Running portable generator during inclement weather

[3930dave]

Ok, what the heck. Here's a few pics in this thread post 75
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/projects/267853-generator-electricity-flow-8.html#post3142607

I once heard Pete Townshend interviewed about what it had been like to hit the stage after Jimi Hendrix.....

3PH is a nice way to go, w/o using wheels. If it's a fit for your location, the modular wall approach is a bulletproof (assuming a competent operator) way to deal with heat, as you don't rely on a fan.

Nicely done GP.

Rgds, D.

 

[buickanddeere]

My Honda generator doesn't like getting wet, the engine will miss.

In rain or snow enough to matter, I run it inside the detached garage about 1' inside the man door and the exhaust aimed out the door. I've considered building a generator shed but it doesn't seem worth it for the number of uses and needing to clear snow around it.

Another option would be a folding three-sided shelter with a removable top. Something light to handle and easy to store.

Measure the CO in the garage and you will be shocked at the levels.

 

[dave1949]

Measure the CO in the garage and you will be shocked at the levels.

Likely true and probably varies considerably with wind direction. Years ago I got a heavy dose of CO while shoveling soybeans in a granary onto an elevator powered by a small gas engine. The engine was outside but the breeze was carrying the fumes into the granary through the doorway. It's nothing to mess with. I don't spend any time in the garage with the generator running in the doorway.

 

[Shift4200]

Simple.... I like it. I can see that working out with certain generators.

When I think of mine, probably not. My smaller one would be too hard to balance that on, and my larger one would be a good candidate, but, the recently mandated tank vent line comes out of the fill cap, right where you'd want something like that weighted down.

On older flat top gens, I can see that pool trick working well.

Rgds, D.

That's mine... it's newer but flat top, no vents (that i can see). Even if there are some fuel vents, the pool doesn't seal anything off.

The pool idea came too out of necessity. It was raining and we needed power... needed a cover and it was sitting there looking at me. At first I used cinder blocks on top, but the sandbags seem to be more secure.... and, well, i used the cinder blocks elsewhere.

Necessity is the mother of invention... right?

-J

 

[4shorts]

Thanks for posting those Paul.

I enjoyed your first vid when it originally came out; it's great to see the followup - actual field use often turns up a few tweaks that are needed. I can't remember if you ever did another vid that showed how you set up the curved (slight peak) top on the enclosure.

You don't have to follow Paul's work for long to realize that you'd have quite a time convincing him to cut a corner.....

That said, I just wanted to comment on the Winter conditions he's building for. I've been through some rough weather here in Ontario, but after working on The Rock in the Winter time, I can tell you that they have some pretty severe weather.

Like a lot of the Maritimes, when the locals say "It's a bit breezy today", most of us mainlanders would call it Gale Force conditions. The only time I've ever seen a brake rotor frozen in place by ice (not a seized caliper) on a moving truck, was on The Rock.

For the local conditions, what Paul set up is not quite as over-built as you (fellow mainlanders) might first think.

BTW Paul, what model of LED street lamp head is that ?

Rgds, D.

Thanks Dave. I appreciate your kind words on my work. The enclosure may be a little over kill (I'll even admit to that) but I figured if there was a fire, hurricane...... it could take it plus the fact it would be hard to steal the thing in the enclosure. The LED street light is a 60 watt 120 volt unit. I bought a box of them from an auction last year. I wasn't after the lights at the time but in the lot there was another item I was after so I bid on the lot and won. Turned out there were 12 LED street lights in it and they were brand new. I sold most of them locally and used the remainder on our property. They didn't have photo cells so I added those. There's a few video's I've done on how I used them on our YouTube channel.

Your absolutely right about our weather. It can get pretty bad. Last winter was the worst on record with cold and snow then combine that with frequent power outages and it made it down right miserable for most folks. It was the first year that we had the generator and to tell you we were pleased to have it would be the understatement of the decade.


GPintheMitten that's a fine job you did on your enclosure. I bet your generator loves you for having it. Sure beats leaving it out in the elements. Lets all hope we don't even need to use them this coming winter :thumbsup:

 

[GPintheMitten]

Thanks 4shorts. Enjoyed every one of your videos that I have watched.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

The few times I've had to use mine, I don't cover it. When it runs it gets rather warm, and the rain/snow doesn't bother it. Mines 18 yrs old now. Under NO circumstances should it be ran in an enclosed garage, or in the house or basement. I keep mine a good bit away from the house.

 

[3930dave]

Thanks Dave. I appreciate your kind words on my work. The enclosure may be a little over kill (I'll even admit to that) but I figured if there was a fire, hurricane...... it could take it plus the fact it would be hard to steal the thing in the enclosure. The LED street light is a 60 watt 120 volt unit. I bought a box of them from an auction last year. I wasn't after the lights at the time but in the lot there was another item I was after so I bid on the lot and won. Turned out there were 12 LED street lights in it and they were brand new. I sold most of them locally and used the remainder on our property. They didn't have photo cells so I added those. There's a few video's I've done on how I used them on our YouTube channel.

Your absolutely right about our weather. It can get pretty bad. Last winter was the worst on record with cold and snow then combine that with frequent power outages and it made it down right miserable for most folks. It was the first year that we had the generator and to tell you we were pleased to have it would be the understatement of the decade.


GPintheMitten that's a fine job you did on your enclosure. I bet your generator loves you for having it. Sure beats leaving it out in the elements. Lets all hope we don't even need to use them this coming winter :thumbsup:

Great timing on the generator, good score at the auction..... buy a lottery ticket, and make it a 3peat ?

Agreed - all prepped up, and not having to use 'em would be an ideal Winter !

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

That's mine... it's newer but flat top, no vents (that i can see). Even if there are some fuel vents, the pool doesn't seal anything off.

The pool idea came too out of necessity. It was raining and we needed power... needed a cover and it was sitting there looking at me. At first I used cinder blocks on top, but the sandbags seem to be more secure.... and, well, i used the cinder blocks elsewhere.

Necessity is the mother of invention... right?

-J

Got that T-shirt :drink: .... I can see making that choice myself.

If mine had a vent line like this Subaru is setup, (90 deg. fitting on the cap), then I'd be buying a kid's pool.

On my Briggs, the gas cap fitting sticks straight up, with the vent hose sticking up fairly high. And.... I know if I dared pull that line off, within 10 minutes I'd have a fleet of those blacked-out Suburbans pulling up at my door....

And/or the black helicopters..... :laughing:



Rgds, D.

 

[Shift4200]

Got that T-shirt :drink: .... I can see making that choice myself.

If mine had a vent line like this Subaru is setup, (90 deg. fitting on the cap), then I'd be buying a kid's pool.

On my Briggs, the gas cap fitting sticks straight up, with the vent hose sticking up fairly high. And.... I know if I dared pull that line off, within 10 minutes I'd have a fleet of those blacked-out Suburbans pulling up at my door....

And/or the black helicopters..... :laughing:

View attachment 396676

Rgds, D.

I'm jealous... I need the shirt!

Snagged this pic off the web, but it's identical. You can see, no vent... and when the handle is down the pool rides on the frame bars and doesn't sit directly on the tank. Considering some pipe insulation or similar to help keep the pool from sliding in the wind. Hasnt been an issue yet, but just trying to stay ahead of the curve.....



-J