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We purchased a generator due to a recent power outage and would like to be able to hook it up to the well in the case of another outage. We’ve heard stories of pumps burning out resulting from power surges due to improper hook-up?? Can anyone shed some light on this for us? What are the steps we should take to ensure a proper hook-up? The generator is 5000 watt with 6250 surge watts.
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Hi Mike & Lorie,
DO have a qualified electrician do the hook up for you.
2nd, install the generator in a "secure" outbuilding, even a garden shed, because of the noise and FUMES.
Have the electrician run a line underground to your panel and install a separate switch for the vital organs of your home. The pump, the furnace blower, a few lights, one plug in the kitchen, the refrigerator/freezer, for example.
This way the power goes off for a week or whatever, the main functions of your home are safe. Everything is neat and out of sight.
Gabe
*A second to Mr Martel's advise. Plus, these generators sometimes don't like to start in the cold but require a free air space to keep cool and give off lots of noxious and deadly fumes when running. So, figure out a way to preheat the shed to warm it at least close to freezing for starting. Something as simple as a propane heater or weed burner with ducting does fine as long as properly handled with continous observation. Once started the generator should run regardless of the temperature(Antarctica excepted).
*Assuming your well pump isn't a 3 hp or larger beast, it should work okay. Our 4500 watt Colemen buzz bomb starts our 1 hp well pump with no problems. One thing that is a good precaution is to give the generator a small load, like 100 watts or so of incandescent lighting before you throw the switch for the pump. Some of the voltage regulators in the less expensive generators let the voltage float above nominal when there isn't a load. Adding a small load gets the regulator and the output voltage stabilized. The separate building and the transfer switch are good ideas, especially the transfer switch. It wouldn't do to backfeed the powerline and zap the power company's lineman that is trying to restore your power.
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We purchased a generator due to a recent power outage and would like to be able to hook it up to the well in the case of another outage. We've heard stories of pumps burning out resulting from power surges due to improper hook-up?? Can anyone shed some light on this for us? What are the steps we should take to ensure a proper hook-up? The generator is 5000 watt with 6250 surge watts.