Generator sizing for workshop and house backup

[Tractor Man]

In the next few weeks I will be moving from Berkshire down to Devon - something I've wanted to do for many years!

However the property I currently live in has a decent 3 phase supply that is more than adequate for my needs - now here comes the problem, the property I'm moving in to doesn't. In fact being in a rural position it is has a basic 100 amp single phase supply from a very old looking pole mounted transformer. I have built phase converters in the past so getting 3 phase power is not too much of an issue for me but the current supply just isn't up to running the house electrics as well as a beefy phase converter in the workshop! I have looked into getting another single phase supply hooked up for the workshop but as the pole transformer would need to be upgraded this would cost far too much.

I've come to the conclusion that I need a generator to run the higher powered items of workshop equipment. The generator would need to be 3 phase and would serve a dual role as it would also be a backup to the house in case of power cuts (which I am told by the previous owners are very frequent). Now comes the issue of what size generator I will require. The highest consumer of power will be my mig which on it's highest setting requires 20kva - although I rarely take it up that high. However I don't want to get some monster and then spend a fortune on fuel - but I do know how generators don't always like welders.

So any advice of how many kva's I need and what make etc of generator I should go for, I don't want to spend loads but at the same time I need something that will be reliable and last!

Thanks in advance - and sorry for the long post!

 

[madkayaker]

As your name is tractor man I guess you have a tractor? In that case a pto driven unit would be a good start. Something about 20kva would be about right I think or if you have space something bigger about 35kva might be cheaper

 

[brightspark]

In the next few weeks I will be moving from Berkshire down to Devon - something I've wanted to do for many years!

However the property I currently live in has a decent 3 phase supply that is more than adequate for my needs - now here comes the problem, the property I'm moving in to doesn't. In fact being in a rural position it is has a basic 100 amp single phase supply from a very old looking pole mounted transformer. I have built phase converters in the past so getting 3 phase power is not too much of an issue for me but the current supply just isn't up to running the house electrics as well as a beefy phase converter in the workshop! I have looked into getting another single phase supply hooked up for the workshop but as the pole transformer would need to be upgraded this would cost far too much.

I've come to the conclusion that I need a generator to run the higher powered items of workshop equipment. The generator would need to be 3 phase and would serve a dual role as it would also be a backup to the house in case of power cuts (which I am told by the previous owners are very frequent). Now comes the issue of what size generator I will require. The highest consumer of power will be my mig which on it's highest setting requires 20kva - although I rarely take it up that high. However I don't want to get some monster and then spend a fortune on fuel - but I do know how generators don't always like welders.

So any advice of how many kva's I need and what make etc of generator I should go for, I don't want to spend loads but at the same time I need something that will be reliable and last!

Thanks in advance - and sorry for the long post!

new or second hand . second hand size depends on what becomes available at the right price

 

[Tractor Man]

Will probably go for something second hand - ideally with low hours. I had thought about a PTO unit but wasn't sure if it would be as efficient to run as an independent engine driven unit?

 

[madkayaker]

If you didn't have a tractor then no but if you do have it cuts down on the maintenance. Plus less chance of the lights going out and you finding battery or fuel problem on generator engine stopes you starting it

 

[Tractor Man]

Guess it would be one less thing to change oil and filters on! I'll have to do some more research on the pto driven ones.

 

[madkayaker]

That's very true. Engine driven sets do have advantages like slightly better fuel efficiency (unless your tractor is new ish) plus the mrs can often start it if your not there maybe with phone directions my mrs can start and drive tractors (better than me slightly as she has been doing it much longer!) where as connecting pto shafts etc is a bit harder

 

[Tractor Man]

As it will also be a backup for the house that it something I'm going to have to consider - if it was just for the workshop a pto unit would probably meet my needs.