can store a sufficient amount of fuel. You can figure out how long your generator will run by multiplying its electrical capacity (in kilowatts) by how many hours it can run at full load. For example, a 10kW generator will produce 10,000 watts of power and operate at full capacity for 6 hours on one gallon of gas. A 20kW generator will produce 20,000 watts of power and operate at full capacity for 4 hours on one gallon of gas. If you plan to use propane instead of gasoline, you should multiply your electrical needs by 1.3 instead—because propane is 30% less efficient than gasoline—to get an accurate estimate.
When in doubt – call professionals
Suppose you don’t know what size Industrial generator you need, get a professional opinion. They’ll not only be able to tell you what size of generator is best, but they can give you invaluable advice on installation. (Remember: it doesn’t matter how big your generator is if it’s not installed correctly). A few quick questions with a technician before purchase will save you a lot of time and money in the long run.