theo125
New member
You guys have come through for me on other issues so here goes.
I want to purchase a cheap generator . We lose power a few times during the winter and was wondering if a 4000 watt would run a furnace and refrigerator? Also I have looked at some models that have a separate 4 prong outlet. What is that for? If that outlet is not on the unit can it still be wired into my fusebox so I can plug it to the generator during an outage? Kind of confused.
Any feedback/recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks Guys!
I want to purchase a cheap generator . We lose power a few times during the winter and was wondering if a 4000 watt would run a furnace and refrigerator? Also I have looked at some models that have a separate 4 prong outlet. What is that for? If that outlet is not on the unit can it still be wired into my fusebox so I can plug it to the generator during an outage? Kind of confused.
Any feedback/recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks Guys!
Well, that all depends how big your furnace and fridge are....
It's not so much the running load as the start-up load that you need to size your generator for. A 4kw will probably work but you may be close if your furnace kicks on while the fridge is running. If you have a well, you should consider a 7.5-8kw generator.
The 4-prong plug is most likely 230vac-1 phase. You can make up a cord that plugs into your generator then through a transfer switch into your fuse box. I would not recommend installing the generator directly into your fuse box without a transfer switch in case the power comes back on line. The generator can also charge up the line outside of your house and fry a lineman working to repair the line unless your main breaker is off. Whatever you do, use a transfer switch if you wire the generator into your fuse box/house circuits!
It's not so much the running load as the start-up load that you need to size your generator for. A 4kw will probably work but you may be close if your furnace kicks on while the fridge is running. If you have a well, you should consider a 7.5-8kw generator.
The 4-prong plug is most likely 230vac-1 phase. You can make up a cord that plugs into your generator then through a transfer switch into your fuse box. I would not recommend installing the generator directly into your fuse box without a transfer switch in case the power comes back on line. The generator can also charge up the line outside of your house and fry a lineman working to repair the line unless your main breaker is off. Whatever you do, use a transfer switch if you wire the generator into your fuse box/house circuits!
Another GREAT POST!!!! KEEP IT UP!!!Mtn-Track said:Well, that all depends how big your furnace and fridge are....
It's not so much the running load as the start-up load that you need to size your generator for. A 4kw will probably work but you may be close if your furnace kicks on while the fridge is running. If you have a well, you should consider a 7.5-8kw generator.
The 4-prong plug is most likely 230vac-1 phase. You can make up a cord that plugs into your generator then through a transfer switch into your fuse box. I would not recommend installing the generator directly into your fuse box without a transfer switch in case the power comes back on line. The generator can also charge up the line outside of your house and fry a lineman working to repair the line unless your main breaker is off. Whatever you do, use a transfer switch if you wire the generator into your fuse box/house circuits!
the brand of generator play alots into it ..................
I can run my well, fridge, furnace and with my kids every fing light and tv in our house just fine with a 6500 watt generator. The well can dim lights, but the furnace and fridge don't phase it. We did run the dryer for a short time, but had almost every thing else shut off. I am putting a good oddesey battery and tender on mine, that way it will start if I am home or not. Maxdlx
theo125
New member
Thanks for all the helpful info! Can I still have an electrician hook up a transfer switch to my breaker box if the unit only has the conventional looking plug ins and not the 4 prong 220 as well?
You can do it or have an electrician do it, but it will depend on your local electrical code as to any specific requirements. Install a watertight box with a plug in it outside the house, wired into your transfer switch, which is wired into your fuse box. Then you just plug a cord into it from the generator when you need it.
meat12
New member
My folks have a 5kw and it runs a good portion of the house without a problem. Not much of an electritian, so I cant comment on the plug, however, I would recomend you reconsider the Cheap Generator thought. Cheap ones will leave you in the dark, spend the money on a decent one and you will be happier. A better generator is better in every way, quieter, easier starting, longer lasting, more consistant power, better circuitry, etc. I have a 2k Honda for camping, you would S*** yourself if you heard how quiet it is and what that thing will run all at once. My .02, get a good one
Meat
Meat