Backup generator 101, a few questions

[Gem99ultra]

The DuraMax dual fuel generator may serve your needs. Runs on either propane or gasoline. Electric and/or manual start. Also has 110V and 220V. The 10,000 watt units are often on sale for around $650, delivered including tax; occasionally less.

I've had one for 3 years now with no issues. Have never put gasoline in mine. Always propane only, avoiding any carburetor gum-ups, fouled plugs, etc..

Sure- there probably are better units out there. In fact, I have a pair of very good small Honda's. But the DuraMax is a good, inexpensive, sensible unit that will serve an occasional power outage need.

 

[buickanddeere]

Most people need a system that auto starts when they are away from home . Opening the door to frozen pipes, flooded basement and rotten food in the freezer are all events to avoid .

 

[shooterdon]

Sorry, but at 83 and you don稚 want her to have to do anything equals whole house. Just get a 7kw autostart with 8 circuit transfer switch. You mount transfer switch next to panel and move over 8 circuits to be powered up. GENERAC sells these for about $1,900 plus install. Doesn稚 come any easier

Thanks for posting that info! I have put in a request for quote. Last year I looked at a Generac and they wanted $8k for a 16KW unit. Not only too much upfront but too expensive to run if I am not home to regulate it. I wound up getting a Champion 7500W dual fuel portable but have to hook it up to use it. The option for a small autostart makes a lot of sense if I can get it for $4000 installed. I am 69 so looking for a solution that is easier as I get older. Went for years with a gas unit but like the idea of using propane and not needing to manually switch over if I get an outage at night when it is below zero. But the downside is what happens if I am not home to hook things up.

I am not worried about food spoilage. Freezer does not need to run much to avoid problems (once a day?). Fridge is low value stuff if we are away for any period of time. Frozen pipes are not a problem as I have a 33k BTU propane fireplace in the basement that does not require power. But in the spring, my sump pump runs every 3 minutes and that is critical. My current option is to have a friend take care of things if I am away, but he will have his own problems to deal with. I like not being dependent on anyone.

 

[grsthegreat]

it depends on how close panel and gas are together. i have installed the above said system for around $4,000 in the past when the moons align and everything is in the proper place. the transfer switch work is a piece of cake with just piping the 2 panels together. Whole install can be done in less than 8 hours if conditions allow.

 

[shooterdon]

it depends on how close panel and gas are together. i have installed the above said system for around $4,000 in the past when the moons align and everything is in the proper place. the transfer switch work is a piece of cake with just piping the 2 panels together. Whole install can be done in less than 8 hours if conditions allow.

I installed a 6 circuit manual transfer switch about 15 years ago. I got it figured out and passed inspection. Not rocket surgery if the instructions are good. The gas line is at the opposite side of the house from the main breaker so it looks like a bit more work to hook up. I assume it is easier to run the power line from the generator to the panel by routing it through the basement than to pipe the gas...any thoughts? Main panel is 30 ft from gas supply.

 

[buickanddeere]

Depends if you want the generator out in conspicuous view as a lawn ornament. Also keep in mind the prevailing wind direction . Nobody wants exhaust fumes drifting into the house .

 

[grsthegreat]

I installed a 6 circuit manual transfer switch about 15 years ago. I got it figured out and passed inspection. Not rocket surgery if the instructions are good. The gas line is at the opposite side of the house from the main breaker so it looks like a bit more work to hook up. I assume it is easier to run the power line from the generator to the panel by routing it through the basement than to pipe the gas...any thoughts? Main panel is 30 ft from gas supply.

. electric is way cheaper and easier to route than gas. Also gas pipe needs to increase in size the further its run.

 

[shooterdon]

. electric is way cheaper and easier to route than gas. Also gas pipe needs to increase in size the further its run.

Thank you for the insight. Contractor is scheduled to be here next week so the more information I have the better.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

gas pipe needs to increase in size the further its run.

So does the electric...

SR

 

[grsthegreat]

So does the electric...

SR

not really. Wire size good thru a few hundred feet. Gas pipe size, at least for natural gas increases drastically.