Generator ?s

[2angelsinheaven]

Got some questions. We just bought a Coleman 3750 Electric Portable Generator. FEMA helped with this and I've VERY grateful but I'm clueless on how and what it will power. The directions are VERY vague too....

It has Max 3750 watts, it has two 120v plugs. So here are my ?'s. I know no one knows the wattage for sure of my appliances, but just in general...

Could I for say plug in my fridge, and also a multi plug extension cord on the other plug for say a fan or two and a light or something?

Can you power say a computer with this, I have no idea how many watts a computer uses. But we sure were hurting without it the past two weeks ( do all banking online, etc).

Can you only plug two things in at once or? I've heard of people sharing generators, etc... so I figured I might be able to plug in a fridge and something else on a power strip.

It says it can power a sump pump, but what about a well? Any ideas or suggestions or help would be appreciated. We've got Jeanne bearing this way now so I may put this to use sooner than expected!

 

[pumba]

we have been lucky enough not to have to put it to good use. We do start it up each fall to get it used and to make sure it works. Remember safety tips are important. DO not use it in the house or a porch. Make sure it is away from your house . we had a few deaths in Maine during the ice storm. I heard my husband telling our neighbor that we could alternate our fridge and two freezers and low lights in the house. Then put those unplugged and use the furnace and low lights . We will never ever be cold again after a week of no heat and no hot water. AND a very cold water bed!!

 

[JoNo]

a 3750 watt generator will max out at around 4250 watts... After Frances we were using a 6500 watt generator.

To answer your questions, you can plug in 2 extension cords and hook up surge protectors. With that kind of generator, I would suggest running your fridge, a few (no more than 4) fans, a light or two and that's about it.... however if you have water & need to do laundry, unplug your refrig & everything else & hook up your washer & dryer.

Also, don't run a computer on a generator as the generator can cause fluxuations in the constant power stream damaging the sensitive electronics inside

 

[doxdogy]

DH and I are hoping to have a standby generator by next hurricane season. This website was helpful in showing the wattage of household items and how big of generator you would need.

http://www.standbygeneratorsystems.com/select/calculator.cfm