Generator questions - how many kW?

[MO Will]

With all the power outages in the midwest we are thinking of getting a generator

As I am out of town alot it will probably have to be one with an automatic transfer switch with a hookup to our natural gas line

So the question is - how many kilowatts are necessary for a typical setup. I don't think it is necessary to be able to cover everything in the house but it would be nice to cover the fishtank, furnace fan, AC, refrigerators, etc

My tank has 1 x 250 watt MH, 2 x 96 watt PC, mag 7 return, protein skimmer, heaters, powerheads etc

Thanks in advance - getting an estimate today and tomorrow

Will

 

[HornetMech242]

Add the power demand for everything. They will have the power usage on a sticker on the back of the device. If it gives it to you in amps then take the amperage and multiply it by the input voltage. After you get the power requirements then add a 10% safety margine. Based on that, shop for the generator that will supply that much power.

 

[rush07]

I am getting one today also. I am getting a 5000W unit. Should be plenty so that once the tanks are covered I can plug in a heater for the family to use.

 

[PatMayo]

I used a little 2 KW Honda this winter for 4 days. It ran all of my tank except for the metal halide lights. All pumps and the skimmer and the heaters. I have 2 350 watt heaters in the sump. In addition it ran the refrigerator, a light downstairs, both alarm clocks in the upstairs bedroom and a light in the master bed and bathroom. It also ran the coffee pot. Things did brown out a bit then the tank heaters kicked on but I tried only to use what I needed.

If we lost power more often around here I would buy the self contained type and it would be a 15K unit. With 15 KW I can just about run the whole house. If I watched it I could probably even run my hot tub.

I looked at it real close but couldn't justify the $7000.00 price tag. This was for an autostart model and self testing model.

After our power outages I saw 17KW portables on sale at Home Depot for $1200.00. Problem is I don't know how they call them portable, they weigh about 450 pounds. Can you imagine hauling that thing around?

I'm going to stick with my super quiet honda. If I need more juice I can hook two up in tandem.

Anyway, as others said, add up the watts you want to power and then look at the start watts required for some like the frig.

Regards.

Pat

 

[MO Will]

Thanks for the replies.

We are looking at a 10kw or 15 kW autostart unit. The electrician is most concerned about what it might take to start the AC. I will try to do more research on the system components/electircal needs and post back.

Thanks

Will