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What size generator do i need?

I have a Sta-rite Deep Well water pump that pulls 19.92-96 Amps and .75 Kw and 240 Volts. I need to buy a generator for when the lights go out. What is the smallest generator that I need to buy.

Update:

that is just under 20 amps and .75 Kw. I have been looking at any where from 4000 watts to 6000 watts. and the generators that I am looking at are propane ran and not gas.

Update 2:

With a 20 to 30 amp output for the 220-240 plug.

4 Answers

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  • Irv S
    Lv 7
    9 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    Back up there a bit Chris.

    0.75 KVA @ 240V. , works out to about 3.A., and is a bit weak for a deep well pump.

    7.5 KVA works out to about 31 A. and doesn't meet your numbers, (~20A.), either,

    though it might draw that if very lightly loaded.

    At any rate, motors draw a 'starting inrush' current of more than twice their running current.

    If that is a 7.5 KVA Motor, you're going to need a 15 KVA 'instantaneous rated' generator to start it.

    Since other than starting the pump that 7 KVA 'headroom' goes to waste, you can also

    run the 'fridge and a few other things, just don't start them all at once.

    BTW Propane stores a lot better than gas, and if you don't have Agricultural gas,

    is a LOT cheaper for the energy burned.

    (You need to 'execise' that genny every week or so if you expect it to work when you need it.)

    Source(s): Retired Electrical Consultant (Brother has home with well pump on 15 KVA genny. - Works fine.)
  • Anonymous
    9 years ago

    It boils down to the idea that you can only run about 2 things at one time...Gulf coast hurricanes..

    Unless you can afford a generator that runs on Natural gas, gas line..

  • ?
    Lv 5
    9 years ago

    You could get by with a 5 KW, but a 10 KW would allow you to live in a more comfortable situation when the power goes out for several days in a row.

  • ?
    Lv 5
    9 years ago

    You need to give us better information. The pump works on 240 volts. What amperage does it use? 19.95? 96? Any of those would be wrong if it is .75 Kw.

    OK with the new information it is better. 20 amps at 240 volts would be 4.8 Kw. So I think the 20 amps is for the starting current for the pump and the .75 Kw is what it uses when it is running. So you will be fine with the 6000 watt one but not with the 4000 watt one. You can use quite a lot of lights then.

    Be prepared to see your lights dim a little when the pump comes on. This will happen, when the pump comes on, there's a sudden draw on the generator and it takes a few seconds for it to catch up. It is normal, unless you get a really big generator. But that would be very inefficient.

    Source(s): electrician
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