Generators

[NJBill]

Hi Folks, and the group is enlarging very fast this year, incidentally welcome to all the new names I am met with each time I log on.

I didn't know where to start with this particular question, so I figured home base would be the best place for a PT'er. I have just finished recently installing a new oil fired boiler, and am enjoying the comforts I have never felt before. With the threat of a harder winter ahjead, I am toying with the addition of a portable generator, to maintain the heater maybe refridgerator, and some kind of lighting.
I have read a little and it seems that about a 6kw or 7kw rated should suffice.
Pointers, and/or pointing in the right direction would be appreciated. Many thanks
Bill

 

[slowrev]

Bill,
your generator sizing seems about right. Is this going to be for very occasional use, or are power outages common there ? The reason I ask that is that if the outages are common then a stationary unit with transfer switch might be the better choice. However if the outages are infrequent than a portable one would work ok. Just have your cords and hookup plan figured out beforehand. It is sort of miserable to be out in 2 deg weather trying to find enough extension cords to hook up everything.
I also recommend good synthetic oil in the generator for ease of starting and longer engine life in cold weather.

Were you even considering a PTO driven generator ?, I sort of assumed not in my reply.

Ben

 

[techman]

NJBill:

As far as size, 6 to 7KW should be good. The thing to watch is the inrush of any motor driven device, such as your oil burner. 6 to 7 should handle it. If you add a fridge or 2 and lights, you are starting to creep up, but still in the 6 to 7 range. I had a 7kw which could handle my 2 fridges, well pump and one heat pump, as well as assorted lighting.

Things to consider:

Do you need 120/240 or just 120 ?

Where will you operate it, outside is recommended due to exhaust, noise and fueling mess.

How will you tie in ? Some sort of transfer switch is needed for utility safety, and that loads like the furnace are not a "plug-in" load, but rather wired-in.

How long do you want to run, and how much fuel will that take ?

You may want to consider an outside, housed, autostart unit with auto transfer. They are a lot pricier ($2K up) but are a nice solution. Most run on LP or NG, so fuel is not an issue.

I recently switched to a diesel unit for fuel issues, as well as upsizing to 10KW.

paul

 

[Phils]

I'll be happy to share any info I can. I've been "off the grid" since the mid-seventies. I've had quite a few different generators, and still have 3 for specific purposes. The 10KW powers everything and charges batteries when the sun don't shine. There's a 4KW backup for when that 10KW is down. I also have a 1KW that we use with our RV, and have also used to charge batteries when extended periods of rain happen.

Gas power, diesel power, or propane power might be an early question. I can recommend "two-wire start" as that's the easiest to do remote wiring for. I think you may be sizing a little higher than necessary, however I'm of the opinion that in generators, you can't have too much.

You can use the Private Messaging for specific questions, and I'll gladly share any info I've learned over the years.

 

[NJBill]

Thanks, Slowrev, Techman, and Phils, for taking time to make suggestions which helped by the fact that, someone heard a cry for help. As it happened I received help also from a surprise local source. Thanks again guys , you helped me escape from the web confusion trap. Have not bought yet, but I am pointed in the right direction.
Bill