What size generator do I need to run my well pump during a power outage in rural New Brunswick?

Generator Sizing for Well Pumps in Rural New Brunswick

If you live in rural New Brunswick — whether in the Kennebecasis Valley, along the Fundy coast, or in the Miramichi region — a generator capable of running your well pump is essential. NB Power outages from ice storms, heavy winds, and nor'easters can last anywhere from hours to days. The devastating ice storms of January 2017 and the post-tropical storms that regularly hit the Maritimes make backup power a necessity, not a luxury, for homes on well water.

Determining Your Well Pump's Power Requirements

Step 1: Find your pump's specifications. Check the pressure tank or the pump controller box in your basement for a label showing horsepower (HP) and voltage. Common well pump sizes in New Brunswick residential wells are:

| Pump Size | Running Watts | Starting Watts (Surge) | Typical Well Depth |
|-----------|--------------|----------------------|--------------------|
| 1/3 HP | 800W | 1,400W | Up to 25 feet (shallow) |
| 1/2 HP | 1,000W | 2,100W | 25-100 feet |
| 3/4 HP | 1,500W | 3,000W | 100-200 feet |
| 1 HP | 2,000W | 4,000W | 150-300 feet |
| 1.5 HP | 2,500W | 5,000W | 200-400 feet |
| 2 HP | 3,000W | 6,000W | 300+ feet |

The starting watts (surge) is the critical number. Well pumps are induction motors that draw 2-3 times their running wattage during the first 1-3 seconds of startup. Your generator must handle this surge or it will trip the overload protection and shut down.

Step 2: Identify your pump type. Most New Brunswick wells use one of two types:

• Submersible pumps — The motor sits at the bottom of the well casing, submerged in water. These are standard for drilled wells deeper than 25 feet, which accounts for the majority of rural New Brunswick wells. Typical depths in the province range from 30 to 250 feet depending on geology — granite bedrock areas like the Saint John River Valley often require deeper wells than the sedimentary rock regions of southeastern New Brunswick.

• Jet pumps — The motor sits above ground, usually in the basement. These are used for shallower wells and older installations. They're noisier and less efficient but easier to service.

Recommended Generator Sizes

For well pump ONLY:

• 1/2 HP pump: Minimum 3,500-watt generator ($500-$800)


• 3/4 HP pump: Minimum 5,000-watt generator ($700-$1,200)


• 1 HP pump: Minimum 6,500-watt generator ($900-$1,500)

For well pump PLUS basic home circuits (furnace fan, fridge, lights, phone chargers):

• 1/2 HP pump: 5,000-7,500 watt generator ($700-$1,500)


• 3/4 HP pump: 7,500-10,000 watt generator ($1,200-$2,500)


• 1 HP pump: 10,000-12,000 watt generator ($1,800-$3,500)

For whole-house backup:

• A standby generator (16-22 kW) with automatic transfer switch covers everything including the well pump. These cost $5,000-$12,000 installed in New Brunswick, but they start automatically when power goes out — critical if you're away from home during a winter storm.

Important Considerations for New Brunswick

Cold weather starting: New Brunswick winters routinely hit -20°C to -30°C. Portable generators with pull-start mechanisms can be extremely difficult to start in extreme cold. Look for models with electric start and keep the battery on a maintenance charger. Propane and natural gas generators start more reliably in cold weather than gasoline models.

Fuel availability during extended outages: During major NB Power outages, gas stations may also lose power. Consider a dual-fuel generator that runs on both gasoline and propane. A standard 20 lb propane tank runs a 5,000W generator for 8-10 hours at half load. Keep 2-3 tanks filled before storm season.

Transfer switch requirement: Connecting a generator to your well pump (or any hardwired equipment) requires a transfer switch. The Canadian Electrical Code and TSANB regulations prohibit backfeeding through your panel without a proper transfer switch — this is both illegal and extremely dangerous as it can electrocute NB Power line workers repairing the outage. A transfer switch installation by a licensed New Brunswick electrician costs $500-$1,500 depending on the type (manual vs. automatic) and number of circuits.

Generator placement: Run the generator outside, at least 6 feet from windows, doors, and vents. Carbon monoxide poisoning from generators used indoors or in garages is responsible for multiple deaths across Canada every year during winter storms.

What Most Rural New Brunswick Homeowners Choose

The most popular setup for rural New Brunswick homes on well water is a 7,500-watt dual-fuel portable generator ($1,000-$1,800) with a 6-circuit manual transfer switch ($300-$600 installed). This covers the well pump, furnace blower, refrigerator, and several lighting circuits — enough to ride out a 3-5 day winter outage comfortably. Total installed cost including the electrician, permit, and TSANB inspection runs $1,800-$3,500.

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