Back up Generators - finally looking.

[workinonit]

I will say that maxing out a 30 KW generator means he would have lots of things running. My gen is around 108 amps on 240 VAC single phase and when I have pretty much everything running in my house that would be normal it tops out around 50 Amps. Of course that isn't accounting for end rush startup loads which is why our gens must be sized larger than our real needs.

 

[twowoode]

I just ordered a kohler 20kw propane whole house. Cost of generator was about $500 more than generac. I do have to get a 500 gallon propane tank installed though to supply it. Diesel is the way to go if you can afford it. Lower cost of fuel and lower operating rpm’s.
I moved from Northern California where pge was shutting power down quite often. I used a 10,000 watt duel fuel running on propane that worked out.

 

[truckdiagnostics]

Not true I have a air cooled LP whole house generac 17 kw that is going on 12 years old and NEVER check the oil daily.

Ah generic suggest it and last time I checked all air cooled engines use oil. It is just a question of how much. And in higher ambient temps you will use more oil and in our case we will have to run the ac in the summer. So 3-4 days in the summer it could be low! So if it is going to be your forever home and your going to age out in it yes it is something to consider. And good for you I am glad you are physically able to check the oil.

 

[coobie]

Ah generic suggest it and last time I checked all air cooled engines use oil. It is just a question of how much. And in higher ambient temps you will use more oil and in our case we will have to run the ac in the summer. So 3-4 days in the summer it could be low! So if it is going to be your forever home and your going to age out in it yes it is something to consider. And good for you I am glad you are physically able to check the oil.

We have a generac not generic maybe 2 different companies? My generac LP whole house gen. uses 0% oil between yearly oil/filter changes & the unit is 12 years old.

 

[pmsmechanic]

But being a betting man there is NO way in hell he is running 3 phase generator unless he is running grain dryers.He claims to raise hay in his posts.You tell me.

There are many farmers in the area where I live that are on 3 phase utility power. If they run a generator you can rest assured that they are running a 3 phase generator. And there is such a thing as hay dryers too fyi.

And from what I understand a 12 pole generator can be wired to either generate single or 3 phase power.

 

[Hay Dude]

Installed a Generac 22KW about 10 years ago. Runs off street supplied NG which has never been interrupted to our house in 12 years. It’s been 100% reliable and easy to maintain. Powers our 400amp system in every case except if both AC units want to come on at the same time. Smarts switches have taken care of that.

Whatever you chose, remember it will increase your homes value. Its a solid investment.

 

[bdhsfz6]

Natural gas is arguably the best fuel source for a home generator if you're fortunate enough to have the service available. Very few have it in my rural county.

The reliability of NG has definite advantages of other fuel sources but it isn't perfect. Distribution compressor stations can lose power during a wide spread outage. During hurricane Katrina, NG distribution was shut off for weeks in many cities due to the widespread destruction. After the loss of gas pressure, water entered the pipe distribution system and it took a lot of time and effort to purge.

Oddly enough, those with gas powered generators sometimes fair the best. Gasoline can be brought in to stricken areas by tanker and generators used to power up gas stations.

 

[Larry Caldwell]

In earthquake country, NG is the first utility to go down, even before water and electricity. The damage from fire and explosion after a quake is extreme.

 

[TheMan419]

I just ordered a kohler 20kw propane whole house. Cost of generator was about $500 more than generac. I do have to get a 500 gallon propane tank installed though to supply it. Diesel is the way to go if you can afford it. Lower cost of fuel and lower operating rpm’s.
I moved from Northern California where pge was shutting power down quite often. I used a 10,000 watt duel fuel running on propane that worked out.

What delivery time line were you quoted? Generator upgrade at the house is one thing we are thinking about.

 

[Hay Dude]

In earthquake country, NG is the first utility to go down, even before water and electricity. The damage from fire and explosion after a quake is extreme.

Thank the Lord I don’t have to worry about that
I hope