Back-up Generators

[jonyyuma]

You could put an ammeter on your electrical service and read your demand at any time. As in the draw of the well if you are concerned.Your electrial meter outside might ell you and your elec. bill has more data as to loads. Just a thought? What is it about burying your propane tank?Doesn't it need to be coated?

 

[AHNC]

I notice that I haven't updated my profile. I just moved from MA to Nevada City CA. Only about 1.5 ac. Shading the house I have about a 3.5' Doug fir, 4.5' Sequoia, 2 English Walnut, a 5' Black Walnut. The spread on the Black, with the extreme (for here) ice/snow last winter brought down a lot of the blacks branches, which took the power lines. It's an old place. In the attic I've found newspapers from the 1880's. It's a project. I need another one, right:thumbsup:

I got rid of a lot of my gear/stuff/treasures prior to the move, but I looks like I'll still have the mother of all garage sales here soon. Moving after a lifetime of accumulation is a trip in itself!

 

[jonyyuma]

It sounds like you have a beautiful site? The underground service should not be too tough, other than roots.

 

[ultrarunner]

Smart Meters are supposed to be able to chart actual time of use demand by logging on to the Utility's site.

Might help you in sizing.

My former neighbor moved to Grass Valley CA and they were always have storm power outages... he hooked up his Miller Welder to run the house after the first time they were out 24 hours and his wife wanted to move back to Oakland...

 

[caspar3259]

A couple years ago we installed a Generac 20kw that runs on propane. It's one of our favorite features of the house now. I actually look forward to power outages. (well, sort of)

We installed a separate 250 gallon tank that feeds the generator and I had them run a second line to my shop where I hope to one day install a heater.

I chose the 20kw because of the price (got it online from some place in AZ) and it came with the aluminum enclosure and a 200A service entrance rated switch. This allowed me to install it outside on the power pole where our PG&E service comes in. That way the entire property is powered instead of just the house or just a few circuits.

20kw is probably more than we really need, but it allows us to run just about anything without having to think about the load we are adding. Our electric clothes dryer is the largest appliance.

I too looked for a gal/hr usage for 50% load and did not find one. But I figure we can go for a couple weeks on a full tank (80% full) as long as we shut it off overnight and only run it about 8 hours a day. We have a wood stove for primary heat, so we don't need it going all the time.

The auto start and switch over is great. I also have battery backups for the computer and satellite TV. First time the power went out I was on the computer. The lights went dark, but computer stayed on because of the UPS. Then about 10 second later the generator cranked up and we had full power again. The UPS only has to carry the load for less than 30 seconds. I added the UPS to the satellite TV because it takes 5-10 minutes for it to obtain a signal after the power comes back on.

-Jeff

 

[ultrarunner]

It's important not to overlook a UPS circuit for critical devices.

Here, at the hospital, the Generator must start, come up to speed and transfer the load withing 10 seconds...

I have two special circuits with battery back-up to cover the 10 second down time...

 

[hr3]

The fuel consumption rate for LP gas is 1.89 gallons per hour at 1/2 load and 2.90 gallons per hour at full load for the 20k unit..

 

[JoelD]

I can't imagine the water heater at 50W? Maybe 5000W?

I have a three bedroom, 2.5 bath 2300sq/ft colonial. I have oil furnace heat and hot water and a well. I have electric stove and washer and dryer.

I power my house on a 5500 watt gas generator, i mounted it on wheels and store it in my garage. I roll into driveway and plug in when needed.

I easily power my house for 12-14 hours per 6.5 gallon tank.

I run my heat, hotwater, well, TV's, appliances etc, with no problems at all.

If running the oven or stove tops I'd not be able to run anything else at the same time. I've not tried the electric dryer, no need during an outage.

I've been out for up to 5 days straight with no issues. I fill at night and then fill in the morning.

I paid $399 for the generator during a day after thanksgiving day sale.

What I like about my set up is, my generator is totally portable so I can use for many purposes, it was cheap but very reliable, I've had for a few years now.

What I don't like is that it runs on gas. Gas is just plain junk today and I'm sure to treat every tankful.

Search on the site, there are many posts on this subject.

This reminds me to run the gas through my machine as it's been sitting for some time.

Joel

 

[kennyd]

I have the 15kw Generac running on LP, the old version of the 17kw unit they sell now. I installed it 5 years ago and added a hour meter since it did not have one-it now has about 120 hours on it and never has given me one problem yet.

My only issue is the steel enclosure is rusting badly, now they offer a aluminum one for a small upgrade price-GET IT!:thumbsup:

I bought mine from Norwall Power Systems, great prices and great service.

 

[grsthegreat]

Remember to install a generator transfer switch. Also, Siemens now offers a 200 amp panel with intergal manual/automatic transfer switch that can be installed in place of your existing panel. Ive used them and their a great device. can operate up to a 125 amp generator with them.