Can I safely connect my heating system to a generator during a power outage?
Asked by Tommy Bergheim 
4 months ago
Last Updated: July 29, 2024
Hey there! Can you give me a hand? I have this heating system and I’m wondering if it’s safe to unplug the cords and connect them to my generator in case of a power outage. Thanks for any advice you can offer!
It depends on the size of your generator…. But that whole system appears to be connected by a 20amp wire (difficult to confirm in your photo).
20amp 120 volt equals 2400watts, so you’ll need something around 3500 watts just for that. (Assuming I’m seeing correctly).
Hey , appreciate your help. I’ve got a 6000 generator so hopefully I can just plug it directly into the 30amp cord. My place got hit hard by a 70-75mph high wind and we’re still expecting more snow and wind.
Should verify which breaker the system is currently connected to.
That system probably won’t draw 20 amps. The circulators max out at around 1 amp each. There’s one inside the boiler that goes up to 2 amps. The control board doesn’t require much power. I’ve operated a similar system using a small generator for my sister. You could consider plugging it into a battery backup system (UPS) first, and then connect it to the generator. This method typically filters out power before reaching the boiler.
I assume the information is based on 12awg NM-B wire, but he didn’t provide all the necessary details. I have three boilers, each with a significantly larger pump running on a 20 amp circuit. These pumps also power multiple zone valves in a commercial setting.
Pointed out that it might not fit in a 30 amp without an adapter. Is there no 15-20amp outlet on your generator?
I’m pretty certain that neither of those options will operate your circulators. This means that while your furnace will have power, the heated water will not circulate to your baseboards. The controller seems to be connected directly to the outlet box.
As long as it’s an inverter style. Anything with a motherboard like this can be at risk from a regular generator. Just like Laptops, tvs, phones, etc.
Gas boilers like mine hardly use power, I think it’s 1.5-2A max, so any generator should work fine. The concern is it might be sensitive to certain power inputs like a typical “electrically noisy” generators.
The best approach is to check the manual, there should be a section that provides dos and donts for temporary power sources.
Said he would require a pure sine wave inverter.
In simple terms, it is strongly advised not to attempt this without professional guidance from the HVAC company that installed it and/or the manufacturer. Making this mistake could be extremely costly, and this is not the appropriate place to seek advice on the matter.
Circulator pumps are connected directly to the electrical box, so it will not function without it! However, the wattage should be suitable for a small generator if you switch the pumps to a plug-in style.
If you’re unsure of the answer, it’s best to hire someone to help you set it up.
Definitely, those circ pumps make it easy since they don’t draw much power
I find it interesting that this post is receiving two contrasting responses – one saying it’ll work and the other saying it won’t.
Hey , welcome to the world of expertise, huh? You must be really good at filtering out comments.
Mentioned that despite being low wattage/draw, all those components are important
Mentioned my reply within my initial response.
Actually, that’s not quite how it works