Emergency Generator Sizing With Electric Motors

Performing an Emergency Generator Sizing that is inclusive of Electric Motors is a bit more complicated.  Electric motors require a much higher wattage to get them started than they do when they are up and running. For instance if you have a pump motor that requires 300 watts when running, it may require up to 3 times that amount or 900 watts to get it started. Of course this draw will only last for a few seconds until the motor is up to speed, but if your generator capacity is borderline, then this surge may be enough to trip the generator circuit breaker. If you have several motors that will be used at the same time there are several possible combinations that we should explore.