Sizing an Automatic Standby Generator

What size generator do we need? I want to power my whole house but I don't want to spend a fortune! What options are there for whole and partial house automatic back-up generators? This article will address those questions and get you started towards better understanding the issues surrounding standby generator sizing. Our approach is based upon the National Electric Code and local municipalities may vary - ask an expert to help size your generator system!

Sizing a generator can be a daunting and dangerous task for the typical homeowner. Assurance Power Systems specializes in designing and installing standby generator packages to meet your needs. There are three basic approaches to sizing an automatic standby generator: 1.) Whole house protection, 2.) Whole house protection with automatic load shedding, and 3.) Partial house protection. Visit our website www.assurancepower.com for our 2008 base price chart.

Whole house protection is for those homeowners who want uninterrupted back-up power with the ability to power all loads simultaneously. This is, naturally, the most expensive option, but it can give you peace of mind that you will live without interruptions. Sizing a generator for whole house protection involves calculating all general loads, motor and low power factor loads, and heating and cooling loads. Other factors to consider for whole house protection are fuel supply and spacial constraints. You need to ensure you have adequate space to meet local setback requirements as well as space for fuel storage if you don't have access to a natural gas service line.

Whole house protection with automatic load shedding is quickly becoming the way ahead for residential standby generator systems. There are several solutions available from many of the leading standby generator manufacturers that offer excellent value propositions. Essentially, this new technology monitors the output of the generator and sheds (turns off) lower priority loads until the generator output is able to handle these loads. This new technology maximizes your investment and allows you to power more with less. For example, many houses that would require a 35kW or even a 45kW generator can be powered with a 20kW or smaller generator! Not only is the total installation cost roughly 30% less than a whole house solution, operating costs are significantly less because the smaller generators burn much less fuel (approximately 2 gallons of propane vapor per hour versus 4 gallons per hour). With the plethora of new products on the market, Assurance Power System can customize a managed load whole house solution for you that will be sure to meet your needs and budget.

Partial house solutions are the most affordable solutions, but limit your protected circuits to a dedicated emergency panel. The codes surrounding these installations are also very strict because it is assumed that the dedicated emergency circuits will be running simultaneously, and, therefore, the generator must be sized to handle all simultaneously loads. This is contrary to whole house and managed whole house solutions because the National Electric Code allows for discounts on whole house load calculations because the loads are not all being used simultaneously. Assurance Power Systems has partial house solutions starting at $6,995, and with our many financing options available can design a solution for any budget.

There are several variables involved in designing and installing a home standby system. Although some manufacturers advertise their generator systems as "do-it-yourself" installations, local building codes in South Florida are very stringent and change often. Generator installations should be performed by experts! Assurance Power Systems has installed over 500 standby generators in South Florida. We are there for our customers from the design phase to the preventative maintenance and upkeep of their chosen generator system. Call Assurance Power Systems (561) 886-0470 and find out how we can customize a solution for you.

Valencia Falls Generator Installations Underway!

Thanks to the careful planning of the Valencia Falls Board of Directors, Propane Subcommittee, and ACC, our generator applications have been reviewed and approved in a timely and cooperative manner, allowing us to start our installations on schedule!


Many residents have already taken delivery of their automatic standby generators and are greeting our professional installation crews.
















If you haven’t had the opportunity to receive a free in-home estimate, please call Russ Ouellette, Sales Manager at 561-239-7579.

We are still offering a 5% Valencia Falls Lifetime discount and the additional 5% Valencia Falls bulk discount!

Lester Clayton Testimonial

Bonnie & I want to thank you and all your staff for the professional and courteous manner that all your work was done, and all problems addressed in a timely manner. It would be my pleasure to recommend your company to any one considering a generator installation.
Lester F. Clayton
Florida Architect
Clayton Consulting Inc.

Ted Lange Installation Success!

Dear Assurance Power Systems,
Just a short note to tell you what a pleasure it was to deal with Assurance Power Systems. Everyone who showed up at our project was a polite, well spoken, timely and knowledgeable. Best of all, the workmanship wash first class. – bar none.What a real surprise in South Florida to find an honest company where quality is important and one which does what it says it will do, when it will do it, and in a friendly manner.Please feel free to use me as a reference, and keep up the good work.With thanks,Ted Lange3/13/08

David Fredrickson Installation Success!

Having spent the necessary time and due diligence in researching various generator installation firms I am very satisfied with EVERY aspect of my generator installation. Assurance Power Systems pricing was competitive and Russ was great on providing educational comparisons between the different brands and makes. What impressed me most was NOT selling me what I thought I needed ( a 35kw or 40 kw) and instead informing me of what I actually needed (the 20kw). The savings was considerable!! The installation was professional every step of the way from Steve and his crew delivering the generator and digging up the yard for the installation of the 500 gallon tank — to Luis and Bob on the professional installation of the transfer switch (my son worked as an electrical journeyman and spoke very highly of the electrical work they did). And Bill always calling to let me know when work was about to be done/completed.The yard is back to looking like it was never touched just as Steve described (pictures enclosed). Steve checked the sprinklers before leaving (as he had to break through the sprinkler line) to make sure all was well.And finally your efforts were appreciated in setting up my tank monitoring system.It is all those little things that make a job like this either a pleasure at the end....or a pain. This was a genuine pleasure.I hope it rarely comes on because of a power outage but there is a definite comfort in knowing I no longer have to deal with spoiled food, a house that is to hot and muggy, cold showers and no light after the sun sets.Thank you again for a very professional and well managed installation.Sincerely,David Fredrickson, PresidentCornerstone Financial Services, Inc.