Might not be in the right folder, but I do see other generator posts here...
I would like to get something for backup power. House has a transfer switch, and wiring to the outside of the house already. I just lack a generator.
I'd like to run one of those 2kW invertors; smaller so they store easier; less gas burn too. Nothing in my house runs on 240, so if I wire up the cord myself I should be able to run both legs to the generator, if it's 120 only. [Don't like the idea, but it seems possible to me.]
Only thing is, I want to run fridge, furnace and well pump. I have not measured startup on the fridge; but it's 25 years old now, and makes noise... Furnace motor says 115V, 2A, 1/7hp -- but it's motor code T, which means it draws upwards of 40A on startup! That's 4.7kW right there (very reactive too). [Haven't found the paperwork on the well pump yet.]
I'm guessing that means I need one of those loud 5.5kW jobs. Yes/no? or might the Honeywell controller on the motor have some capacitor-start on it that reduces the startup surge?
[It's a shame that one can't have a generator outfitted to their car somehow--that always has fresh gas, and a motor big enough to start anything in the house. Or at least something that could go onto the lawn tractor. I only need a generator every couple of years--but when you need one, you need one...]
I would like to get something for backup power. House has a transfer switch, and wiring to the outside of the house already. I just lack a generator.
I'd like to run one of those 2kW invertors; smaller so they store easier; less gas burn too. Nothing in my house runs on 240, so if I wire up the cord myself I should be able to run both legs to the generator, if it's 120 only. [Don't like the idea, but it seems possible to me.]
Only thing is, I want to run fridge, furnace and well pump. I have not measured startup on the fridge; but it's 25 years old now, and makes noise... Furnace motor says 115V, 2A, 1/7hp -- but it's motor code T, which means it draws upwards of 40A on startup! That's 4.7kW right there (very reactive too). [Haven't found the paperwork on the well pump yet.]
I'm guessing that means I need one of those loud 5.5kW jobs. Yes/no? or might the Honeywell controller on the motor have some capacitor-start on it that reduces the startup surge?
[It's a shame that one can't have a generator outfitted to their car somehow--that always has fresh gas, and a motor big enough to start anything in the house. Or at least something that could go onto the lawn tractor. I only need a generator every couple of years--but when you need one, you need one...]