Generators Portable - Portable Generators

Portable Generators Used in Power Outages

Power outages can leave a home without power for lighting, cooking, refrigeration and pumping water. Portable generators can be bought to provide substitute power. However, the generator must be properly sized to start the appliances and equipment you want to run.

Portable Generators Size

(For 120-volt, plug-in appliances)

First, find the wattage of the appliance(s) you want to run by checking the nameplate. Motor-driven appliances may be listed in horsepower which must be converted to watts. Motors require four times as much power to start as they do to run. If the running wattage of a motor is 400, then the starting wattage will be 1,600. Portable generators vary in power.

For example, if you want a generator to run a refrigerator and a freezer, the wattage of the refrigerator would be 800 and the freezer would be 1,000. To select the correct size portable generator, you decide if both refrigerator and freezer are to start at the same time. If so, you would need (1,800 X 4) 7,200 watts. You would select the nearest larger wattage portable generator. If you can be certain both appliances will not start at the same time, you would only need 4,800 watts (to run the refrigerator while starting the freezer).

Installation of Portable Generators

Install wiring and equipment to meet National Electrical Code requirements, local regulations and the requirements of the power supplier. Single phase standby generators are connected to the electrical line by a double-pole, double throw transfer switch. This prevents accidentally feeding power back into the utility lines where it can injure neighbors or utility workers servicing the lines.

This type switch also protects your portable generator from damage when power is restored. Put the switch in a water-tight box and properly ground it, the central meter pole is a common location. Install the switch between the watthour meter and the service disconnect (main fuse box). Note that the white (neutral) conductor is usually not switched, but some power suppliers require it.

When the handle is up, the utility black and red conductors are connected to the load black and red conductors, respectively. In the down position, the load conductors are disconnected from the utility conductors and connected to the black and red conductors from the portable generators.

-- Based on information developed by Clemson Cooperative Extension following Hurricane Hugo. Revised for Virginia audiences by Virginia Cooperative Extension.

For more information, contact your local office of Virginia Cooperative Extension. Info on Portable Generators.

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