What size generator should you get?

This 8000 watt generator and others are available here: Duro Power Generators

Generators should be installed by qualified electricians. Most generators are rated in watts. The formula for watts is Watts=Volts x Amps. If you you have a 120 watt bulb at 120 volts you would have one amp. If you were to run 25 100 watt bulbs you would need a 2,500 watt generator. Motor circuits such as circulating motors for heat and compressors for refrigerators must be calculated differently. It takes about three times the current to start a motor. Most motors have the amperage rating on the name tag. If the motor has a nameplate rating of 3 amps you might want to add 9 amps on your generator calculations. Also because most generators may run over a period of time you may not want to run at full capacity. About 0% of the wattage rating of your generator would be the way to go.

Appliances and Approximate Wattages.
 

Appliance	Wattage	Appliance	Wattage
Lighting - Basic	1,200 Watts	Lighting - Full	4,000 Watts
Electric Heat	5,000 Watts	Electric Water Heater	5,000 Watts
Refrigerator - 20 Cu Ft	00 Watts	Freezer - 20 Cu Ft	550 Watts
Sump Pump	900 Watts	Well Pump ½ HP	1,000 Watts
Well Pump 1HP	2,000 Watts	Garage Door Opener ½ HP	400 Watts
Microwave Oven 1000W	1,500 Watts	Dishwasher	400 Watts
Toaster	900 Watts	Computer	250 Watts
Electric Range Oven	8500 Watts	TV - 32" Color	180 Watts
VCR	60 Watts	Stereo System	140 Watts
Clothes Iron	1100 Watts	Electric Clothes Dryer	6000 Watts
Washing Machine	1000 Watts	Hair Dryer	1600 Watts
Air Conditioning 1 Ton	2,000 Watts	Air Conditioning 2 Ton	3,000 Watts
Air Conditioning 3 Ton	4,500 Watts	Window A/C	2000 Watts
Vacuum Cleaner	80 Watts	Central Vacuum	1850 Watts

Why put transfer switches on generators?

 The only proper and most safe way to run a generator is with a transfer switch. These switches should only be installed by an electrician. Transfer switches have three selections. Generator...center off...and utility. It prevents you from having the generator and the utility power on at the same time. Which could cause severe damage to the wiring in your home. And when installed properly will prevent a back-feed to the utility lines which could prove fatal to lineman working. The utility transformer is a step-down into your home but becomes a step-up when fed the other way. Think of it as a gate. When open, it will allow current to either enter your home or, exit your home to the power lines and even the sub-station. When closed, it will keep the power contained in your home.

Table and information courtesy of: MaRoSteph

For generator installations performed to code and neatly done, contact Mike Egezeino of Suncoast Electrial Services. I have known Mr. Egezeino for over 20 years. He is very meticulous and conscientious about his work.
Suncoast Electrical Services Phone: (561) 895-3318 Cell phone: (561) 381 5903