I am looking for a generator, for power outages.Mainly to run my well pump and fridg. How do I know what size to buy.

First you have to make a list of all the amperages the items you want to run are.
Any of the major generator companys should have an aid on there web site to help you chose one.
I was using a 5000 amp. generator with a transfure switch in the house to run all my lights, ref. well pump.
Main conceren is safety. Never just back feed a generator, never run one in a garage or near a window or door.
If you do not use an interloc or transfure switch panel your going to be stuck with extention cords all over the house.

Thanks.

Once again methinks we are talking about watts here. Watts Law. Voltage Xs amps = watts. IE, 120 volts [normal home voltage] times say .5 amp equals 60 watts. As in a rather average incandescent lite bulb...
Remembering Ohm's Law as well amperage, is dependent on voltage being divided by resistance.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: CommonwealthSparky,

I was gonna say "5000 amps! The main electrical panel for my whole building is only 600 amps."

I expect places like Harbour Freight would sell generators made in China cheap.

Maybe Joe just "blew a fuse" and his breaker tripped...i could not resist That's resist, not resistance

quote:

Originally posted by tstex:
Maybe Joe just "blew a fuse" and his breaker tripped...i could not resist That's resist, not resistance

Let me guess, you will be here all week and don't forget to tip the waitress's !!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Nestor:
I was gonna say "5000 amps! The main electrical panel for my whole building is only 600 amps."

I expect places like Harbour Freight would sell generators made in China cheap.

HF sells everything cheap. Just don't depend on living off its performance.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: CommonwealthSparky,

"don't forget to tip your server, I'll be here 5 to 10 with good behavior."

HF's little 900 watt generator gets rave reviews as an emergency power source for ham radio operators.

it will NOT run a furnace, nor the fridge and freezer, it takes 2-cycle mixed gas, and that's a 4-hour gas tank on it close to full power.

all generators have good and bad features. myself, if I would finally get permission from the better half for one, would get something in the 7000 watt category (continuous rating) so I could run the two freezers, fridge, and furnace at a minimum. it would also run a simple TV. if you unplug most everything else, you could cook on the range.

it would be 4 cycle or Diesel, and I'd get 5 or 6 oil filters and a case of oil at the same time, along with the transfer panel. understand that "for your protection," generators now generally have a mechanical kill switch that cuts them off after about 100 hours, so you can change oil and filter.

I'd have the panel professionally wired and inspected, with a Twist-Loc feedthrough bulkheaded through the basement wall.

you need to periodically run them so they don't seize up and become anchors.

that is not an impulse purchase.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: swschrad,