Proper Pixel

What Size Generator?

Fast & Friendly Service with a Smile for All

What Size Generator Should I Buy for My House?

The most logical way to determine your generator need is to imagine your home without power. Dark, isn’t it? While some blackouts are short or lasting for only a few hours, there are others that could last for days or weeks. There are many questions that you can ask to determine which generator will work best for you. Start with what you think is essential for your family or what they would miss. If you are looking into a commercial backup generator, however, consider what you need to protect during a power outage. The very best way to understand your options and work within your budget is to schedule with Clinton Electric Company for your free in-home assessment from a licensed professional.

Choosing a Generator that Meets Your Needs

During your site survey and initial consultation, our Baltimore-area generator technicians will provide you a detailed evaluation to find the best solution. Before we leave your house, our Baltimore-based electricians make sure you understand your options, are clear about how a standby home generator can work for you, and email you a proposal with a complete up-front pricing breakdown.

Upfront Pricing

We have transparent and upfront pricing so that there are no surprises.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Customer satisfaction is our top priority.

Emergency Services

We offer 24/7 emergency electrical services.

Established Business

We have been servicing customers since 1969.

Get a Free Estimate

Keeping Local Homes & Businesses Powered

Call us at (410) 449-7292 or contact us online today for more information on choosing a generator. We offer free, no-obligation estimates!

Determining the Perfect Size of Generator for Your Home or Commercial Space

In the event of an outage, what do you want your generator to power? There are many sizes of generators available. A generator’s size is measured in kilowatts (kW). This number describes the maximum electrical output and determines how many appliances or circuits it can support.

Different devices require different levels of power:

  • A refrigerator could need up to 1500 watts (1.5 kW) at startup
  • Central air is 5 kW
  • Your coffee maker is 1.8 kW

Auditing your needs requires us to add up all your load requirements and match you with a generator that can handle all these.

Main Approaches to Protecting Your Property

There are three main approaches to protecting your property from power outages including the essential circuits, the managed whole-house coverage, and the whole-house generator with no load management. These three approaches vary depending on the specific needs of your property during a power outage.

Essential Circuits (7-12 kW)

A 16 circuit automatic transfer switch is paired with a generator scaled to meet your needs. It ensures that you can continue using some of the most important appliances in your home with each circuit directly connected to a matched circuit on your main circuit breaker panel. This approach can keep the more important appliances such as your refrigerator and furnace running. When you prioritize specific circuits you protect the essentials even if your whole neighborhood is in the dark.

Different devices require different levels of power:

For more coverage or up to whole-house coverage, you may pair a smaller generator unit with Evolution load shedding switch options. This load-shedding switch creates a managed power solution by turning off the non-essential circuits as the generator approaches maximum output. It may also cycle on and off depending on the amount of load you are using on your property.

Whole-House Generator with No Load Management (20-48 kW)

If you wish to get your home or commercial space up and running without having to choose which circuit or appliances to prioritize, this whole-house generator can provide you with the power backup supply that you need. This is usually a liquid cooled generator that produces enough power to cover the demand of your whole house.

Get a Detailed Estimate

Our Baltimore-area electricians can provide a free, detailed estimate of all three options when on site. Call now to schedule an appointment!

410-449-7292

Contact Us

Contact Us
Best of Baltimore winner badge for 2022

Top Electrician in Baltimore

Clinton Electric Co. - Lead-Safe Certified Firm
Pulse of the City Award

Main Location

1524 York Road
Timonium, MD 21093
410-449-7292
Map & Directions

Generator Showroom

30 W Aylesbury Rd
Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093
Map & Directions

License Number: MD LIC #10203