Backup Generator

[downsizingnow48]

are you buying a ATS?

No, or at least not now. I've been using the manual interlock switch for years, it works fine.

 

[PILOON]

With the revenues the hydro suppliers earn you'd think that service in these times would not require us to install gensets.
Shucks when it gets cold they ask us to reduce consumption so that they can sell to the neighbors at a more favorable price.

 

[Aquamoose]

I’m quite surprised that no one mentioned using natural gas! Mine is a tri-fuel 7,500 generator and is absolutely a breeze to use and very low maintenance with a choice of propane, NG, or gas. The tank is bone dry and is handy should my NG is compromised but I’m not in earthquake territory.

 

[RoyKing]

Does anybody make a 1800 rpm alternator type unit that runs on ngas?'

 

[techman]

Post your photo.

I do not have pix of the water sep or desiccant breather. These are older pix

paul

 

[techman]

I’m quite surprised that no one mentioned using natural gas! Mine is a tri-fuel 7,500 generator and is absolutely a breeze to use and very low maintenance with a choice of propane, NG, or gas. The tank is bone dry and is handy should my NG is compromised but I’m not in earthquake territory.

The only problem with NG is the running cost. I know several people who have NG gensets and are shocked at the NG bill after a prolonged use.

paul

 

[Sawyer Rob]

It doesn't take an earth quake to disrupt the NG supply...

A fire at a pump station can and will do it...

SR

 

[grsthegreat]

i have installed many, many generators over the years, from huge commercial units to residential backups. In my own home i could have installed a 1800 rpm liquid cooled unit but i didnt want to spend the money on a unit costing 3x what a 3600 rpm generac system costs mainly because we dont get many outages any more (that may change tonight with snowmigedden coming in with 50 MPH winds). I service many older 3600 rpm generac units with 100's of hours on them and there still going strong. It all depends on maintenance. I just serviced one with over 2,000 hours on the meter.

That being said, air cooled generators are NOT designed for continuous use. There for emergency backup. On my unit, i shut it down manually during the day because i dont want it running if its not necessary. If its 4F outside, id let it stay running to keep heater going. Off grid people need a generator designed for off grid situations. Diesel 1800 rpm units are great, if you have lots of prolonged power outages. If you have 1 or 2 a year, i think a propane or NG generator is a great way to go. No need to mess with fuel storage or transfer.

Ive had a few calls to service Wenco generators over the years, and they seem like nice units. Have not done much with them, but look impressive. Whatever you plan on buying, get a parts diagram and so a search for major parts to make sure you can get them locally. Over the years ive had issues getting repair parts for alot of marine generators and European brands.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Very nice set! People have arguments about not spending the money, but no trouble spending money on ridiculous BLING that adds no value to ones life.

The only thing I wish that particular Dynagen controller had was another output to switch the load on and off so you could have a cool down and warm up. They do have a newer one, but it's more money.

 

[downsizingnow48]

I do not have pix of the water sep or desiccant breather. These are older pix

paul

Thanks for helpful photo.