Search Products

Getting Started
Before buying a generator there are a number of things to consider. Using this tutorial, you can get the basics down and determine your power needs to be sure your generator best suits your needs.

Shopping Cart
0 items

Packages
Our three generator packages combine our portable generators, a manual transfer switch, and ABC's quality service packages so you can conveniently purchase everything you need all for one price.

Free shipping
Available on our portable generators to your nearest freight station. Only applicable in the lower 48 United States. Be sure to review our shipping policy.


Secure Shopping

Credit Card Processing

 

How do you even begin to shop for a generator?

Shopping for a generator can be tricky so it is important to educate yourself on some of the basics before getting started. Standby generators are installed in the home with a separate power transfer switch. If you home loses power, the generator will automatically come on and power the essential appliances in your home. Portable generators run on gasoline and therefore need to be stored in a place safe from emissions (a garage or outside). Portable generator users then need to run extension cords to the various appliances they want to use in the home. A summary of some basic features can be found in the table below.

Portables
Standbys
Auto Power Transfer NO YES
Refueling YES NO
Noise Level QUIET QUIETER
Extension Cords YES NO
Self-Test NO YES
Permanently Mounted NO YES
Diagnostic Panel NO YES

How Much Power Do I Need?

Now you need to determine your power needs. Most essential appliances can be powered with approximately 5,000 to 8,000 watts of power. The table below lists the appliances and their common power requirements. You should check your own appliances to determine the exact power needs of your home or business.

Select the items you wish to power at the same time.  Add the TYPICAL WATTAGE of the items you require.  Then, add the surge wattage of the item with the HIGHEST NUMBER to your total TYPICAL WATTAGE.  This is the minimum wattage you will need in order to operate these items.  A generator specialist from ABC can assist you in determining the exact wattage necessary for your appliances.

Device
Typical Wattage
Surge Wattage
Light Bulb
60
60
Fan
75
150
Small black/white television
100
150
Color television
300
400
Home computer and monitor
400
600
Electric Blanket
400
400
Garage Door Opener
500
1,500
Microwave Oven
750
1,000
Furnace Fan
750
1,500
Sump Pump
800
1,200
Refrigerator
1,200
2,400
Hair Dryer
1,250
1,250
Coffee Maker (Drip)
1,500
1,500
Well Pump
2,400
3,600
Electric Water Heater
4,500
4,500
Whole-house A/C or heat pump
15,000
30,000

Now do you have a number in your head of how much power you need and what type of generator you might want? Click on an image below to begin shopping.


© 2004-2024 ABC Hardware and Rental, All Rights Reserved | Secure Shopping | Contact Us
Prices are subject to change without notice. Please call to ensure you have the current pricing.