Generators

[ERCougar]

Who here owns one? I can't use the starving med student/resident excuse any more to mooch off other people, so I'm thinking I need to buy one. I'd like to get one we can take camping with us and that's not crazy expensive. I hear Hondas are the way to go for both reliability and noise (important for camping), but they're crazy expensive. Are they worth it? How much power do I need to keep the basics of the house running (I'm guessing--fridge, furnace, etc...anything else?)?

[FN Phat]

During the aftermath of the ice storm that hit KY last winter, I purchased a Generac 5500 watt generator. I have a gas fireplace, water heater, and stove. We used the generator for the fridge, the lights, and of course the TV and the Direct TV. It was a life saver for the little ones. It is a noisy bastard. We kept it about 50' from the house and we could still hear that bad boy.



At work we use a Honda generator (that pushes 2000 watts) for a set of crane scales that we use to verify weights on embeds. I am amazed at the durability, portability, and efficiency the generator is. You will pay for it but it is well worth the investment. It would be ideal for the essentials in an emergency, hunting, camping, tailgating, etc.



SG, having your generator wired to your panel is a very convenient method to power your home in an emergency. However, I would be very cautious about running your generator through your panel. If it is not done correctly it could be very dangerous. Not only for you, your home, and your equipment but also those that are working on any power lines (if your generator is back-feeding the line) and thing that the line is dead. In some states (such as KY) they require you to install a cut-off switch at the pole or your meter. The power company would then come and inspect the work completed by a licensed electrician and sign off on it. If you did not have it inspected and the system was back-fed from your home or damages/fire in your home, you are liable for any and all damages. In any case, please make sure that your work is checked out by a competent electrician to ensure the safety of your home and those dwelling in it.

[doctorcoug]

Generators are noisy, plain and simple. I have an open shed off to the side of my home where we keep it running, and I can hear it. I live in the same stake as FN (I presume) and it was a mess.

What he is talking about is called a power transfer switch. It hooks up to your electrical box and you essentially turn off from the power company and switch to power from the generator. It is very expensive. I have two 220 boxes that power my home, and the purchase estimate (not installation) for a switch to cover both of them, was $2000. I I did just one, it was a thousand. If I had 110 instead of 220, it would have been about 400. Kind of bites, but it is very nice to have plenty of power for the home.

[FN Phat]

Generators are noisy, plain and simple. I have an open shed off to the side of my home where we keep it running, and I can hear it. I live in the same stake as FN (I presume) and it was a mess.

What he is talking about is called a power transfer switch. It hooks up to your electrical box and you essentially turn off from the power company and switch to power from the generator. It is very expensive. I have two 220 boxes that power my home, and the purchase estimate (not installation) for a switch to cover both of them, was $2000. I I did just one, it was a thousand. If I had 110 instead of 220, it would have been about 400. Kind of bites, but it is very nice to have plenty of power for the home.

Yes, that is exactly what I am talking about. Thank you. Having said what I did in my post, I helped my neighbor install his and it worked without a hiccup.

What stake are you in?

[ERCougar]

Thanks for the advice...

Stupid question: We have a gas fireplace too, but we switch it on with a wall switch--wouldn't that require electricity?

[FN Phat]

Thanks for the advice...

Stupid question: We have a gas fireplace too, but we switch it on with a wall switch--wouldn't that require electricity?

Most fireplaces that are hooked into a wall switch also have an on/off at the gas logs. Access the bottom panel of your fireplace and there should be a manual on/off. Depending on the design of your fireplace, it will near the controls for the thermastat, flame hidth, or blower.