A major summer storm is raging outside, and the power goes out. You get carried away, however, and you start plugging in several appliances and electronics at once. Before you know it, everything grinds to a halt, and your generator quits. This is a classic case of generator overloading, and it happens when you ask the machine to provide more electricity than its engine was built to handle. You can actually fry your expensive electronics or even start a fire if you overload your generator too much. Learning how to balance your power needs will keep the lights on and protect your equipment for years.
What Exactly Happens During an Overload
Every generator has a specific limit called its “rated wattage.” This is the maximum amount of continuous power it can produce safely. When you plug in too many appliances, the alternator has to work much harder to create the extra flow of electricity. This creates massive amounts of heat inside the machine. If the temperature gets too high, the insulation on the copper wires can melt. You might see the circuit breaker on the generator panel flip to the “off” position. This is actually a safety feature designed to keep the machine from melting down. If you continue to force a generator to run while it’s overloaded, the voltage it puts out will become unstable. This erratic power can easily destroy the sensitive motherboards in your appliances and electronics.
The Secret of Starting Versus Running Watts
One of the biggest mistakes people make is forgetting that some appliances need a giant “kick” of energy just to get started. For example, a refrigerator might only need 700 watts to keep running. However, it could require 2,000 watts for a few seconds when the compressor motor first kicks on. This is known as surge wattage or starting watts. It’s usually much higher than what you see on the energy label. If your generator is already running at 80% capacity and the fridge tries to start, the sudden surge will likely trigger an overload. You must account for these hidden bursts of energy when you’re deciding what to plug in during a blackout.
Smart Strategies to Balance the Load
The good news is that there are some measures that you can take to prevent overloads. First, make a list of your essential appliances and decide what is necessary. Then, plug in your appliances that require the most power first and allow them to stabilize before you add in something smaller, such as a lamp or a charging bank. If you need to use something additional, such as a toaster oven or hot plate, unplug something else temporarily to make room in the power budget.
If you want some tips for balancing power and avoiding overloads, schedule a consultation with an electrician. They can work with you and provide tips for your specific situation. Contact the team at Cornerstone Pros so that you can make sure your generator is ready to power you through the next summer storm in Tampa Bay, FL.