Being in the midst of Saskatchewan

summer’s means that we need to be

prepared for storms and power outages.

For many residents, smart preparation

includes purchasing a generator to

keep as many appliances running

as possible.   Here in Saskatchewan,

we can assume that your air conditioner

is likely to be a necessity for your family.

Because it will likely take up the majority

of a portable generator’s output, you will

have to carefully prioritize any other

appliance usage.

There are two basic options to choose

from when selecting an appropriate unit

– portable generators and standby

(permanently installed) generators.

Because they are more affordable

and flexible, portable generators are

a popular choice – but do they provide

sufficient power for your home?

Important Facts about Portable Generators

• Unlike a standby generator, which

  is always connected, your portable

• generator is usually stored until it is

  needed.

• Even though it is not permanently

  wired, a proper connection between

  your appliances and your generator

  should be established before an

• emergency requires it. Generally this

  is achieved through your circuit

• breaker box. A technician can install

• a transfer switch which will be

• connected to your breaker box –

  allowing the portable generator to

• safely power the appliances you are

  planning to use.

• Some people would prefer to simply

  run an extension cord from the

  generator to power their appliances.

  Should you decide to do this, make

  sure to utilize an undamaged cord

  with the properly gauged wire.

Do You Need a Licensed Electrician to

Install a Transfer Switch? You should

always have a certified electrician work

on any electrical project, as an improper

connection could prove dangerous to you

or your family. However, many people do

not realize that if the transfer switch is not

properly installed, it could also endanger

utility workers if your generator

back-feeds to nearby power lines.

Running Watts vs. Starting Watts

A portable generator can power fans,

televisions, computers, microwaves,

lighting & refrigerators. But does it

have enough juice to power your

air conditioning unit in the middle

of summer? The answer requires a

bit of math, and includes two

concepts: starting watts, and running

watts. Running watts indicate the

required wattage to run an appliance.

If you have a 1,000 watt generator and

your A/C requires 750 running watts, it

would appear that the unit has sufficient

power. This is not the whole story,

however. Many appliances, including

your air conditioner, require an

additional surge of power – known

as starting watts – in order to power on.

Starting watts use more power than

running watts.

Will a Portable Generator Power My A/C?

Even if your generator can easily power

a running air conditioning system, it must

also have enough power to handle the

initial surge. If not, your system likely

won’t start, and you could risk electrical

damage to the generator, your electrical

panel, or your appliances. Typically, most

of the larger portable generators are

rated for enough to provide starting &

running wattage to power moderately

sized air conditioning systems.  If you

want to purchase a portable generator

powerful enough to run your air

conditioning system, take the starting

wattage & running wattage into account

before making your purchase.

When you work with Saunders

Electric to procure your generator

– whether portable or standby

– our expert technicians and electricians

will work with you to choose the right

size generator for your specific needs &

budget. Don’t try to purchase a generator

for your family without professional

advice – we are here to help.