Hi
I've recently posted the below in uk.d-i-y, and someone suggested that I ask in here due to the experience of yourselves in the group.... so here goes :) (please be gentle with me!)
I live out on a remote farmhouse whose electric is supplied on overhead electricity poles.
In the two years that I have lived here, I've had about 20 power cuts. Some are only a few minutes and a nuisance, but others can last for a few hours.
I have a small UPS currently that I use for my server, CCTV etc, but I really want something that can "tap" into the main CU in the house.
I have lots of space outside, and a space ready for a power generator (petrol/deisel etc).
I have a couple of questions though.
- How do I calculate the power (watts) that an appliance requires?
- Is there a device that can measure the power requirement for an appliance, or for my entire power requirement (I have an economy 7 dual dial meter)
- When my power is initially connected after a power outage, all of the outside floodlights come on and create an initial surge. How would a generator cope with that?
I am assuming that once I have worked out my power requirement, I will need to find a generator large enough to cope with it.
I would be happy if the generator would power a lighting circuit, and maybe a few appliances (heating pump, boiler, television, radio etc).
Any experience/tips/advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Charles