Backup generator 101, a few questions

RalphVa · Feb 20, 2020

Rebeldad1 said:
Ralph what model generator and what model panel do you have? sounds interesting.

The Isuzu is the 12.5 kw one from Central Maine Diesel. The 200 amp panel came from GenTron (GenTran?). Has the transfer switch built in and came with some other boxes and electronics for the (think it's) 4 to 6 breakers that are only allowed to come on if there's room on the generator; a friend is an electrician who figured it all out and did all the electrical work. Has worked great, and the Isuzu is a gem of a diesel. GenTran has a web site. The Isuzu was featured on a web site in 2011 when I was looking for one. They sent me replacement filters, of which I've only used the oil filter for the 50 hour change, for a charge, of course. I'll be likely using the fuel filter and air filter this year or next. Then in 2022, I'll be looking to change out the coolant. Gotta check to see if there's a cock on the bottom of the radiator or whether the bottom hose has to come loose. Not sure about the hoses: they aren't Mercedes Benz quality and I think may need replacement (which I never had to do in the 26th year of the Benz). The enclosure was done by some contractor they used and could have used some better rust protection but isn't too bad.

Ralph

Jstpssng · Feb 20, 2020

Armed with ideas from here and prices which I found online, I approached the subject of doing something different with her, when I was visiting last weekend. I first suggested the 1995$ unit from Lowes with an automatic transfer switch... that was out of the question. Then I threw out the unit with remote control, but that went over like the proverbial lead balloon. She did tentatively agree to let us mount her existing portable so that it doesn't need to be moved out of the garage when in use. As she pointed out the power has only been out once in the last several years, and in a major event there are neighbors around who are more than happy to help out- just as my father did for many years.