What size Generator I need to run two 2400watt Heaters

A 5 kilovolt-ampere (kVA) generator may not be sufficient to simultaneously run two 2400-watt heaters. Here's why:

If each heater has a power rating of 2400 watts, running two of them would result in a total power requirement of 4800 watts (2 x 2400 watts). Since generators are typically rated in kVA, it's necessary to convert the total power requirement from watts to kilovolt-amperes.

To convert the total power requirement from watts to kVA, you need to consider the power factor (PF) of the heaters. The power factor represents the ratio of real power (watts) to apparent power (VA or kVA) and typically ranges from 0 to 1. If the power factor is not known, assuming a typical power factor of 0.8 for resistive loads like heaters is reasonable.

Let's calculate the total apparent power in kilovolt-amperes (kVA) using the assumed power factor of 0.8:

Total kVA = Total watts / (1000 * PF) Total kVA = 4800 / (1000 * 0.8) Total kVA = 6

Therefore, the total apparent power requirement is 6 kVA for two 2400-watt heaters with a power factor of 0.8.

As a result, a 5 kVA generator would not be sufficient to handle the simultaneous operation of both heaters, as it falls short by 1 kVA. To safely power both heaters, you would need a generator with a capacity of at least 6 kVA or higher.

It's crucial to choose a generator that can handle the combined power requirements of the appliances you wish to run simultaneously. Consider consulting a licensed electrician or a generator specialist for accurate sizing and selection of a generator that meets your specific needs.