NEC Codes/ Generator Hookup

Junkman · Oct 25, 2004

I just checked the cost of propane since we use a lot of it in the winter. My cost is $1.30 per gallon. If you use 2.4 gallons per hour, that is going to be very expensive electric service in my opinion. You might be better off spending more in the beginning and getting a diesel generator. Presently I have my whole house hooked up to a 8 KW propane generator that spins at 3600 RPM. To me, it sounds like it is screaming all the time. I have a double throw generator switch that cost me about $250 a few years ago hooked up right after the meter. No matter what generator that I replace this unit with, I am set to go with no additional expense. If we need generator power, we just don't turn on the non essential lights or appliances.

mrcaptainbob · Oct 25, 2004

A buck thirty? You're doing quite well, Junkman. Last year it was at $1.52/G here in south central Michigan. I'm sure it'll be more this year. I've heard it's rising about 25%. Pitiful.

varmint · Oct 25, 2004

Whew- such a deal. Here in Merryland, I just ordered a fill for our 100 gal. tank, and they apologized for the cost: over $3/gallon! As our country competes for diminishing energy supplies, especially with the booming demands of China, we will have to get used to paying more and more, and using less and less. Maybe when they get a lid on the situation in Iraq and that country's oil starts flowing into the victor's tankers we'll get a (temporary) break on prices?

RonL · Oct 25, 2004

Junkman

That's 2.4 gallons an hour at full load. Although the fuel usage is not linear, the generator is efficient at partial loads. Hopefully, power outages are not going to be a regular thing in the future. I am, however, building on top of a mountain ridge at the end of the power line. During a major outage I'll be one of the last to be serviced. I figure I need to be prepared. With the setup I'm planning I'll be able to switch over to the diesel powered welder/generator. If there is an extended power outage and I need to conserve fuel I can always power down at night and leave the wood stove running. I figure with the system I'm planning I'll have multiple options.

RonL

dmccarty · Oct 25, 2004

Ron,

What is the brand/model number of the welder/generator that you are thinking of buying? I'm thinking of this approach and have been looking at the Lincoln models.

Later,
Dan

RonL · Oct 25, 2004

Dan

I've been looking at the Miller Trailblazer 350D. It has a 26 HP Kubota diesel. It spins at 3600 RPM, however. Being a water cooled diesel I think it will have a substantially longer life than the air cooled gas engines that spin at 3600 RPM. More fuel efficient, also. With my projection of welder and back up generator use I think this unit would last for the rest of my life.
I also was looking at the larger Miller Big Blue units. They are powered by either an air cooled Deutz diesel or a water cooled Perkins that run at 1800 RPM. Miller advertises them as going 10,000 hours before needing an overhaul. The unit I was looking at produced 20 KW of 240 three phase or 12 KW of 120/240 Single phase. Very expensive, though. The reason I was looking at these units is that I was toying with the idea of buying a Wilke Machinery planer/moulder and milling up my own flooring, log siding, and other millwork that I would need when I built the house. This might be a bit much for me, though. I'll probably end up with Trailblazer 350D.

RonL

Junkman · Oct 25, 2004

We use about 3 - 4 thousand gallons per year, so the deal that I made is the Selkirk price plus 20 cents. Domestic propane isn't as expensive except in the winter, when they start bringing it in on barges from Ireland. When I asked why they import it, I was told that it is cheaper than domestic when the usage is high in the southern states. Doesn't make sense to me, but when the price rises in the middle of the winter, we all pay a lot more. I have a 500 gallon tank at the house, but haven't filled it in a couple of years. Probably a mistake because the price is going to rise continually until the politicians takes steps to stabilize the energy crisis.

v8dave · Oct 26, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Dan . . .
I also was looking at the larger Miller Big Blue units. They are powered by either an air cooled Deutz diesel or a water cooled Perkins that run at 1800 RPM. RonL )</font>

There is almost no Diesel noiser than the air cooled Deutz. No block and water jackets to deaden some of the sound. They are reliable and air cooled has its advantages. But, quiet operation isn't one of them.

RonL · Oct 26, 2004

Dave

Air cooled is probably a misnomer. The Deutz engines use oil as a cooling medium. What surprised me is that the 3 cylinder Deutz generator is substantially heavier than the water cooled Perkins. The Deutz must have a very substantial block.

RonL

dmccarty · Oct 26, 2004

WOW, that 350D is expensive. I thought the Lincoln 350D was expensive! The Miller does have some power though.....

So many choice and not enough money. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Later,
Dan