Another Generator Question

[_RaT_]

Water heaters in general do not have a source of power with the exception of commercial ones that sometimes use a electric spark to ignite the burner and close a damper. As mentioned home models thypically utilize a little pilot generator. The same applies to our floor heater in our cabin which has a thermostat on the wall but again uses no outside electrical source to power it. We did loose power from the little pilot generator and had to replace it. That can create problems as it did for us. I now have our cabin automatically call us when it hits 38 degrees inside. Rat...

 

[mountain_man]

_RaT_ - I don't recall Will C stating he had natural or propane gas available. Gas heating has huge benefits versus electric heating. I believe Will C is trying to size a generator for his existing appliances. Did I miss something???

 

[_RaT_]

Your right, I was expressing why I prefer a gas over electric heater, not really commenting on Will C's situation, just a little subjective commenting. For Will C, a 4000 watt element will almost entirely use all the 5KW generator has to offer. A 5KW generator can continually generate about 21 amps of power at 240V. If Will C calculates his 4000 watt element using 220 volts, he needs a little over 18 amps. While a 5KW generator can produce more then 21 amps, it's typically for non extended periods due to the generating units limits as it heats up. By switching various pieces of equipment on and off, it is possible.

 

[Will_C]

Thanks alot for all the replies. Sorry I wasn't more specific about my needs. I have an electric water heater because that was what was in the house when I bought it. I do not have natural gas service available, and the cost of LP concerns me. I live in a house built on a slab, so I do not have a convenient spot (such as a basement) to install an oil-fired boiler system.
I heat with electric thermal storage units. I get by during the winter power outages with a Kero-Sun heater quite nicely (1500 square feet hose, one story.)
You have taught me that if I decide on making hot water part of this plan, I should consider a generator in the 7500 watt range, although 5500 with a generous surge could probably handle the needs if I would carefully monitor and switch my loads.
I will meeting with an electrician before I go ahead with this project.Thanks to all of you, I will at least understand the conversation much better. Thanks again,
Will