PrépaCivile
Portable generator in an open outdoor area, away from the house
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Emergency energy · Power

Choose your appliances. Check the power they need.

Compare your operating and boot requirements, with a complete list and adjustable values.

Estimating my power ▼
Calculation in your browser28 appliances to start withNo data collection

Your power outage scenario

Which appliances will run at the same time?

The 24 devices of the previous calculator are included, with 4 additions and up to 20 personal devices. Choose the quantity actually used at the same time. The proposed watts are examples not validated for your model: confirm the nameplate and manufacturer's documentation.

The result does not allow any connection. A combustion generator works only outside: Health Canada recommends at least 6 m of any building, with the exhaust away from openings. Never in a home, garage or shed. Never plug a generator into a wall socket to power the house.

The 20% margin is a changeable scenario choice, not an official rule or warranty. The staggered mode requires you to control the start-up: compressors or pumps can restart automatically.

TOTAL Start: Enter the total power requested by a unit on startup, not just the supplement. Without being identified, enter the same value as in operation after verification by the manufacturer. An unknown data must be confirmed, not arbitrarily replaced by zero.

Understanding · Checking · Acting

How to use your result.

The same structure as other PrépaCivile tools, with electrical assumptions made visible.

Calculation method

  1. Operation: sum of quantities × unit operating watts.
  2. Simultaneous start-ups: sum of quantities × watts Unit start-up TOTALS.
  3. Staged start: total in operation + larger unit supplement (total start less operation). Only one unit starts, even if several units of an apparatus are planned.
  4. The continuous and peak targets each apply the chosen margin, then are rounded to the upper watt.

Illustrative example: A refrigerator and a freezer, each rated at 700 W running and 1,200 W total starting power, require 1,400 W running, 2,400 W if both start together, or 1,900 W if only one unit starts at a time. With a 20% margin in staggered mode, the targets are 1,680 W continuous and 2,280 W peak.

The list includes the old categories and their devices. Historical start-up zeros are presented as an absence of supplement in the illustrative scenario, thus a total start equal to the operation. The inconsistent data of the heat pump is left to be entered. Capacity labels and powers remain to be confirmed on each device.

Practical next steps

  • Start with the priority needs and determine which devices actually work together. A zero amount excludes a line.
  • Raise the power absorbed: the cooking watts of a microwave are not necessarily its electricity consumption.
  • Check the required voltages and capabilities for each output. A total of watts does not show that a device can be connected.
  • Have the connection to the installation of the building validated by a qualified electrician and follow the instructions. Do not make any connections to the panel.
  • A battery station is not a combustion generator: check separately its output watts and Wh energy.

Limitations of the result

This watt estimate is not an electrical study and does not recommend a precise model. It does not calculate range, fuel, kWh, or circuit compatibility. The data in amperes or VA require a suitable interpretation: the tool does not automatically convert them into watts.

Real peaks, their duration, automatic restarts, inverter limitations, power factors and environmental conditions can change the dimensioning. The staggered mode is a scenario hypothesis, not a load management device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are there two results: continuous and peak?

A source must support operating loads and respond to peaks. An announced peak power does not replace continuous power; its permissible duration must also be appropriate.

Can I use the phased scenario without precaution?

No. It assumes that only one unit starts at a time. A refrigerator, pump and other automatic charges can restart together. Keep the scenario simultaneously if this management is not assured, then have the dimensioning validated.

The microwave is marked 800 W: what value to capture?

Check whether it is the cooking power or the electrical power absorbed. The calculation uses the latter, with the documented start-up requirements.

Do the voltages seized influence the calculation?

No. They are retained as verification information. The totals of watts do not constitute validation of a 120, 230 or 240 V output.

Does the result indicate how many hours the source will work?

No. Watts describe a power; autonomy requires other data, including energy capacity or fuel consumption and actual load durations.

Are my entries stored?

No. They stay in the browser and are deleted when reloading. Print or export your scenario to keep it.

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