Another Generator guestion

[Cottonhawk]

We have a Onan 20 kw whole house propane generator supplied by a 500 gal propane tank. This generator is set up to operate automatically when the power goes out and shut off when the power comes back. Very nice set up.

Cotton

 

[dmccarty]

When I was trying to figure out if the DR generator would work with our well pump I spent alot of time trying to figure out the pump HP and how much power it needed.

Then the old CFL light bulb slowly turned on and got bright.

I just checked the circuit breaker and our well pump is on 20 amps. Figured if the generator can produce 30 amps of power then it should run the well.

The real question is why did it take me so long to go check the panel to figure out the power requirements.....

Later,
dan

 

[firefighter9208]

If you'll look in a North Tool catalog they have a handy chart that shows the power requirements of most items. Including the start up wattage and running wattage.

Or just look at it here online : Portable + Emergency Generators Buyer's Guide - Generator Wattage Chart | Northern Tool + Equipment .

BTW, we have a Generac 5500W/8500 Surge that we use during power outages. I backfeed through a 30 AMP breaker into the breaker 200 Amp box. I cut off the main breaker and all 220 breakers and fire up the generator. I do have to manage the refrigerators (we have 2) and freezer so that they don't all come on at the sime time, but it works well.

Most of it's use has been building barns and fences. I used it to run a battery charger the other day to charge the battery on a borrowed trencher. I had parked the trencher further from the shop than I had an extension cord and the generator needed to run anyway. I've had it 5 or 6 years and I have never had a problem with it starting. I cut off the gas and let it run out each time I use it. It'll start on the 2nd pull when I can remember to turn it on and turn on the gas before trying.

Chris

 

[MossRoad]

When I was trying to figure out if the DR generator would work with our well pump I spent alot of time trying to figure out the pump HP and how much power it needed.

Then the old CFL light bulb slowly turned on and got bright.

I just checked the circuit breaker and our well pump is on 20 amps. Figured if the generator can produce 30 amps of power then it should run the well.

The real question is why did it take me so long to go check the panel to figure out the power requirements.....

Later,
dan

Is that 120V or 220V?

Our well is on a 15A 220V breaker. Our generator is rated at 30A 120V or 15A 220V.

 

[Doc_Bob]

If you'll look in a North Tool catalog they have a handy chart that shows the power requirements of most items. Including the start up wattage and running wattage.

Or just look at it here online : Portable + Emergency Generators Buyer's Guide - Generator Wattage Chart | Northern Tool + Equipment .

I am going to the URL right now.
Thanks, Bob

 

[groundcover]

Some good safety points:Portable Generator Hazards

Back feeding without a disconnect/interlock is bad medicine, utility will shut you down if they catch you. Not that I haven't done it but I am legal now and feel a lot better about it.

Went with something like this: RELIANCE CONTROLS Indoor 200 Amp Transfer Panel: Compare Prices, View Price History and Read Reviews at NexTag

Real simple ,still back feeds but you can't accidently power up the grid!

 

[jinjimbob]

I have a 30 Amp generator right now, but I want to install a 50 Amp manual transfer switch with a 50 Amp socket. (Socket Link Reliance Controls PB50 - 50-Amp (4-Prong) Power Inlet Box ) , for when I buy a larger generator in the future.

The 30 Amp generator (7500 Watts max) has a socket style of L14-30R, which has a single ground (earth), single neutral, and dual lives (hot), for both 110VAC circuits.

I assume that the CS6364\5 50 Amp sockets also have the same number and type of connections. Can I make a temp cable myself with the 30A - 50A combo cable? A 30A generator into a 50A hook up? Unless they sell these?

 

[Travelover]

............ Can I make a temp cable myself with the 30A - 50A combo cable? A 30A generator into a 50A hook up? Unless they sell these?

Sure you can make one, but you may be surprised at the cost of the components.

 

[BobRip]

Good point on depth of well taking more power to get all that water moving. My well is in the 175-200ft deep range and it only has a 1/3 hp motor on it. I have been looking at a 6500 watt generator.. so I should be all set. I tried to go with a smaller 3000 watt inverter type... but if the refrigerator/ well pump and a few lights are on at the same time... then that is over the limit, especially for startup.

Mine is new and I have been monitoring it, runs about 30% of the time.. which helps. It is the startup current in the fridge that is killer, running current is not too bad.
I was looking at the Honda Inverter model, it is enclosed and has very low dB (59) rating, clean power, fuel efficient and is very tempting... just not the $3800 price tag.

With only a 1/3 HP well pump you should be fine. Mine is over 1hp.

On the fridge the other high load is the defrost. It can pull 900 watts or so. I thought about bypassing that during power outages, but never did. It seems a shame to melt ice when you are short on power. Of course too much ice is not good either.

 

[dmccarty]

Is that 120V or 220V?

Our well is on a 15A 220V breaker. Our generator is rated at 30A 120V or 15A 220V.

The well is on a "big" breaker that was 20 Amps. I *** THINK *** the well breaker is on 220v. The generator is on a 30 Amp "big" breaker as well. From the talk with the electrician he setup the generator plug to supply 220v.

The generator is rated at 30Amps at 250 VAC so I think I am ok.

Later,
Dan