Water Pump Generator

[JoePa]

Whenever I lose power I run a heavy extension cord from my generator (which sits outside on the patio) through my electric dryer vent into my cellar - hook this extension cord to a multiple outlet where I can run other extension cords to my refrigerator, freezer etc. I also run a special extension cord from the 240 volt outlet on my generator to the pressure switch of my well - that way I can have water -

My son tells me that a guy told him that running the well from a generator is a bad idea since a volt surge can ruin the water pump in the well - I kinda doubt this because I think a motor can handle any surges that might occur from a generator - I know that a inverter generator produces a cleaner voltage but I don't think that a regualr generator would produce such dirty voltage that it would hurt a water pump - any thoughts on this - thanks

[Harry Chickpea]

It is iffy, but one of those things that we all do. You may get away with it (80%+-), you might not(10% damage/10% no workie). I used a 5KW generator in Florida to power things during hurricanes, but one time the diodes in it toasted and power was not coming out. Replaced the diodes (hmmm might have actually been triacs or FETs, but beside the point), it worked for another couple years but the power was bad enough that only certain loads would work. Another small generator totally fried three of my expensive surge protectors when it went wonky. Better those than the equipment behind them.

Voltage surge would be unusual, but lower than expected voltage can and will make motors use more current and run hotter. Since your pump is in the well, it is being cooled by the water and flow so it isn't a terribly important issue.

The safest power is probably a true sine wave inverter of sufficient capacity and sufficient batteries feeding it, but we all do trade-offs due to costs and complexity. It makes you recognize just how sweet mains power is.

No guarantees but I have done it many times & know many others that have . I am not aware of anyone that has ruined their pump . I think the biggest danger of this happening might come from using an undersized generator for the job .

[logbuilder]

Find out the max number of amps your pump will use at startup. Then, make sure your 240v outlet on the genset will support that load.

[MichaelK!]

Our cabin is off-grid, and our 240V well-pump has run off generator power from day one. It's never gotten anything else.

I think you can help to minimize potential problems by first allowing the generator to warm up for several minutes before applying a heavy load. That should reduce problems to a minimum. Also let the generator idle for a minute or two after shutting off the load to let it cool off before shutdown.

[artificer]

Our property is off-grid, so we use an Onan 4K RV generator. Our deep well pump is a 4 wire unit, so the starting capacitors are above ground. I did manage to burn out a starter/capacitor unit once. I had found a three phase converter, and I was trying to get it to run. Didn't realize the pump was turned on. The low voltage caused by the phase converter fried the pumps starter. The new starter has a built in motor protector, which is basically a low voltage cutout relay, so I shouldn't have that problem again.

I don't know how much of a factor the quality of the generator is in my system. The Onan is a low RPM (1800) two cylinder well built unit that has an actual muffler. Definitely not a cheap "screamer."

My long term goal is to either get power run ($14,000+) or get a Magnum MS4024PAE 4000W 24V Pure Sine Wave 120/240V Inverter Charger 105A. I'll still have the generator for long runs, if I get the inverter.

Michael

[wy_white_wolf]

A soft start capacitor would lessen if not eliminate the problem. You may already have one and not know it.

WWW

[artificer]

Originally Posted by wy_white_wolf

A soft start capacitor would lessen if not eliminate the problem. You may already have one and not know it.

WWW

WWW, was this for my post? If so, the rotary phase converter already had capacitors to start the unit. Unfortunately, with only a 4k generator, the 220v sagged to 90V until the unit came up to speed. The starting contactor still isn't working, so I might have to go with a 110v coil, even though its a 220v system. I'm hoping the coil can handle the overvoltage for the 5-8 seconds it takes the convert to come up to speed.

With the well pump, I only see a 9 amp starting surge, and then it goes to 7 or less amps. I'm happy with that. I don't think a soft start would help it any.

Michael

[fordy]

Originally Posted by JoePa

Whenever I lose power I run a heavy extension cord from my generator (which sits outside on the patio) through my electric dryer vent into my cellar - hook this extension cord to a multiple outlet where I can run other extension cords to my refrigerator, freezer etc. I also run a special extension cord from the 240 volt outlet on my generator to the pressure switch of my well - that way I can have water -

My son tells me that a guy told him that running the well from a generator is a bad idea since a volt surge can ruin the water pump in the well - I kinda doubt this because I think a motor can handle any surges that might occur from a generator - I know that a inverter generator produces a cleaner voltage but I don't think that a regualr generator would produce such dirty voltage that it would hurt a water pump - any thoughts on this - thanks

..............Check out the Progressive Surge Protectors sold on Amazon , they will protect anything plugged into them ! , fordy

[wy_white_wolf]

Originally Posted by artificer

WWW, was this for my post? If so, the rotary phase converter already had capacitors to start the unit. Unfortunately, with only a 4k generator, the 220v sagged to 90V until the unit came up to speed. The starting contactor still isn't working, so I might have to go with a 110v coil, even though its a 220v system. I'm hoping the coil can handle the overvoltage for the 5-8 seconds it takes the convert to come up to speed.

With the well pump, I only see a 9 amp starting surge, and then it goes to 7 or less amps. I'm happy with that. I don't think a soft start would help it any.

Michael

No the OP