Surge Wattage for PTAC Unit?

[anojones]

So, I'm trying to figure out my needs for a potential power outtage, my home is completely electric (house is electric heat pump). I have a small studio in the barn which is heated with a PTAC (thru the wall motel ac/heater). Given the amount of power needed to heat the main house, we'll just move into the studio for a power outtage. My plan at this point is a gasoline portable generator, will make an extension cord for the PTAC (it plugs into an outlet now) and run a couple of 120V extension cords for other stuff. Will have to haul water as the well pump is on the main house panel. My question is the PTAC- it's a heat pump with about a 1500W running but has a 5KW auxillary heater which is what would be most likely running. Rule of thumb suggests 3X running load for startup, but this wouldn't apply to the auxillary heater would it (resistive load)? I'm hoping I can get a genny in the 6500-7500 W range to run stuff- any idea if I'd need moore than the 5000W for the PTAC unit?

 

[tommu56]

With the restive heat there wouldn't be any in rush but you will be sucking some fuel in the generator at 5000w for the element.

It might be better to run the heat pump in the main but i'm not sure of the size
Wouldn't you want to keep the pipes and and other stuff in the house from freezing?

tom

 

[anojones]

Thanks- I'd love to run the whole house, but with the central heat pump and the amount wattage needed to run the emergency heat is just too much- I'd need a big 15KW standby generator. Our power outtages are infrequent and usually short, but I would like to have some sort of back-up plan and a portable could be used for other projects as needed.