Jeff
Add up the wattage requirement of the appliances you would like to operate to get an idea of the size generator you will need. On your pumps look at the wattage rating plate on the motor. If it is listed as amps multiply the amp rating by voltage to convert to watts(ex. 8.3 amps x 120v= 996 watts). For lights a 100 watt fixture uses 100 watts. For all motor driven appliances you must multiply by a factor of 2 to allow for start-up current. For example a sump pump rated at 10 amps(1200 watts at 120v) would need a minimum of 2400 watts of current to start. Add everthing up and you would arive at a minimum (assuming all were on at once) wattage needed to get by.
As far as transfer switches go you may be able to get by without one but the guy working on the power line to restore your power may be killed or seriously injured by power backfeeding from your generator out to the service line from your home. You really should have a transfer switch installed. If not don't start up your generator without first pulling the power meter out of its socket. And don't put it back in untill you turn the generator off.

There is some really good information to be had at:
www.gen-tran.com

You can buy their equipment at Home Depot as well as generators.
Walt

Reply

Quote Reply

Digg It

Del.icio.us