01429 264 097Diesel generators are an essential part of any power outage plan. They’re also an important component of any emergency or disaster response plan. But how do you know which size generator is right for your needs? You need to consider a number of things, including the wattage needed, length of time the generator will be used, fuel consumption and more.
If you’re planning for a temporary power outage or natural disaster response, there’s a good chance that your needs will be met by a standby generator. These smaller units run off of gasoline or propane and can be easily moved from site to site as needed. A backup diesel generator is ideal for businesses and homeowners who want backup power in case of an emergency or natural disaster. They’re also ideal for powering small businesses without having to install additional circuits or wiring throughout the building.
If you have more extensive needs, however, you may want to consider a portable generator instead. Portable generators are larger than standby units and use diesel fuel rather than gasoline or propane (although some models can run on natural gas). Portable generators typically provide fewer kilowatts than standby generators but can still provide enough electricity to power residential homes and small businesses during extended outages.
Diesel Generator Size
The first step in sizing a generator is determining your power requirements. If you don’t know how much electricity your home or business consumes, there are several ways to figure it out. You can call an electrician and have him or her come out and do an energy audit, but one simple way is to look at your monthly electric bill for the past year and add up the total kilowatt-hours consumed by all appliances in your home or business.
For example, if your total bill for the past year was $5,000 and there were four people living in your home who used appliances like TVs, computers, washers and dryers on average every day of the week (including weekends), then each person uses 1/4 kilowatt per hour per person x 4 people = 1 kilowatt per hour x 365 days per year = 365 kWh per year.
Generator Capacity
Generator capacity is usually measured in watts or kilowatts (kW). The lower the number, the less powerful the unit. For example, a 10-kW generator produces 10,000 watts at full load; a 20-kW generator produces 20,000 watts; and so on.
The most common size diesel generator is the 5,000-watt model. This size is used for small homes and apartments, as well as for RV use. It can also be used for light commercial applications such as construction sites or small businesses.
If you need a bigger model, there are larger sizes available that can produce up to 20,000 watts of power. These models are ideal for businesses with large power needs such as factories, warehouses and farms. The larger generators are also useful for emergency preparedness because they can provide electricity around the clock during power outages.
Fuel Type & Fuel Economy
The next step is to determine if your generator will run on gasoline or diesel fuel and how much fuel you’ll need per hour of use during normal operating conditions. This information can help narrow down the choices of which type of generator is best for you based on cost and availability of fuel near where it will be used most often (if not all year long).
The next factor to consider is fuel economy. This refers to how efficient a generator is at converting its fuel into electrical energy. The higher the fuel economy, the smaller the generator can be for your needs. However, keep in mind that there are tradeoffs between efficiency and durability when selecting a small generator — typically, smaller generators have a lower tolerance for abuse than larger ones.
How Long Will You Need it For?
Consider how long you’ll need it. If you’re only going to use it for short-term outages (less than two days), then any size generator will do. However, if the power is going to be out for longer periods of time (upwards of three days), then it’s best to get an appropriately sized unit so that it doesn’t overheat or burn out when running all day long.
Where Will you Keep It?
Finally, consider where your generator will be kept during an emergency situation — if it’s outside or in an enclosed building like a garage or shed, then go with a smaller generator as they’re typically more portable and easier to move around with less effort required on your part; if it’s inside a home or building, then go with a larger model since they’ll be able to provide more power without overheating or burning.
Need Help Choosing your Diesel Generator? Let Bellwood Rewinds Help
So, what size diesel generator do you need? This is a question that can be answered by Bellwood Rewinds. We have the expertise and knowledge to help you select the right diesel generator for your needs. Our team is here to help, so don’t hesitate to contact us today!
