Your last generator Maintenance Run

[3930dave]

Modern appliances do create a surprising amount of ghost lighting at night !

Can't think of a higher compliment for your new system grs.... you, of all people, didn't initially realize it was on :thumbsup:

Rgds, D.

 

[nikdfish]

ya... Funny thing is i just installed UPS protection for both of the new desktop computers last month. I was on the computer doing company books when power dropped out....the house went dark but my new 20 inch monitor kept the room lit up and the screen didnt blink so i myself didnt notice the power drop out....the wife did because to tv shut off...<snip> .

We had such frequent power "blips" I added UPS units for the Dish DVR and HD tv. Following a power drop, the tv has to reboot before it can turn back on & any interruption on the Dish receiver means a 5 minute signal reacquisition...

With the whole house unit, the UPS units only have to cover less than a minute so I may be able to downsize to a single unit now!

Nick

 

[grsthegreat]

We had such frequent power "blips" I added UPS units for the Dish DVR and HD tv. Following a power drop, the tv has to reboot before it can turn back on & any interruption on the Dish receiver means a 5 minute signal reacquisition...

With the whole house unit, the UPS units only have to cover less than a minute so I may be able to downsize to a single unit now!

Nick

costco sells these for $90, i may get a few more myself.

 

[3930dave]

Was just reading about the rough weather in Indiana.

I hope all TBN'ers (and everyone else) over that way are coming through this OK, and your gens are holding up fine.

Rgds, D.

 

[nikdfish]

The new whole house system has been running its weekly exercise sessions weekly, but those are "no load" sessions where the house stays on utility power. I really think that running under load periodically is a good thing, so I decided to do a simulated outage every month or two (undecided as to how often).

Did the first one today, making sure to set the thermostat in the house so the 5 ton heat pump would come on. After the 15 second delay, the generator started. After 5 seconds running, the transfer switch tripped and all house power returned. With UPS units on PC's, network & TV, the only things affected were the clocks on stove & microwaves. The heat pump is under load management & has an initial 5 minute lockout at generator power start. At the five minute mark, the heat pump cut on & you could hear the generator stumble for a fraction of a second before returning to the previous sound. The voltage levels in the house stayed fine (per UPS displays, 116v - 120v).

I gave it 20 minutes running under load & re-enabled utility power. The transfer switch tripped back & the generator continued to run a bit for cool down.

Gives a good feeling when things work like they are supposed to.

Nick

 

[ultrarunner]

It sure is...

I have all the outlets with generator capability red in color and strategically placed.

 

[daybreak1998]

Howdy,
It has been long enough. All gasoline generators were drained. Fresh 100% gasoline with sta-bil was filled. Each gasoline generator was run for at least 30 minutes with at least 50% loads. Diesel generators were checked, fuel tanks were all still full to the brim. Diesel generators were started and run for at least 2 hours with 100% loads. Units were shut down, and topped off with diesel. All fluids are fine with time and hours.

Prepared for the worst, with having things ready.

 

[3930dave]

The new whole house system has been running its weekly exercise sessions weekly, but those are "no load" sessions where the house stays on utility power. I really think that running under load periodically is a good thing, so I decided to do a simulated outage every month or two (undecided as to how often).

Did the first one today, making sure to set the thermostat in the house so the 5 ton heat pump would come on. After the 15 second delay, the generator started. After 5 seconds running, the transfer switch tripped and all house power returned. With UPS units on PC's, network & TV, the only things affected were the clocks on stove & microwaves. The heat pump is under load management & has an initial 5 minute lockout at generator power start. At the five minute mark, the heat pump cut on & you could hear the generator stumble for a fraction of a second before returning to the previous sound. The voltage levels in the house stayed fine (per UPS displays, 116v - 120v).

I gave it 20 minutes running under load & re-enabled utility power. The transfer switch tripped back & the generator continued to run a bit for cool down.

Gives a good feeling when things work like they are supposed to.

Nick

Nice test run. Enjoy your system.

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

Prepared for the worst, with having things ready.

Murphy likes easy pickings.....with all that prep, your grid power will be 100% rock solid all Winter !

Exemplary maintenance. If I remember accurately, you have that excellent military test-load to use.

Rgds, D.

 

[daybreak1998]

Murphy likes easy pickings.....with all that prep, your grid power will be 100% rock solid all Winter !

Exemplary maintenance. If I remember accurately, you have that excellent military test-load to use.

Rgds, D.

Howdy,
Yes, the military Essex A427 load bank. It does make maintaining things a lot easier.