If I had the money, I'd probably choose GERERAC or Cummins-Onan, they pretty 
much do a turn-key job. 

But, If you still wanted to understand options, pros and cons, terminology. so
read on.

07/04/2024
Currently I like the Westinghouse WGen1450TFc portable generator
403 has 125 Amps @ 240 Volts (both phases mains in breaker box).


Generator selection:
Also note: your generator must be 60Hz if you live in the USA or Canada.

Sizing: Number of KW @ 120V and 240V your house requires.
	A Watt = 1 Amp * 1 Volt.  A Kilowatt = 1000 Watts. A Kilovolt = 1000 Volts.
	Your house's power requirement is in Kilowatts, a generator's output power
	is in KVA, you have to consider the generator's efficiency.
	Note: you can have a new breaker box installed as part of this.  That would
	re-partition the electric draw so your gen would only need to supply 
	critical load items.
	Generators have two ratings for each fuel type: Peak power, and Running
	power. The peak power covers things like starting your AC compressor, etc. 
	while running power is the power required after starting the motor. 
	Also, you will hear about KW (Killowatts) vs KVA (Killo Volt Amp) which 
	takes your generator's power factor (effeciency) into account.  Power Factor
	is a number between 0 an 1. You multiply your generator's KW by it's 
	Power Factor to get it's KVA.  International standard: PF = .8
	You should never run you generator for more than 30 Mins. at max power, size
	it Load * 1.25 to get required .
	They're saying, buy about 125% of what your house currently needs.  Remember
	you may add electrical devices later.
	Another note: your backup doesn't need to carry the whole house, just the
	basics like: AC/heater, fridge, maybe electric stove, washer dryer, lights.
	There are several sizing web pages:
		genpowerusa  how-to-calculate-commercial-generator-size
		electricgeneratorsdirect
		generatormart.com
		wpowerproducts.com generator-sizing-guide
		Cummins Diesel
		cummins.com generator-size-calculator
		

		
Fuel:  What kind of fuel does it use, Run Times for 15KW gen
	Remember, in the event of a long blackout (> 2 days), if you are using 
	gasoline or propane, the gas stations may  not have power, and propane truck
	may have to come a long way, or not have fuel either.
	Generators come with either single fuel, dual fuel or tripple fuel.

Gasoline: most effective (yields the most KW), gets about 10 Hr for 11 gal.
of gas, dangerous to store, needs an elevated tank, or in-ground with
electric fuel pump. If you have an above ground tank, it doesn't need
to be as high as a tractor, or truck fuel tank. A 150 gal. tank would
run my gen for abot 146 Hrs (>6 days).
Diesel: Some of the most powerful backup generators available for 
heavy-duty appliances. They use diesel fuel, which can be expensive and 
challenging to store and often creates more noise and pollution.
Diesel is safer to use/store than gasoline.
BTW: Diesel generators are available up into the megawatts.
Propane: 2nd most effective, easier to store, about 2-1/2 or 3-1/2 gal. /Hr.
above or in-ground tank, Im thinking In ground is best, cost $150 extra.
Natural Gas: least effective, Gets 10 Hr run time of 12-14 gal. 
A 22 kW Generac generator uses about 281 cubic feet (3.67 gal.) of natural gas per hour running at full power. 
May need larger service pipe (meter??) Of course if you have any fuel 
tank visible, some folks will try to steal it, so take precautions.


Placement: Outside, under a covered area with all sides open.  Your generator
	must get engough cooler air to cool itself. It should not be exposed to rain
	or snow.

Transfer Switch:  Utility-to-generator switch. A switch that selects which 
	power source your house is using.  Also guarantees your generator is NEVER
	connected to the utility's lines.
	3 Kinds:
		Manual: you have to go to the switch and throw a switch.
		Automatic: Senses when utility power goes away, starts the generator, 
			and switches your house over to the generator's output. 
		Non-Automatic: You must trigger the switch operation, via a push-button.



Calculations
Power:
	Volts x Amps = Watts

Fuel consumption (gallons) = amount of fuel / total electricity produced (Wh or kWh) 



Wattage Requirements of Appliances


Appliance
Rated (Running) Watts
Starting Watts
Dishwasher
1300
1800
Washing Machine
1200
2300
Refrigerator/Freezer
700
2200
Light Bulb
60-75
0
Microwave
600-1000
0
TV
500
0
Toaster
900
0
Vacuum
1440
2500
Coffee Maker
1000
0
Blender
300
800
Clothing Iron
1500
0
Dryer
5400
7000
Toaster Oven
1200
0
Curling Iron
1500
0
Space Heater
2000
0
Laptop
50-300
0
20” Box Fan
200
350


From Atmos: mouthly usage for our house, Jul.2022 - Jun.2024.
	
(CCF) is hundreds of Cubic Feet.
For billig: convert CCF into therms.
One therm is equal to 100,000 British thermal units (BTU)
Multiply your CCF use by the BTU factor.
BTU factor may vary from month to month, so please refer to your bill for the actual factor being used.
Natural Gas Cost (40-50% of your annual bill)
calculated by multiplying your gas usage by the average cost per therm we pay to purchase gas supplies.
Delivery Charges (45-55% of your annual bill)