Re: PTO generator what i run?
i have had numerous generators over the years, when i first moved here i had very frequent power outages, now that i have obtained all the necessary equipment and transfer panel, etc we dont seem to have them as often. to answer your question, you need to think about the things that need to run at the same time, you dont need to run the water heater all the time, you dont need to run the well pump all the time, so try to group the uses so that you can run a few things at a time (use less power need smaller generator), that is where the transfer switch allows you to turn off different items and turn on others. the other option is to buy enough generator to run everything at once (you will also need to store fuel).
the next thing to think about is how often do you experience power outages, once a month, once a year, and how long do they last, a few hours, days, and third who is going to run the equipment, you , your wife, your kids.
with these questions answered you can start to make your choices. if you need reliable power for prolonged periods then you may invest more in the setup. if it will need to run when you are not home, and your wife/kids would be challenged to turn off and on the different circuits then you need to go whole house (larger generator), would your wife/kids be able to hook up the pto generator, maybe not, so a independant unit would be best for them. on wheels in the garage, so they can easily move it outside and plug it in and start it (you may need electric start).
a friend of mine just put in a self contained unit, auto transfer switch, nat. gas powered. so his family will not have to touch it, it will just run, and even if no one is at home it will work.
so you see you have a lot of deciding to do depending on the use, and the intended operator. i have taught my daughters and wife how to hook up the generator, they can wheel it outside, plug it in, start it, switch the load over to the gen circuits, and i practice with them 3-4 times a year so they remember if i am not here to do it. my generator will run the house pretty much except the airconditioning( and i could hook that up if i needed to).
as far as hot water you wont need to heat it as it will stay hot for some hours, unless you use it a lot or the power is out for an extended period. the coleman will be relegated to the reserve status soon as i have found a winco dyna trifuel for a song. so i will be moving up to the 9kw range as the fellow needs to move and cant take the generator with him and needs to unload it quickly, hardly used, electric start so the girls can handle it easily.
i would allow you and your pocketbook to make the decision about what to buy, i have been fortunate to find things that were a good deals and so i havent invested a lot in the generator sets. get a good installation on the transfer panel and you are set.
i dont know if i have helped you with my ramblings, good luck.
alex
