You want to invest in a power generator or backup generator but don't know what capacity the generator needs to provide to ensure the supply of essential devices in case of an emergency? Before choosing a generator, it is important to accurately determine your own power requirements in order to find the optimal Performance and the correct size of the backup generator . In this article, we explain how to calculate your energy needs in an emergency and choose the right generator.
The Right Backup Generator: Calculating the Size
Here are the stepsto help you determine your total energy requirements::
- Create a list of necessary devices: Start by making a list of all devices and systems that need to be powered in an emergency. This may include refrigerators, lighting, heaters, medical devices, or security systems.
- Determine power consumption: For each device, find the maximum power consumption in watts. This information is typically found on the device's nameplate or in the user manual.
- Consideration of starting currents: Some devices, especially those with electric motors like refrigerators or pumps, require several times their operating power during startup. This starting current can temporarily increase the energy demand significantly.
- Calculate the sum: Add up the power consumption of all devices to determine your total energy requirements. For devices with high starting currents, you should include an appropriate allowance.

Selecting the correct generator size
- Avoid over-sizing: An excessively large generator is not only more expensive to purchase, but also operates inefficiently and with higher operating costs.
- Prevent under-sizing: An undersized generator may not reliably power the required devices and could be damaged due to overload.
- Incorporate reserve: To avoid both over-sizing and under-sizing, it is advisable to plan for a reserve of approximately 20-25%. This way, you are prepared for future expansions of your backup power supply or unexpectedly higher power demands.
Calculate the power and size of the backup generator to avoid making the wrong purchase.
The right preparation and planning are crucial to ensuring reliable power supply in emergencies. Through accurate calculation of your energy needs and Selecting a appropriately sized generator you can minimize downtime and effectively protect your critical devices and systems. Take the time to carefully assess your needs and invest in a solution that meets your requirements. This way, you ensure that in the event of a power outage, all essential devices continue to receive power without causing damage to the backup generator due to overload.