Has anyone else used this Generator Calculator?

[davedottcom]

Hello!

I'm just looking for opinions on this... and I know right where to go to find opinions!!!

I recently received a link to this new "Gensizer" tool. http://gensizer.assurancepower.com/index.php?option=com_aps&view=calculator&layout=wholehouse&Itemid=55

It seems to be one of the better calculators I've seen. When you're done entering the Sq. Ft & loads, it recommends what size Gen you need...BUT, the problem is, it does not account for the difference in Generator output when using NG vs. LP. Since there can be a significant difference between the two fuels (+or- 2,000 watts) I think the size recommendation is very misleading.

I contacted the company and I was told that it is my responsibility to determine if the generator they recommend is actually large enough! Lol! He also told me the program assumes LP will be used. (but the calculator doesn't state that anywhere)

He seemed reluctant to think it's important but he thanked me for pointing it out... he said they will consider adding the LP or NG question into the calculator... not sure why they wouldn't!?!?

Is there some reason they are reluctant to do this?

 

[kwired]

Hello!

I'm just looking for opinions on this... and I know right where to go to find opinions!!!

I recently received a link to this new "Gensizer" tool. http://gensizer.assurancepower.com/...s&view=calculator&layout=wholehouse&Itemid=55

It seems to be one of the better calculators I've seen. When you're done entering the Sq. Ft & loads, it recommends what size Gen you need...BUT, the problem is, it does not account for the difference in Generator output when using NG vs. LP. Since there can be a significant difference between the two fuels (+or- 2,000 watts) I think the size recommendation is very misleading.

I contacted the company and I was told that it is my responsibility to determine if the generator they recommend is actually large enough! Lol! He also told me the program assumes LP will be used. (but the calculator doesn't state that anywhere)

He seemed reluctant to think it's important but he thanked me for pointing it out... he said they will consider adding the LP or NG question into the calculator... not sure why they wouldn't!?!?

Is there some reason they are reluctant to do this?

I don't understand the confusion? All it is telling you is how much KVA is needed. You need to see information on the generator you plan to use to know what it's output is.

That said it is very likely the kVA rating is the rating of the alternator, but the prime mover may or may not be able to match that rating on both fuel sources.

 

[davedottcom]

I don't understand the confusion? All it is telling you is how much KVA is needed.

But, that is not all they are telling you. They specifically name a brand and a particular size. In other words, an exact model.

If they go so far as to recommend an exact model, (Brand & Size) I think they should take the LP vs NG specs for that particular model into account BEFORE they recommend it.

I get what you're saying... and if the end result just said something like "You need a generator capable of producing xx,xxx watts" then I would agree with you that it only tells you how many KVA is needed, and it's up to you to find one...but it goes as far as saying what size and what brand even though it can't tell you if the model it recommends is actually capable.

 

[kwired]

But, that is not all they are telling you. They specifically name a brand and a particular size. In other words, an exact model.

If they go so far as to recommend an exact model, (Brand & Size) I think they should take the LP vs NG specs for that particular model into account BEFORE they recommend it.

I get what you're saying... and if the end result just said something like "You need a generator capable of producing xx,xxx watts" then I would agree with you that it only tells you how many KVA is needed, and it's up to you to find one...but it goes as far as saying what size and what brand even though it can't tell you if the model it recommends is actually capable.

I will admit I did not try to use the calculator, just looked at the information on the page in the link.

I think most generators are marked with the rating for use on LP and you must derate them if used on NG, but am not certain of this either.

 

[infinity]

I played with it and it told me this:

Generator Size With Load Management: Generac 14kW Guardian Air Cooled

The calculated load was 13905W. I agree with your assessment that the recommended generator is misleading since it's 14kw output is only for LP not NG. If it simply stated that the generator needed a minimum capacity of 14KW then the fuel type for the recommended generator wouldn't matter since the installer would need to factor in the fuel type to the actual generator output.

 

[davedottcom]

I played with it and it told me this:



The calculated load was 13905W. I agree with your assessment that the recommended generator is misleading since it's 14kw output is only for LP not NG. If it simply stated that the generator needed a minimum capacity of 14KW then the fuel type for the recommended generator wouldn't matter since the installer would need to factor in the fuel type to the actual generator output.

You worded that much better than me! Thank you.

I know it's a little ridiculous for me to critique this calculator/program for having a glitch in their program, but, like I said, it's one of the better calculators I've seen and I was actually impressed with it until I realized it was recommending the wrong model Gen! And since they state "All load demands and calculations performed IAW NEC 2008 Article 220" right at the top of the page...
I feel they should make the effort to correct the glitch, or at least add a Note/Disclaimer * you may need a larger model if using NG.

I can only imagine how many people will order the wrong one...