How a Back Up Generator Works
| << Using Residential Generators | All about Stand By Generators for the Home >> |
|
Summary: Lets see how a back up generator works and provides power to your home electrical requirements. |
The Back Up Generator System and How It Works |
|
Electric GeneratorGenerators smaller then 4,000 watts are in most instances not capable of powering a home during a power outage because they can not provide the needed power for electrical loads such as motors, well pumps and ventilation blowers on a central heating system. Home-GeneratorsA typical home supplied with 200-amp electric service can actually support a load of approximately 45,000 watts (45kW) of electric demand. |
|
Portable GeneratorPortable generators are produced in sizes ranging from a few hundred watts to 15,000 watts (15kW). Standby GeneratorA standby generator is a permanently installed generator that is attached to your electrical service panel. Most of the standby generators start automatically and are connected to a large fuel source such as propane or diesel fuel. |
Even if you were to purchase a 10,000 to 15,000 watt portable generator you would find it more expensive, difficult to move, noisy, and the fuel consumption will be large. Typically you will not be able to run you home's central air conditioning system or electric heat pump even with a 15,000 watt portable generator. |
|
|

