Generator Current vs 240v connection

[Airchair94]

I am still researching generators and how to connect them to my house. I am confused about something. Lets say I bought the Briggs and Stratton 8000w continuous generator. They say it has a 120/240v 30a outlet that you can connect to a transfer switch to run appliances in a house. But here's the problem--if you do the math--30amps times 240 volts you get 7200watts. So you cannot get the full 8000w watts out of your generator because you will be drawing more than 30 amps and would trip the breaker. So why would you ever buy anything above 7200w if you're going to use that one output? Or am I missing something? Thanks again,
Roger

 

[Alchymist]

Generators are not designed to run the full output continuously. That 800 watts is "headroom" - ie, starting motors or other loads where there is a high inrush current. A 30 amp breaker can pass more than 30 amps, the difference being a time thing - the higher the current exceeding 30 amps, the quicker it trips. An example might be 40 or so amps for a second or so.
Doesn't matter if it says 8000 watts continuous - it isn't meant to run full load continuous.

 

[Rookie2]

Keep in mind that most breaker panels are almost always unbalanced very seldom will you have the same load on each side ,it becomes a shell game as to what lights or frig or range is on at the same time.

 

[kd3pc]

You have to look at the big picture...what loads do you want to run in a "standby" situation...seldom do people size the generator to run the entire house, as if the power was on, and those who do pay a premium for continuous duty equipment.

You will most often encounter this with HVAC equipment, that has startup requirements as well as run requirements.

You might look at generators, two steps up in name/quality/fuel if you decide your needs are more.

 

[theoldwizard1]

You have to look at the big picture...what loads do you want to run in a "standby" situation...seldom do people size the generator to run the entire house, as if the power was on, and those who do pay a premium for continuous duty equipment.

ABSOLUTELY !!

The least expensive way to connect a generator to your house (and IMHO smartest way) is via an interlock on you EXISTING breaker panel.

Likely a 5000W generator can run everything in your house EXCEPT 240V appliances (A/C, electric stove, electric water heater, electric clothes dryer). If you manage you loads carefully, you might get by on 3500 watts !

 

[BUDSVTX]

Will you be running gasoline or on natural gas or propane? Running natural gas or propane, you will probably loose about 20% of the name rating.

BUD