Your last generator Maintenance Run

[GaryLock]

Shutting off the main breaker ??? Are you not using a proper transfer switch ? Is there a CO detector in the house and garage ?

Yes, I have CO detectors. Yes I have a transfer switch system in place. As I detailed above, I use a 6 circuit transfer system to bring 110v to six critical circuits in the house. The generators are totally isolated from the line at all times. I only flip the main breaker to kill the house power and have my wife do a "drill". I could have used a whole house transfer switch, but then I would need a whole house generator setup and I would get nowhere near the quietness and fuel efficiency of my current system. The enclosure is outside, behind the garage (ie:concrete foundation walls) with the only access being a locking door exiting the garage, or moving a whole bunch of wood off the piles if you can actually find its location. And what I also like is that before bed, I can access the generators, and kill one for the night to conserve even more fuel. One 2000i will power my furnace and fridges without any issues, extending my fuel reserve by much.

 

[ultrarunner]

4,000 watts is plenty when used intelligently for most...

Refrigeration, lighting and a few convenience items... other things can be rotated in and out as needed.

My CREE LED lightening has reduced my lighting load in the house about 80%...

For the last 25 years I've been responsible for Hospital Emergency power systems... when I see residential applications with 40kW or even 100kW is gives me pause because the larger units require more fuel and I just would not be comfortable spending.

Good move having the laminated checklist... it provides peace of mind for all parties.

I like the redundancy of having two generators... just like a hospital system where everything has at least on backup.

 

[arto98607]

IF you can get it, use non-ethanol gas, it helps.

Sure it helps but my choice was a Diesel powered generator few years ago - little bit of Biobor biocide mixed with fuel and no issues.
Propane is another great fuel for long term storage.

:thumbsup:

 

[Looking4new]

Sure it helps but my choice was a Diesel powered generator few years ago - little bit of Biobor biocide mixed with fuel and no issues.
:thumbsup:

OOPS! No gasoline for you, then.

 

[buickanddeere]

Yes, I have CO detectors. Yes I have a transfer switch system in place. As I detailed above, I use a 6 circuit transfer system to bring 110v to six critical circuits in the house. The generators are totally isolated from the line at all times. I only flip the main breaker to kill the house power and have my wife do a "drill". I could have used a whole house transfer switch, but then I would need a whole house generator setup and I would get nowhere near the quietness and fuel efficiency of my current system. The enclosure is outside, behind the garage (ie:concrete foundation walls) with the only access being a locking door exiting the garage, or moving a whole bunch of wood off the piles if you can actually find its location. And what I also like is that before bed, I can access the generators, and kill one for the night to conserve even more fuel. One 2000i will power my furnace and fridges without any issues, extending my fuel reserve by much.

You are opening the main breaker as part of the test and practice to ensure your Mrs can start and load everything ?
Or the main breaker has to opened when ever one or both of the generators are being used with the six circuit panel ?

 

[ultrarunner]

The first to simulate a power outage and the practice the steps necessary to get up and running when the power is out... at least this is how I read it.

 

[Texasmark]

I have a Generac whole house permanent installation. It runw every Wednesday around 1 pm for 15 minutes. It tells me when it's time to check the oil and battery. Hooked to a dedicated propane tank. No more portable headaches for me!

 

[Looking4new]

I have a Generac whole house permanent installation. It runw every Wednesday around 1 pm for 15 minutes. It tells me when it's time to check the oil and battery. Hooked to a dedicated propane tank. No more portable headaches for me!

How is that Generac working for you?
How long have you had it?
How much propane would you go through in a typical power outage of 12 hours at 75% load?

 

[3930dave]

M

It is on a auto exercise schedule. It does not transfer load ever week. I do a full load transfer every 6 months, unless we have had an outage.
Generac SVO 70 kW on natural gas. It is overkill, but the home owners version was a 40kw that crapped out after 24 hrs of straight use. (Long story) they gave me full credit and I went commercial grade.

makes sense now.... :thumbsup:

Small or big, a healthy gen is great to have around.

Curious.... I'm guessing that 40kw was liquid cooled - Y/N ?

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

Right now I have 4 gasoline gen-sets that won't run... they will start with a whiff of starting fluid... all were solid and dependable.

Guess the fuel got to them... one Honda and 3 others.

When I bought my first one in 1990 the Honda shop said to always keep the tank full to minimize moister problems and tank rust...

Hopefully Seafoam or equiv. can help you avoid a carb rebuild/replacement.... let us know how goes....

Rgds, D.