A good place to start.....       

Find a generator company with an understanding of:

• Electrical theory
• Combustion engine theory
• Fuel source properties
• Potential load and their characteristics
• Electrical construction techniques specific for the different type structures
• Control and automation theory for correct diagnostic and repairs
• Data platforms and security
• Engine service techniques, including diagnostics and repair
• Proactive service for machines with multiple levels of components all dependent on each other
• Stress testing an engine and all control components
• Parts inventory and management
• Effective service routing logistics
• Product limitations for any brand preference which is only obtainable thru real experiences with different product, for different scenarios, observing systems stressed to their potential, across several years.
• Honest and effective customer service
• RESOURCE tried and tested during all scenarios not just when there are no power outages.  Our machines work!

Okay how to determine size?

A mathmatical formula using a structure's load characteristics per the appliances and equipment, using standards set by the National Electrical Code, to determine load connection potential should be used.   

For any generator installation occurring in 2008 and all years following, the National Electrical Code required a load calculation be performed for correctly sizing the generator system you need.  Sizing a generator correctly protects both the generator and any electrical appliances which may connect to it from damage.  The below is an excerpt from the National Electrical Code with reference to KW size:

“702.4 Capacity and Rating

(A)  Available Short-Circuit Current.   Optional standby system equipment shall be suitable for the maximum available short-circuit current at its terminals.

(B)  System Capacity.   The calculations of load on the standby source shall be made in accordance with Article 220 or by another approved method.

(1)   Manual Transfer Equipment.   Where manual transfer equipment is used, an optional standby system shall have adequate capacity and rating for the supply of all equipment intended to be operated at one time.  The user of the optional standby system shall be permitted to select the load connected to the system.

(2)   Automatic Transfer Equipment.  Where automatic transfer equipment is used, an optional standby system shall comply with (2) (a) or (2) (b).

               (a)  Full Load.  The standby source shall be capable of supplying the full load that is transferred by the automatic transfer equipment.

               (b)  Load Management.  Where a system is employed that will automatically manage the connected load, the standby source shall have a capacity sufficient to supply the maximum load that will be connected by the load management system.”

After it is installed, what is generator service?

A task performed for the machine, consistently, to keep the machine operating up to its limitations.  Yes changing the oil, oil filter, air filter, and battery are important parts of a generator service regiment, however there is much more in correctly taking care of a generator. 

LOAD TESTING with external load.

Okay thinking of this another way.  

Exercise, if you are walking a mile, do you work yourself harder walking on level ground or going up a hill?  What is a more accurate way of determining your health?  Generators are the same, they need to be stressed in order to stay in a good working condition.   You also want to simulate worst case scenarios for the generator in order to make sure it works as it should, so that when you need it, well, that is real peace of mind.  This process used to guarantee high success rates is called a load or stress test.  For the load test, a device which is called a load bank (basically a sophisticated toaster oven) is connected to your generator.  With the load bank, different levels of load or work are connected to the generator to insure the electricity created by the generator, which is largely determined by the engine speed, is safe and effective for whatever electrical appliance(s) you wish to use.  This said to constitute a comprehensive or complete stress or load test, several different levels of controlled load are attached to the generator in order to verify correct engine response to the different load level connections.  If it is found the electricity output and or engine speed is not correct, diagnostics and or calibrations, using the necessary means for stressing the generator, can be completed in an accurate and safe fashion.  Structure or house load should not be used to calibrate a generator's engine response.

A Question?

If your generator is not calibrated correctly with respect to how the engine reacts to different levels of load, does it make sense to attach your structure or appliance loads to the generator, NO.  Can you safely tell if the generator's output is as it should be by connecting your home or business to it?  Not without risking doing damage to what you are connecting to the generator.  Load testing with an external load is the only safe and sure way to make sure generators are calibrated correctly and that they stay that way.  We Can Help!

• Generator system stress or load test should be performed utilizing external load to stress the making sure engine response is correct.  Correct engine response is needed so that electrical voltage outputs are safe for any potential load attachment.  Control stress test of the generator insures unsafe voltage dips or transients do not exist for the connected load as well as also making sure there is no oscillation of voltage levels for any level of connected attachment or detachment.  Stress testing a generator system insures fuel pressures are maintained, providing longevity for the generator, and the connected loads.  Stress testing provides heat needed to eliminate moisture in the components that provide the electron flow.