Another Generator Question

[Will_C]

I have had it! Another power outage! It is time to get a generator. I have decided to buy a gas engine model, because I don't feel the BX 2200 has enough power to run a PTO generator, and during winter storms, I want to keep the tractor handy for snow plowing.
I have done some research, and think that something along the lines of 5500 watts would be sufficient. I plan to have an electrician install a transfer switch, and will keep the generator on a patio attached to the garage, 20' from the house. Am I correct in thinking that by switching circuits on and off, I could run my well pump, water heater, fridge, and freezer? I realize I would not be able to run all at the same time, but can I keep food from spoiling, and have water enough for toilet flushing and a quick hot shower?
I see generators in this class from $500-$2000. What features should I think about? Are the $500 units junk? I plan to use this generator 10-100 hours a year for power outages, and rarely, if ever, for anything else. How much quality do I need?
Please feel free to respond with any advice, thoughts, and/or recommendations. I want to hear it all /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Thanks,
Will

 

[Bird]

Will, I don't know how regular those power outages occur, but if you get a generator, I'd sure recommend that you run it at least once a month for 30 minutes to an hour under 50% or better load. One of my brothers was a factory trained Onan mechanic and Onan claims that most problems with generators are from lack of use, and I agree.

 

[Will_C]

Bird, My outages don't occur that frequently, but I have heard the same advice that your brother gave. I think between having the generator in a convenient location and having the transfer switch, it should be easy to run it an hour month and transfer a load onto it from the house.
Thanks, Will

 

[JerryG]

Like Bird said, exercise your generator periodically. Mine is set to run under load for 30 minutes every week. That would be quite a bit for a home owner, but 30 minutes once a month would be fine.

 

[mountain_man]

You're where I was about 15 years ago, after an ice storm and a later hurricane (Gloria) knocked out power for a week each.

I've got a cheapo Coleman 5KW generator (Briggs I/C engine). It's connected to my panel via a GenTran Transpanel switch (picture attached). I exercise it monthly and keep 10-15 gals of fuel on hand with Stabil and rotate the fuel with my truck regularly. I also keep a siphon hose ready if needed. Annual oil change, air filter cleaning and new spark plug. Always drain the carburator dry after each use. It always starts on the first pull!

Our last power outage was for 3 days during a fierce snow storm. Generator powered well pump, boiler circulator pump, refrig, microwave or toaster or coffee pot (we already have a gas range), some lighting and optionally TV or computer (both are carefully protected).

I'd recommend getting actual wattage measurement of the items listed. Motor startups can required 2 or 3 times running load (need that much generator surge capacity). Well pump depending upon size/depth/capacity can be one of your biggest energy users. But don't underestimate any electrical heating elements. You mentioned "water heater". Do you mean a gas/oil fired boiler? If so, circulator pump(s) take about 50-75 watts.

If you expect others to move, startup and connect the generator, you should look at some automation. Electric start, automatic transfer etc. At the time I bought the Coleman, I couldn't afford the automation, however prices for 12KW generators are becoming more affordable. Hope this helps.

 

[chim]

Will, just don't have it in a "too convenient" location. Not too far from here there was a woman killed and her husband hospitalized, and it was blamed on the generator exhaust coming into the house. In this case, the generator was said to have been located about a foot away from the house and near an open window. Story is on a TV website:

http://www.thewgalchannel.com/news/2501392/detail.html

...................chim

 

[Bird]

Jerry, personally I think that the 30 minutes every week is better than once a month. When I was in charge of police communications, we had two monstrous Caterpillar diesel powered gnerators and ran them under load (actually cut off all the other power to building) every Sunday morning.

 

[JerryG]

Bird,
That is how mine works. If it doesn't come on at 8:30 every Monday morning, then I know something is wrong.

 

[_RaT_]

As a rule of thumb, a 5000 watt generator will start a 1 hp well pump. Once started, it will draw roughly 3 times less its starting current. Refrigerators have a much less start up current and can easily start with the well pump operating. Perhaps the biggest issue is simaltaneous startup of two larger motors and its effect on everything else. Some devices will be far more sensitive to voltage drops then others. A heater or light bulb don't care what they get, a TV will. While most generators are not designed to operate sensitive equipment because of the sinewave they produce, I have found that it rarely seems to be an issue. I would still leave the valuable appliances off the generator. A 5000 watt generator is probably close to the ideal size for many of us in terms of cost, fuel demand and the backup devices it will run. For most of us, the well pump and refrigerator/freezer are at the top of the list. If your on utility water, you could get by with less, even a 120V only generator.

 

[BubbaJr]

We have a 10KW propane powered generator with a Briggs and Stratton engine. We have had nothing but trouble with the engine trying to start. I've had the generator guys here at least once a month since we got it, and they don't have a clue as to why it won't start every two weeks. We have an automatic transfer switch that is supposed to start the generator every 14 days and lets it run for 20 minutes, then shuts it down automatically. In theory this should keep it in good shape. The reality is that about once a month I have to manually start the generator, let it run, then come back and shut it off.
I would highly recommend that you get a generator with a Honda engine as I have only heard good things about them. I only wish I would have been smart enough to take my own advice. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
Good Luck!