Power

Know Your Wattage

July 11th 2019

Choosing the right generator for your business can be difficult; there are so many to choose from it can become a really time-consuming process. Although it can be difficult to navigate through the many selections available, generators come in handy when you really need them.

What you need to know before hiring a generator…

Know your wattage

Firstly, you need to know exactly the amount of power you would require for the items you want the generator to run. You may think you don’t need to power all the equipment on site; however, it is better to overestimate rather than underestimate and end up with a generator which doesn’t meet your required needs.


You can find an individual items wattage on the item itself or in the owner’s manual, if you plan on powering more than one item at a time then you need to calculate the total wattage of the items. If not, you need to know the item which has the highest wattage; of all your figures the highest wattage you have (combined or individual) is the wattage you require from your generator. Any items with an induction item will require a starting wattage, you need to know the starting wattage for the generator; simply multiply the wattage by 3 to find out the starting wattage.


TIP: Allow at least 20% on top of the highest wattage to allow for some wiggle room.

What will it be used for?

There is more to choosing a generator than just knowing the right wattage requirements. There are different types and sizes for different requirements; if you are using the generator for smaller scale or domestic purposes a portable generator may be your best option whereas larger scale generators are required for commercial and industrial purposes.

Petrol Vs Diesel

You can choose from both petrol and diesel generators. Petrol generators tend to be more common in smaller models and are more cost effective when used on a smaller scale however diesel generators tend to stand up to regular use and offer a saving on fuel. They are generally more suited to larger models. If you have any questions about which generator is best for you, you can contact us for more information.

About the Author

Lauren King

Lauren works in our Ecommerce Team, with over 6 years of experience at HSS. She brings product knowledge and is able to give her advice on the right tool for the job no matter how big or small.

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