Posted: 7/28/2012 1:50:05 PM EDT
| Will a generator rated at 3200W, 4000W max be sufficient to power a 115V 8.5A 1/2hp well pump for short periods (<30 mins), or run a refrigerator for an hour or two periodically? I can live without electricity, but not without water. My well pump is electric. I imagine running a refrigerator for brief periods would keep the food OK as long as you don't open the door. This isn't an end of the world thing, just for outages due to storms or whatever. Less than a week. Usually less than a day. |
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I would say maybe. Depends on how big the HP of the pump is and a few other factors.
My mom's house had a 300 ft deep well. She could run the well pump with a 4500 watt generator with some power to spare. The biggest issue is not the running of the pump. It's the starting of the pump. |
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From looking at gen sets recently - observation only - was that the 5500 and up gens had a 220 plug.. anything small only had 110..
Per the US Gov - a fridge will last 4 hrs if you dont open the door.. A deep freeze will last 24 to 48 hrs (longer when full) if you wont open the door.. I am confused though on which the freezer on the fridge is... Brian |
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I have a Harbor freight 3200 running watt 4000 max Generator. It runs my 1hp submersible. It's a big load. When you plug in the pump the generator bogs down a little. Maybe for 15 seconds then evens out. Once the pump fully starts it runs fine. I have run it for 30-45 minutes at a time.
3200 watts is almost not enough These are the smallest generators that have a 220v outlet. |
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I would say maybe. Depends on how big the HP of the pump is and a few other factors. Yep. Nearly impossible to say without knowing more about your pump and how it's installed. I just looked at the pump, and it's actually 115V, 1/2hp, 8.5A (Max 11A). It's hardwired to it's own fusebox, with a switch. I can always add a plug to use a generator. The pump and compression tank are in the basement, next to the well. I'll correct the OP. |
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I would say maybe. Depends on how big the HP of the pump is and a few other factors. Yep. Nearly impossible to say without knowing more about your pump and how it's installed. I just looked at the pump, and it's actually 115V, 1/2hp, 8.5A (Max 11A). It's hardwired to it's own fusebox, with a switch. I can always add a plug to use a generator. The pump and compression tank are in the basement, next to the well. I'll correct the OP. what size breaker is the pump hung off of? ar-jedi |
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I just looked at the pump, and it's actually 115V, 1/2hp, 8.5A (Max 11A). That's not a terribly large pump. 11 amps at 115 volts is just a tad less than 1300 watts. Even if the pump had a 300% startup surge, it would still draw less than 3800 watts. Sounds doable. |
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I just looked at the pump, and it's actually 115V, 1/2hp, 8.5A (Max 11A). That's not a terribly large pump. 11 amps at 115 volts is just a tad less than 1300 watts. Even if the pump had a 300% startup surge, it would still draw less than 3800 watts. Sounds doable. If it says 'Max 11A' on it... I'm thinking that's it's startup load. They wouldn't put that on the pump if it was actually going to draw more. Though I'd take the above comment... unless it's hooked up to a 40amp breaker, you should be fine. And my guess is it's hooked up to a 20. |
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I'd say that if your genny is durable, your setup will work just fine based on what you've told us. It should also run your fridge or freezer just fine too - maybe both at the same time. let us know when you try it. I will let you know, may be in the fall though. Getting married in Sept, then archery season (want to get two in the freezer early). I know I will need to test drive it before Thanksgiving, just looking ahead. Thanks for the input from everyone. This sub-forum has some of the most helpful, insightful, and least judgmental members. |