Generator Guide
Backup Power, Generator Safety & Home Energy Basics
A practical guide to understanding generator power, household energy usage, AVR technology and why safe installation matters.
Important Safety Notice
The following information is provided for general guidance and awareness purposes only. Always consult a qualified electrician, technician or energy professional before making decisions related to electrical systems, power usage or home generator installations. Specific needs and conditions may vary.
1,000W
Equals 1.0 kilowatt
4,200kWh
Approximate annual household usage in Ireland
11.5kWh
Approximate average daily household usage
How Many Watts Are in a Kilowatt?
1,000 watts, or W, equals 1.0 kilowatt, or kW.
This is useful when comparing generator sizes, appliance requirements and the amount of power needed for different jobs or household items.
How Much Electricity Does a House Use in Ireland?
According to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, the average Irish household uses approximately 4,200 kilowatt-hours, or kWh, per year. This works out at roughly 11.5kWh per day.
Actual usage can vary depending on the size of the home, number of occupants, heating systems, appliances and daily routines.
Can I Connect a Generator Directly to My House?
No. You should never plug a generator directly into household wiring without the correct equipment. To power your home safely, you will need a transfer switch installed by a qualified electrician.
A transfer switch helps ensure:
- No back-feeding into the grid, helping protect utility workers.
- Safe switching between mains power and generator power.
- Compliance with Irish electrical regulations.
What Is AVR?
AVR stands for Automatic Voltage Regulation. It is a feature found in many generators that helps keep output voltage stable, even when the electrical load changes.
Protects Equipment
AVR helps protect tools, appliances and electronics from voltage spikes or drops.
Stable Performance
Stable voltage helps prevent flickering lights and poor performance from connected equipment.
Better for Sensitive Devices
Laptops, routers, TVs and similar devices benefit from smoother, more consistent generator output.
Reduces Wear & Tear
Less electrical stress on connected equipment can help support a longer lifespan for electronics and appliances.
Why Consider a Backup Generator?
In recent years, Ireland has faced more intense storms and weather-related disruption. During Storm Éowyn, over 768,000 homes lost power, while Storm Barra in December 2021 affected nearly 59,000 homes.
These events highlight the growing need for reliable backup power for homes, farms, workshops, offices and businesses.
Reasons to Consider Backup Power
Continuous Operations
Helps prevent downtime in shops, offices, farms, workshops and other business settings.
Damage Avoidance
Helps protect freezers, alarms, electronics and other important equipment during power outages.
Peace of Mind
Particularly important for vulnerable users, medical equipment or essential home and business systems.
Need Help Choosing the Right Generator?
Daly Industrial Supply can help you explore generator options based on your power requirements, usage needs and application.
Call 021 450 0051 or email sales@disc.ie.
What should you consider before buying a generator:
| Electrical Equipment | Approximate Wattage |
|---|---|
| Air Con 1hp | 2500 |
| Angle Grinder 125mm | 1100 |
| Angle Grinder 230mm | 2200 |
| Belt Sander | 1100 |
| Cement Mixer (Small) | 1500 |
| Central Heating Pump | 800 |
| Chain Saw | 1600 |
| Concrete Poker | 2500 |
| Cooker | 12,000 (minimum) |
| Computer and VDU | 700 |
| Coffee Machine | 1300 |
| Dehumidifier | 3000 |
| Deep Freeze | 1500 |
| Demolition Breaker | 2400 |
| Dish Washer | 2000 - 3000 |
| Fan Heater 2 Bar | 2000 |
| Fax Machine | 600 |
| Flood Light TH | 500 |
| Flood Light MH | 1000 |
| Fluorescent Tube | 60 |
| Floor Sander (200mm) | 2000 |
| Food Mixer | 500 |
| Fridge | 700 - 1000 |
| Hair dryer | 1500 - 2300 |
| Hair Straighteners | 150 |
| Hammer Drill | 1000 |
| Hedge Trimmer | 600 |
| Hi-Fi | 300 |
| Hot Air Gun | 3000 |
| Iron | 1000 |
| Iron (Steam) | 2200 |
| Jig Saw | 600 |
| Kettle | 2500 - 3000 |
| Lawn Mower | 600 - 1200 |
| Lawn Raker | 500 |
| Light Bulb (Domestic Std) | 25 - 100 |
| Micro Wave 900W | 1500 |
| Orbital Sander | 500 |
| Planer | 1000 |
| Power Drill | 500 - 900 |
| Power Float | 1500 |
| Photocopier | 1600 |
| Pressure Washer | 3000 - 6000 |
| Printer | 400 |
| Radiator (Oil Filled) | 1000 - 2000 |
| Router | 1600 - 1900 |
| Saw (Chain) | 1500 |
| Saw 250mm (Masonry) | 4000 |
| Saw (Mitre) | 1600 |
| SAT / Cable TV Receiver | 25 |
| Strimmer | 500 |
| Television | 200 |
| Toaster | 1050 - 1500 |
| Treadmill (Domestic) | 2300 |
| Tumble Dryer | 2500 |
| Vacuum Cleaner | 1000 - 1300 |
| Washing Machine | 4000 |
| Water Heater | 3000 |
What appliances use the most electricity?
POPULAR HOME GENERATORS
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