Load management is a familiar term across certain industries. In sports, it’s a way for a team to manage playing time so that players are fresh for the duration of the year. For electricity, it’s about managing the power supply during off peak periods so there is ample supply during peak periods.
When considering a generator, load management is critical in helping consumers do the following:
- Choose the right generator capacity
- Avoid overpaying for supply that you don’t need
- Ensure your system operates efficiently without overloading
What is Generator Load Management?
It is the process of balancing the power supply provided from a generator with the demands of your home or business’s electrical devices and appliances. This means that your generator can handle the required load without strain while preventing power outages or damage caused by overloading.
Why Is it Important?
Whether you are buying a Generac generator, Kohler generator or another brand, understanding load management is critical to selecting the right one for your needs.
- Don’t Overpay: By identifying your power requirements, you can select the right without overpaying for unnecessary capacity.
- Safety and Reliability: Proper load management makes sure your generator runs smoothly and provides consistent power during outages without the risk of damaging any devices/appliances.
- Prioritization: You can prioritize critical appliances and systems, such as refrigerators, HVAC units, or medical equipment, ensuring uninterrupted service when power is limited.
What is Load Shedding?
Load shedding is a technique to turn off lower-priority electrical loads to give preference to other systems that need to be powered. The process is typically used with an appliance that has a bigger electrical load like HVAC systems, washer/dryers, and pool equipment.
Lightning Technologies installs a device that can sense, through frequency, whether the house is on utility power or generator. When the power comes from a generator, it puts those devices into a “time out” until the generator is up to optimal operation. This process allows homeowners and businesses to size the generator correctly and prevent damage or interruption of service if it’s a peak usage time and you need to rely on the generator.
Why to Work with a Professional
At Lightning Technologies, we have over 40 years of experience installing generators for residential and commercial properties in Delaware and Chester County Pennsylvania. We perform a load analysis to accurately determine your needs and recommend the best generator size.
We can also advise on the integration of a load management/load shedding system for optimal performance and uninterrupted service.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t Guess Your Power Needs: Relying on rough estimates can lead to buying the wrong generator size. Consult with a licensed professional from Lightning Technologies that understands the local market.
- Overlooking Starting Watts: Appliances with motors often require higher power to start than to run. Ignoring this can increase the risk of overloading your system.
- Neglecting Maintenance: Take advantage of a maintenance agreement to make sure your generator is performing at its best. Lighting Technologies offers multiple service plans to suit your needs and budget.
Effective load management is a critical factor to choosing the right generator and maximizing its performance. By understanding your power requirements and prioritizing critical systems, you can ensure a reliable backup power solution without overspending or overloading.
Recent Comments