Posted: 12/18/2008 9:12:52 AM EDT
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How do I figure out what size Generator I need for- a- starting & running a boiler ( i have radiator heat) b.- A fridge c.-TV What do I need to get those thing going during a power outage... Now I have been told that if I shut my breakers down then just connect a chord to an out let from the generator I could back feed the power..! This sounds dangerous- Yes/no? Thanks Also- I am looking at the SUper Quiet HONDA 2000-3000watts with a built in 30amp circuit... |
| looks like you found the other thread. iirc, a link to northern tool is posted in that thread, the link goes to northern tool's info on sizing generators and they give a list of what the average appliance, heater, etc. uses power wise. most appliances will state on them what they use and/or you can buy a killawatt meter and individually check each item. just remember w/ many appliances, fridge, heater, etc. there is a running wattage and a start up wattage, so size your generator accordingly. |
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Quoted:
1st- How do I figure out what size Generator I need for- a- starting & running a boiler ( i have radiator heat) b.- A fridge c.-TV What do I need to get those thing going during a power outage... Now I have been told that if I shut my breakers down then just connect a chord to an out let from the generator I could back feed the power..! This sounds dangerous- Yes/no? Thanks Also- I am looking at the SUper Quiet HONDA 2000-3000watts with a built in 30amp circuit... You need to disconnect completely from the main supply in some manner. In my old house, I had one switch that would accomplish this. At my GF's I haven't quite figured this out yes, as she doesn't have just one switch - i fear there is no way to completely disconnect, so will have to put in a separate panel. Another safety issue is that if you aren't disconnected from the main power coming into the house, you are attempting to power the entire grid with your genny - and could pose a dangerous situation to the guys on the pole attempting to restore power. If you can disconnect from the main supply (the wire coming in from the outside or pole), you can backfeed into an outlet, but ... you knew there had to be a "but", right? - but... you will only get 120V on part of the house, depending on what "side" of the 240V feed that outlet is on. The only way around that would be to feed the 240 output from the generator into the dryer (if it's 240) or some other 240V outlet, if the genny has 240V. Clear as mud, I'm sure. Best bet would be to spend a little cash and have a transfer switch put in by an electrician, telling him what you want powered, and he can figure out which circuits the Fridge, etc are on and wire them to the transfer panel. That way when you need the genny, you throw the transfer switch, plug in the genny (if it isn't hardwired) and start it up. When the power comes back, you'll know because the lights will come on in the house in a dark room and you can throw the transfer switch back ... and shut the genny down. |
| Judging by the small load you are talking about, a Honda 2200 should be great for your needs. Your boiler and circulators won't take up very much power (probably around 4-9A depending on manufacturer and # of zones), the only problem is wiring the honey in. Do you have any wiring experience? The fridge and TV are easy, as you can run a couple extension cords in for those. I know how to do an emergency hookup for the boiler, but something code legal is tricky. How permanent do you want the install to be? |
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Just so you know or someone else reads this thread, its a very good idea to figure your need based on wattage demand including start-up spikes and at 50% your generators capacity to not only save on fuel but prolong generator life.
Here's a great site to get an idea of how much wattage household things use. Yamaha Generator Sizing Chart If you don't know how much power a certain product uses, it can be determined by using a Watt Meter. These have come way down in price over the years so very affordable now. There are two major types, inline and split core. Inline, you simply plug it in then plug the appliance into it. Split core, has a splt core CT which kind of like a round large pliar that you open around the wire. Its not obtrusive and obviously a better option for items permanently wired. If I had to name the two things most people miss on generator sizing, its spike start up requirements and fuel consumption. When any motor turns on or off it can require twice the wattage. If they gen can't handle this then todays gens will shutdown and simply not work. Its very important that when buying a gen you understand what the gen is rated at continuous and surge. Some generator manufactures, like Yamaha, have very innovative ways of upping that surge rating. They use the starter battery to handle additional surge. A generator is only as good as long as you have fuel. I can't tell you how many people I saw in FL after a hurricane that their gens set there not running as their food spoiled. Most generator manufacturers rate fuel consumption at a given wattage typically 50%. Its not a good idea to figure your fuel consumption at 50% then expect the same at 80%. Generators are like the alternators in your cars. The more power required the harder they are to turn and more fuel they will consume. If you look hard enough, most of the major brands there are sites on the net here and there that will give you fuel consumption at various power demands. If you can't find it, then you can use a similar generator motor size and get close. Tj |