Summary: This helpful generator sizing and selection guideline will help you consider the generator size for the best value when selecting your home generator.
Generator Guidelines for Sizing a Home Generator System
Use this generator sizing guide to help select the right home generator.
There are a wide variety of home generators to choose from so here are a few guidelines to follow while your looking for the best value. Select a brand that has the features you need at a price you can afford.
Look for pre-wired, pre-packaged solutions, that extend your value even further by making the generator system the absolute easiest to install.
Make sure the generator has an industrial grade engine that is specifically designed for the harsh rigors of standby power, with easy motor starting capability and a enclosure design to protect your generator and your investment.
Generator Sizing Table
Non-Motor Loads - General Residential *
Electrical Circuit / Device Description
kW
120V-1P
240V-1P
Electric Heat (per 1000 ft home size)
12
NA
50
Heat Pump Elements (per 1000 ft home size)
7
NA
29
Electric Dryer
5.5
NA
29
Hot Tub
10
NA
50
Electric Range (Oven)
5
NA
21
Stovetop Burners (each)
1.5
NA
6
General Receptacles (per 1000 ft home size)
1
8.3
NA
General Lighting (per 1000 ft home size)
0.75
6.3
NA
Blow Dryer
1.25
10.4
NA
Dishwasher
1.5
12.5
NA
Microwave
1
8.3
NA
Toaster
1
8.3
NA
*Guidelines Only. Check nameplate specifications for actual electrical circuit requirements.
Generator Sizing Table
Motor Loads - General Residential
Perfect for Homeowners, the Handyman, and Electricians Includes: Complete with Practical Hands On Wiring Instructions Installing Electrical Wiring for Generator Panels and Transfer Switches Loaded with On the Job Electrical Pictures and Wiring Diagrams Great Help for Wiring a Generator and Transfer Switch ....and much more. » Click here to learn more about Home Electric Wiring
«
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!
The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!
The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets
Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency
Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included
Tests standard 3-wire outlets
UL Listed
Light indicates if wiring is incorrect
Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!
The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..
The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.
Sitemap Ceiling Fans Airplane Ceiling Fan Airplane Ceiling Fan Ceiling Fan Direction Summer Ceiling Fan Direction Winter Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagram 1 Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagram 2 Ceiling Fan Wiring Questions and Answers Ceiling Fans Wiring – Part 1 Ceiling Fans Wiring – Part 2 Introduction to Ceiling Fan Remote Controls Outdoor Ceiling Fan 1 Outdoor […]
Home Generator – Selecting a Home Generator Selecting and Installing a Home Generator Home Generators for Alternative Power In some locations a generator may be used as the main source of electrical power, or a generator may be used to supplement another source of alternative power. Which ever may be the case, a location for the generator must be defined so […]
generatorguidelines - 755
Check Out What Others Are Sharing at Ask the Electrician: Website and eBook are great. I also took your Udemy course. Super helpful an informative. Thanks for being there with all the help. I also get the free tips email. Matt from Seattle, Washington
Installing a Home Generator
Electrical Project Skill Level:
Licensed Electrical Contractor, Not Recommended for Homeowners.
Electrical Tools Required:
Electricians pouch of hand tools and the various power tools necessary for installing the generator and transfer switch. Estimated Time:
Depends on the type and size of the generator and transfer switch and the available access to the project area. Electrical Safety:
Any existing electrical wiring within the immediate area that may interfere with the installation of the transfer switch may need to be relocated if necessary.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials:
Electrical parts and materials for generator wiring projects should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections:
Installing a generator and transfer switch must be well thought out and performed with a permit with all work being inspected.
This is a testing tool that is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
This is great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets
Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency
Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included
Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect, Very handy and easy to use.
A wire stripping tool used to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.
I think your site offers the the clearest and best electrical information for homeowners I have ever seen on the net.You have given me confidence to do my own projects which I never had before. THANK YOU! Paul, from Foxboro, Massachusetts
I wish I found this site earlier, it is by far the best electrical related resource I have found on the web. George, from Scranton, Pennsylvania
I love this site for an office worker that does not know anything about electric wiring. Bill, from New York City, New York
This site is so much better than the 3 books I just bought, I wish I came here first. Collin, from Grand Rapids, Michigan
Thank you for answering my question.
I was able to get this done. This site is perfect. I am glad I found it. Please keep it going. Mike, from Chicago, Illinois
