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REALLY small PTO generator
Well, let's be a little careful here. The question is whether an under-powered generator setup is bomb proof and if not do you want to run a risk. I'd take a careful look at eny electric motors run, what there start up surge requirements are and what's the potential for them starting at the same time. In thinking about risks, it's good to keep in mind that people don't think the same during power failures; the generator may not always be attended and people other than yourself may turn things on and off.
The risk is that if a load lugs the engine the AC frequency falls off and power draw increases. There's a chance that the load wouldn't pop a circuit breakers nor be enough to kill the tractor engine. In that circumstance, an electric motor could burn up.
Probably not a huge potential for that happening but it might be good to think whether you want to protect yourself against any potential. Smaller main breakers or a separate disconnect would provide protection. On the other hand, a large generator reduces the chance of inadvertently running a generator for prolonged periods in its peak rather than continuous power range, and that's a plus.
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REALLY small PTO generator
Sounds like we may have similar systems. I used a 60A-generator panel that runs as a branch circuit from a 200A-combination service panel. I installed the new service and panels so I had to rewire the branch circuits anyway. The 60A panel was cheaper than a 200A-transfer switch so I just wired most of the existing wiring on the generator panel.
I too distributed circuits that supply motors across the both phases. I put an electric water heater and stove on the generator, but the dryer a few new basement circuits and out buildings are on the main panel. I figured it might be nice to have a hot shower during a long outage but I do have to remember to shut off the water heater as part of switching to generator. My wife wrote herself a 'how to' note.
The generator feed to the panel is about 100' and I used 10-gauge wire rated for 30A. The generator mains are 22.5A so it meets codes for long runs, but barely. It's adequate but larger feed wiring may provide better surge capacity, and that's about the only thing I'd do differently. In my case the generator mains rather than the panel breaker provides protection but I could still ruin the generator by prolonged operation above its continuous power rating. I know when the generator is into its peak range because it surges against its governor.
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