Quote:
Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc
What size generator are you using to drive the well pump ? I have no idea what size/amps/hp my well pump is but I think a relatively safe guess is a 2500-3000 watt generator would run just the pump . Then there is the electric water heater which I may switch to LP for exactly the reason to keep amp load low . I think I can power my house with a 10 kw - 12 kw generator by being smart/conservative .
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The issue with motors is not running current but starting inrush current aka "Locked Rotor Amps".
A 1 hp pump does not draw 744 Watts. You need to look at the motor nameplate for the current and the voltage. Some 1hp pool pumps draw 1776 Watts!
On inrush current, it can be anywhere from 3 to 5 times the rated current. Air Conditioners are notorious for high starting currents, since they have to overcome the internal pressure in addition to the motor windings. Well pumps are similar.
There are "soft start" devices which can reduce these inrush currents. The general rule is to over size your generator for starting current of the motors, plus the expect load.
Some generator manufacturers make devices to limit and prioritize different circuits.