answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

You would size the generator to match the main breaker size rather than on the sum of all the breakers. The main breaker size depends on the specific model of the circuit breaker panel - 100 Amps is typical for a house. The main breaker protects the circuit panel's bus bars from overheating, and the bus bar size is what limits the maximum power through the panel. Power = Volts x Amps, so a 100 Amp panel at 240 Volts could be operated by a 24,000 Watt (24 kW) generator. That's a pretty big generator in household terms, so often only a subset of the circuits would be allocated to the generator. Or, you just be careful not to turn everything on when using the generator. The actual Watts used depends on what's turned on, not the generator size or total capacity of all the circuit breakers. If you turn on too much stuff with an undersized generator, the generator's overload protection will trip and cut it off. Or if you load all the circuit breakers to capacity the main breaker will trip. In addition to these basic considerations there are a considerable amount of electrical codes governing connecting a generator to your house. The major one is to have a switch that prevents connecting your generator to the utility input, which precludes you from inadvertently energizing the utility lines.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

1mo ago

To determine the size of the generator needed, you need to consider the total connected load you want to power during an outage, not just the sum of the breakers. It's recommended to work with an electrician to properly calculate the load and size the generator accordingly to ensure it can handle your power needs.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: If all the breakers in your house added up to 765 amps how big of a generator would you need to buy?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

If my house has a 200 amp line what size generator would it take to run the house and have the same power?

To power a whole house with a 200 amp line, you would need a generator with a capacity of at least 15-20 kilowatts. This size generator can handle the typical power needs of a house that is connected to a 200 amp line during an outage. Be sure to consult with an electrician to ensure the generator meets your specific needs.


What size home standby generator do you need for a 4500 square foot house?

A 22-27 kW home standby generator would generally be suitable for a 4500 square foot house. However, factors like energy usage, appliances, and climate can impact the recommended size, so a professional assessment is recommended for accuracy.


Would the electricity needed to heat a house come from a generator or a dry cell?

The electricity needed to heat a house typically comes from the grid or a local power plant, not from a generator or a dry cell. Generators are usually used as backup power sources for temporary or emergency situations, while dry cells, like batteries, are not designed to provide the continuous high power output required for heating a house.


Where the circuit breakers are located?

Circuit breakers are typically located in a centralized electrical panel, which is commonly found in basements, utility rooms, or garages of homes and buildings. The panel is usually a metal box with a hinged door that can be opened to access the circuit breakers inside.


Is a 2.8 kilowatt generator big enough to run a house as a standby?

It depends on the size and energy needs of your house. A 2.8kW generator may be able to power essential items like lights, refrigerator, and a few small appliances during a power outage, but may not be sufficient for larger homes with higher energy demands. It's best to consult an electrician to determine the appropriate size for your specific needs.

Related questions

What size generator is needed for a three bedroom house?

A generator for a three bedroom house would be medium sized. Try a small to medium sized generator that can be found online or at any hardware store in your neighborhood.


What size diesel generator should I buy for a house this hurricane season?

The size of diesel generator varies greatly. The size that is needed would depend on the size of the house.


Where can I find a whole house generator?

I would look for a house generator at a home improvement store like lowes, or online. Online would probably be the best place to find one at a low price.


How do I determine correct home generator sizing for my house?

I would consider what kind of house you have where you have it. Like for example if it is in Arizona then you defiantly want a generator that can power air conditioning which takes about 20000 watts.


What might happen if circuit breakers or fuses were not installed in a circuit in a house?

The house would most likely burn down whenever a power surge hit.


What's a good generator for powering a house?

I would recommend a portable generator to be used for backup. A good one is the Powerhouse portable generator that sells for about $800 plus tax and is readily available online.


Where can I get a diesel generator from?

Probably the best place to get a diesel generator would be on Amazon.com/.ca. They may be pretty pricey, however they are usually a good investment to your house!


If my house has a 200 amp line what size generator would it take to run the house and have the same power?

To power a whole house with a 200 amp line, you would need a generator with a capacity of at least 15-20 kilowatts. This size generator can handle the typical power needs of a house that is connected to a 200 amp line during an outage. Be sure to consult with an electrician to ensure the generator meets your specific needs.


What size home standby generator do you need for a 4500 square foot house?

A 22-27 kW home standby generator would generally be suitable for a 4500 square foot house. However, factors like energy usage, appliances, and climate can impact the recommended size, so a professional assessment is recommended for accuracy.


Would the electricity needed to heat a house come from a generator or a dry cell?

The electricity needed to heat a house typically comes from the grid or a local power plant, not from a generator or a dry cell. Generators are usually used as backup power sources for temporary or emergency situations, while dry cells, like batteries, are not designed to provide the continuous high power output required for heating a house.


Why would all my house voltage go to 200VAC when connected to a portable generator?

Assuming you normal house voltage is 120 volts, sounds like something is wired wrong. If you had the house (or part of it) running on generator and then took some voltage readings, you may have damaged some of the items in the house already.


Where the circuit breakers are located?

Circuit breakers are typically located in a centralized electrical panel, which is commonly found in basements, utility rooms, or garages of homes and buildings. The panel is usually a metal box with a hinged door that can be opened to access the circuit breakers inside.