Energy consumers choose Honda generators for many reasons including primary power for homes or buildings, emergency backup energy, running recreational vehicles, and supplying industrial energy needs at construction sites. Advances in electrical engineering make many generator sizes available for home or commercial use. Home generators produce 1 kW up to 50 kW, and industrial models generate from 50 kW to more than 3 Megawatts.
Choosing the right-size generator depends on actual energy usage and the need customers have for buying generators. The best option is to seek the advice of a trained electrician, but consumers could certainly calculate approximate energy usage to estimate what size Honda generator they would probably need. Large generators cost more, but underestimating energy needs could damage units and expensive home or industrial equipment. It is very important to proper size a generator to the power requirements.
Home Energy Needs
Estimate energy usage. Most appliance manuals include wattage information, but sometimes they supply the data in amps. Most home appliances use 120 volt current. Wattage equals voltage multiplied by total amps. If two numbers are known, then the missing figure is easy to calculate. Wattage divided by voltage gives total amperage. For example most standard light bulbs list the wattage and require 120 volts AC, so homeowners can calculate the required generator wattage capacity easily.
Microwave ovens pull about one-third more power than they produce for the entire time they run, so a 650-watt oven uses 1000 watts of energy, and a 1000-watt oven uses 1500 watts or 1.5 kW. Older televisions use 300 watts consistently, and smaller flat screens use only 120. Coffee makers may use 600 watts, and automatic dishwashers may require 540 watts to start, but may only need 216 to run. Refrigerators and freezers could use 1200 watts to start, but may only need 132–192 to run, but the compressor turning on could cause energy spikes. Water heaters use 4500 watts when heating, but they could be turned off when not in use. Online sources and service manuals help people calculate their greatest energy needs at any given time.
RVs, Boats and Campers
Campers, boats, and RVs generally come with manufacturer details about internal heating, air conditioning, and water-heating power needs. Some of these systems pull energy from the combustion engines, and generator power becomes necessary when parked with the engine not running. The watts needed for appliances, lighting and electronics stay the same for homes, boats, construction sites, or camping vehicles.
Industrial Electric Needs
Generators should never run at top capacity for longer than 30 minutes. Capacity for rated power describes the power level that generators can comfortably produce for long periods of time, and the figure is usually about 90 percent of top capacity. Industrial equipment and processes vary tremendously, and these tools often cost a great deal. Using too little power could damage valuable equipment, so industrial users should always choose generators that produce enough energy to run most of their equipment comfortably.
Buying Equipment and Parts
Shank’s Lawn offers a variety of Honda generators and parts to meet the most demanding commercial or homeowner needs. Honda generators have earned a remarkable reputation for durability and reliability in emergencies. The products have been tested extensively and the Honda uses superior components to ensure that these units will work properly when needed. The company backs its claims with comprehensive warranties, and trained staff to help consumers calculate their wattage needs.
Honda generators run quietly, but budgets might affect customer-buying decisions. The EU series works well for whisper-quiet camping or boating, but consumers might choose Industrial and Deluxe series models for home backup systems and construction sites. The Economy series generates power economically in emergencies without the bonus features that dampen noise levels. Honda engines start easily with manual recoil starting, even without the benefit of electric motors. Some customers prefer remote starting for convenience.
For additional information about which Honda Generator to buy or where to purchase Honda Generators, parts or safety equipment, see http://www.shankslawn.com. If you’re near the Hagerstown, MD or Harrisburg, PA area, make sure to visit our store at Chambersburg, PA for the complete line of Honda Generators.
For additional support contact Shanks Lawn at Shanks Lawn Customer Support or email us at info@shankslawn.com.
