Description: News and Discussion on Generators
News and Discussion on Generators
Air-cooled standby generators top out at 20 kilowatts, a just 83 amperes at 240 volts. Most new homes have 200-amp service. Generally, most homes do not use the amount of power their service is capable of supplying, and seldom come close―most of the time. In reality, most homes don’t exceed 80 amperes apart from short periods or when large motors on air conditioners or well pumps start. In the 1940s to the 1970s, 60-ampere service was usual and 100-ampere service became common in the 1970s.
With power management features intended for most residential standby generators, in addition to conservative power use practices, most homes could work comfortably on 20 kilowatts or a lesser amount of standby power.