I'm getting sick and tired of loosing my power these days. Happened for 8 hours last night again and is getting to be way too common. So my question is what kind of wattage generator should I be looking for to run the few things I want to keep on, such as:

1. Refrigerator
2. Run the blower motor on my furnace (We have gas heat so the blower motor is really the only power using thing there)
3. Few lights and accesories.

I've seen them at Lowes anywhere from 1500 to 6000 watts. Does anyone have any idea how many watts I should be looking at for the few items I want to keep on?

Thanks all,

Dale

I just sent you an email. I hope it helps. I'll try and add it as an attachment too.

Tom

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HOW TO DETERMINE GENERATOR REQUIREMENTS

STEP #1: Identify the appliances and tools you consider essential and will use frequently.

STEP #2: Determine the wattage for each appliance and tool you plan to use frequently.

STEP #3: Total wattage for appliances and tools you frequently use = ____watts.

STEP #4: Identify motor and pump requirements from the motor HP chart below.

STEP #5: Calculate the wattage for each motor and pump you plan to use frequently.

STEP #6: Total wattage for motors and pumps you frequently use = ____watts.

STEP #7: Total wattage for appliances and tools and motors and pumps = ____watts.

STEP #8: Divide total wattage by 1000 to determine KW requirements ____KW.

STEP #9: Select a generator with a KW rating that approximates your needs ____KW.

ELECTRIC MOTOR WATTAGE REQUIREMENTS

Electric motors present special electrical startup considerations. They can require up to three (3) times their rated wattage to start. Example: An electric motor name plate states 5 amps at 120 volts or 5 amps x 120 volts = 600 watts. Multiplied by a factor of 3 illustrates a startup wattage requirement of 1800 watts (3 x 600 watts = 1800 watts). Some motor name plates will show starting watts as high as 9x times the running watts. Check the name plate to be sure. Always use starting watts, not running watts, when figuring correct electrical load requirements.

As a home back up, I would go no less then 5000 watts. That is what I have, and I have a secondary breaker panel wired up to wear I can choose what circuits I want to operate. That way, I can switch on my water well pump and get the system charged, then shut it off, and let my fridges and a couple room circuits run.

wow gents, THANK YOU very much!! This is just the info I was looking for. It appears I need to look at the 5000+ wattage generators after looking that list over. Thanks again, I really appreciate it... :D

JretTech ....

There's another way to look at this ...

Rather than buying a generator that is of no use to you 99% of the time ...

Why not consider a gas-powered or propane-powered welder ... like the Lincoln Ranger 8 ... it'll give you 8000 Watts of backup power when you need it ... and will be useful for backyard projects when the lights are on ...

Just a thought ...

Bill

:D

Now that's certainly a different way of looking at things... :D I like the way you think but have I just gone from approx. $1000 to $3000 with this idea???

You are getting some good info here, but don't forget if you are going to tie it into your house as a perm install the costs for the transfer switch and a electrician should be included.

You are getting some good info here, but don't forget if you are going to tie it into your house as a perm install the costs for the transfer switch and a electrician should be included.

I've got a neighbor who is an electrician/contractor who has helped me in the past wiring my basement. I'm sure he would help me with this too. It's nice to have friendly neighbors!!

Oh and by the way WELCOME to ClubTitan AkAirman!!!

Well ...

Looking at "new" ... a Ranger 8 prolly will be in the $2500 range ...

But ... since you have until the next power outage to find one ... lol ... I've seen them in the paper with less than 40 hours for $1500 ...

And ... for a competent person ... you don't necessarliy have to go with the automated transfer switch ....

The way mine works is this ...

I installed a 50 amp 240V outlet ... that can be used for electric welders ... etc ...

I use a flexible cord between the power output of the welder and this outlet / receptcle ...

In a blackout ... I kill the main ... that prevents me from trying to power the neighborhood ... or putting workmen's lives in jeprody in a blackout ...

Then I throw (close) the 50 Amp breaker and backfeed the house through this breaker ...

That provides overcurrent protection to the generator ...

When power is restored ... open the 50 Amp breaker and close the main ... that simple ...

I bet Hotlanta just isn't the same with the Gold Club closed ...

:D

Now that's using your noodle......I'm impressed and will probably be bugging you some day to get more details. I'll have to see what I can find used and see if this all will work out because I would LOVE to have a welder too. Thanks for the excellent advice and tips.

Can we not talk about the GoldClub.. :cry: :lol:

Now that's using your noodle......I'm impressed and will probably be bugging you some day to get more details.

Any time ....

Can we not talk about the GoldClub.. :cry: :lol:

Sorry about your loss ....

That was some USDA Grade A Prime meat ...

Unlike Cheetah ...

:D

Please......a moment of silence in rememberance..... :cry:

I set up my generator the same as Bill_N did. It works well. Just be sure you pull the main breaker first. I also turn off the high current breakers, such as for my drier, A/C units, etc. I have two small neon lamps (from Radio Shack) connected to my incoming lines. They glow when the regular power is on. That way I know when the power is restored.
I live on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Hurricanes are common here, and my generator has really been good to have.

JT, I forgot to ask in the previous message - Are you having fun with all the ice? :roll:

Funny part about my set up. Since I completed it, (second box and remote hook up) I have not had a power outage in about 2 years!

I put in a 20kw Generac for my parents (who are 73) a couple of years ago ...

Buried a 1000 gallon propnae tank ... and piped it all in ...

Set a 200 AMP automatic transfer switch ... and installed an ammeter on each phase so the he could monitor load ....

Great System ...

Cranks up for 20 minutes every week ... own it's on ... called "exercising" ....

When the grid goes down ... it waits 30 seconds for restoration ... if it doens't happen ... it cranks the generator and throws the transfer switch ...

Counting my labor at a value of "0" ... which most folks do ... lol ... it was about a $10K proposition ...

But my Dad's view on it .... "It's the best money that I've ever spent !"

He didn't want my mom put in a position of having to remember/figure out which switches to throw and in what order ...

:D

JT, I forgot to ask in the previous message - Are you having fun with all the ice? :roll:

Thankfully most of it's gone now. I think it's supposed to be in the low 50's tomorrow and sunny :) I still wish I lived further south, anything below 70 is cold to me.... :lol:

I bet Hotlanta just isn't the same with the Gold Club closed ...

:D

No it sure isn't but my bank account sure likes not being abused so much. :D

I liked the bouncers ....

You could leave there with a pretty good idea of what a gorilla would look like in a 3 piece suit ...

:D

JetTech,

I ran a dedicated 220 outlet to my garage, I forget the current rating, it was at my last home. I too just threw the main to off like some of the others here, plugged the generator in, then flipped the switch on the dedicated 220.

I couldn't run everything at once, but was able to run lights and tv constantly, also 2 small furnace blowers. I switched back and forth between major loads like a well pump, septic pump. electric water heater, and fridge. I got along fine.

Hooking into an outlet and then to the fusebox is not code since human error could be very dangerous, but it worked for me.

I bought a coleman generator for 600 dollars at Sam's Club a few years ago. It is 5,000 watts or a bit more.

That type of generator was a good choice for me.

Chief

Thanks Chief for the tip. I'm amazed at how many responses I got from this thread. It's nice to know I can come here with a question and get so many great ideas and feedback. I'm really appreciative of everyones input and will let you all know what I get. Thanks again.. :)

No Thanks Needed JetTech,

Just post any/all Mods,Tests,Dynos Performed.

8O 8O 8O

:lol:

Chief

A welder will last you a lifetime. A cheap generator will probably last about 400 hours. If you only need back up power for a few hours a month or year then it will be hard to justify an extra $1900 or so to get the welder. The welder is more usefull but also has more requirements, such as a welding hood, rods, welding classes, upgrading to a wire feeder or spool gun. To outfit the welder to do what you want may add several thousand dollars more. The welder will cost more to operate also as most 5000-8000 watt generators have a single cylinder engine between 5-10 hp. Most welders will have a two cylinder 13-18 hp engine. A welder will take up more room to store when not in use and will take up more of your free time as it will create projects for you. How many of your buddies dont have something broken that needs welded or a bumper they always talk about making for their off roader. 8)

Those are all good points Chris, and thanks for the input. I probably wouldn't use a welder all that much but if I did have one I know I would find something to weld... :lol:

May be cheaper to look at a generator and a seperate 240 volt welder for your garage. Finding something to weld is usually not too hard, but I would strongly advise a few classes and some practice before any big projects. How many times have you heard someone say "My welds aren't pretty but they always hold"? These guys scare the heck out of me. A weld isn't pretty for cosmetic reasons its pretty because its done right. Just my .02 8)

May be cheaper to look at a generator and a seperate 240 volt welder for your garage. Finding something to weld is usually not too hard, but I would strongly advise a few classes and some practice before any big projects. How many times have you heard someone say "My welds aren't pretty but they always hold"? These guys scare the heck out of me. A weld isn't pretty for cosmetic reasons its pretty because its done right. Just my .02 8)

True ...

And I can't tell you how many "pretty" welds ... can't pass a bend test or an X-ray ...

:D

It all comes down to penetration. :twisted:

It all comes down to penetration. :twisted:

Dang !!

You're starting to sound like my wife !!

:D

It all comes down to penetration. :twisted:

Dang !!

You're starting to sound like my wife !!

:D

Sounds like you are one lucky man!!! 8)

Chief

I was "lucky" 20 years ago ...

Today ... I'm simply annoyed ...

:D

I was "lucky" 20 years ago ...

Today ... I'm simply annoyed ...

:D

http://home.comcast.net/~billsxll/wsb/media/213368/site1033.gif
What makes this funny, is I know what he means!!!!!