You should figure out a worst case 'normal' load and then look more closely
at it. 200A service means 48kW can be pumped through the house, but this is
highly unrealistic. PG&E assumes a 200A house will burn no more than
15-20kW (I know this because I'm dealing with trying to get them to upgrade
my power pole transformer - I get a 'brownout' every time my on-demand hot
water heater and its 28kWmax kicks on). The biggest draws will be your
heating - space, stove and hot water. Your well is probably no more than
1000W, a modern fridge 700-1000.
So . . . the 6500 watt unit would probably be OK, without the cooking and
hot water (or A/C). With those, you'll need to check the ratings and size
up. Remember that you can turn off the A/C while cooking to reduce the peak
loads.
Write back with some info off the ratings plates on the heater, hot water
heater, and A/C unit and let's look at it again.
Mark Miller
> I want to buy a standby generator for my house. we were without power for
> about three weeks total last year, and I'd like to avoid that this year.
> so, I added up all the breakers in the breaker box, and started shopping.
>
> the house is all-electric (no gas stove or water heater) and water comes
> from a well, powered by an electric pump (so no power means basically that
> we have to move out). I want to power the whole house, like there was no
> interruption. if I'm going to have to spend, I'd at least like to do it
> once and do it right.
>
> I've basically been told a different requirement by each of the people
> I've seen/called. one guy told me I could get away with a 6500kW, while
> another told me no less than 40kW would do. the reason I shouldn't just
> use the breakers added up seems to be that in reality everything won't run
> at once (the lower rating peoples' story) or that starting amperage/power
> requirements are drastically higher than running requirements (the 40kW
> guy).
>
> now, I appreciate that when the a/c kicks on (or the fridge, etc.) it
> draws more power at first, however, it'd still trip the breaker if it
> out-drew it, even at start-up, right? and I really don't think (with my
> luck) that the appliances won't at least once kick on all at the same
> time, so the low end should be out as well.
>
> or am I nuts? ee was long time ago, and it was more theory anyway. I've
> since forgotten what the breakers added up to, but it is 200 amp service.
> anybody want to hazard a guess as to what size I should just cough up for
> an be done with it?
> thanks.
>
> scott
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