Uses and Best Fit for Under 14kW Generators

Oct 8, 2013 Generators
Posted by Generator World

Uses and Best Fit for Under 14kW Generators

Generators that leave lower than 14kW of power feel like lightweights, but many can supply power within an outage to keep critical circuits operating and still provide a few conveniences concurrently. Standby generators followed by an automated transfer switch operate automatically throughout an outage to keep your home provided with power, even if you are not home. Portable generators won’t operate automatically, nonetheless they can get the job done when a standby generator is not an alternative.

Fuel Consumption

Supplying fuel for a generator throughout an outage is usually an issue. Finding gasoline or diesel fuel after a widespread outage could possibly be difficult or supplies might be restricted. After Hurricane Sandy, some areas rationed gasoline. Smaller generators use less fuel, and consumption is directly suffering from electrical load.

Standby generators use propane or natural gas and eliminate the necessity for continuous refueling. Some portables can work on propane, and several may use natural gas, propane, or gasoline.

Homes that use LP gas instead of propane must store their fuel within a tank. LP-powered generators from 7kW to 14kW in many cases are well suited for LP gas installations since they use less fuel than larger generators. Expect a fully loaded 7kW generator to utilize about 1.3 gallons of propane an hour, while 20kW might use approximately 2 gallons each hour to produce the equal amount of power.

Homes with Lower Power Requirements

Not every home requires how much power a sizable generator is capable of producing. Many older homes have 100-amp or perhaps 60-amp main service panels, and the most power they can use is already limited. Even newer homes with 200-amp electrical service don’t utilize a whole lot of power.

A 13kW generator can establish 54 amps of current continuously at 240 volts―almost over a 60-amp service, and except for peak periods, it nears the maximum amount of power supplied by having a 100-amp service in several situations. A larger generator is simply unnecessary.

When air conditioning units and other high-voltage, high-current appliances are used, a transfer switch that manages generator power will assure that power hungry appliances receive the power they require.

Mobile Homes

Many mobile homes are made and built for 50 to 60-amp service and they are supplied via an external disconnect mounted on a pole or post outside the ‘recreational vehicle’, along with the utility company meter. Building codes typically have to have a 100-amp service as the minimum, and also the cabling that runs between the disconnect and the camper must accommodate much power. Other jurisdictions allow connection through a 60-amp cord and receptacle.

In either case, the energy needs of mobile homes are generally less than built-in-place homes, and they are good candidates for less than 14kW portable or standby generators that run on LP gas, natural gas, or gasoline. Gasoline storage might be a problem in mobile home communities, making LP or preferable.

Renewable Energy Systems

Solar and wind powered off-the-grid energy systems provide their very own power which gets stored in batteries. They supply enough power for energy-efficient appliances and don’t count on power in the electric utility. In many instances, they may be fully disconnected from the power grid.

Generators designed to operate off grid and operate on LP gas fill in the space if the sun doesn’t shine or even the wind doesn’t blow, and battery levels run low. Typically, these generators produce about 6kW, although larger units can be purchased. Off grid and renewable power systems focus on minimal power use and ecologically friendly operation, making small, energy efficient generators the ideal choice.

To find out more go to: www.GeneratorPowerForLess.com