Standby generator

Dave R · 09-05-2011, 08:30 AM

I run a portable 5000 watt that I bought used for $275 after the big ice storm 3 or 4 years ago and a safety interlock on my original breaker panel. This is the least expensive way to make all the circuits in a house live. Off-the-grid living at my place is only slightly less convenient than on-the-grid. I made the interlock myself, but they are available commercially here: http://www.interlockkit.com/.

I converted the used 5000 watt machine to electric start so my family can use it in my absence. I also created detailed instruction manuals for them, but it's really quite simple to operate and switch over.

Prior to owning the 5000 watt generator, I used a 4000 watt for 15 years and that was not quite powerful enough to run the well, furnace and fridge at the same time. The 5000 watt does so without any issues. Can't run an electric dryer on the 5000 watt, so we hang laundry when without power. The washer runs fine.

Rusty · 09-05-2011, 08:34 AM

Here is another thread that talked about Generators:

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...ight=generator

robmac · 09-05-2011, 08:55 AM

I had to have a new service installed in my house house and had the company install a switch for the generator for power outages. I simply throw the switch plug the cord in and fire up the generator. The only thing I would and will change when this generator dies is go diesel.

ITD · 09-05-2011, 09:54 AM

In my Mass. house I just installed a 6 circuit transfer switch that I had bought 2 years ago. It was this model switch http://www.reliancecontrols.com/Prod...il.aspx?20216A

with the outdoor receptacle. I installed it myself and it was pretty easy, taking me about two hours to install (switch and outdoor plug). The only thing I would do over again is install a larger switch, they have a 10 circuit switch so I could have more options to simple switch things on an off. It is important not to draw more current than the generator can supply, this switch has watt meters on it.

The only other problem I had was my generator was a coleman 4000 watt model, the 240v plug only had 3 prongs, 2 hot and 1 ground. The switch has a 4 wire plug. I rewired the generator with a 4 wire plug, and made it a floating neutral, which allows the generator to be grounded thru the house ground and is safer in when connected like this.

I also had to adjust my generator as it was putting out 136 volts, the adjustment turned out to be simple as I slowed down the engine so that it produced 120 volts.

The switch is the best option for me as my wife can easily connect the generator.

For now, if I need power at the lake I run a couple extension cords and hook up what I need. We haven't had an extended outage in my area in Moultonboro in many years.

tis · 09-05-2011, 10:22 AM

I don't know what size ours is, but it switches on automatically and does the heat, refrigerator, water pump, sump pumps, septic, pump, lights, microwave, tv. I don't know if I forgot anything. Anyway, I would not want to be without it. We have three tanks of bottled gas and the only thing we don't know is how long it would run before the gas runs out. Three days? Five days? We just don't know. Fortunately we have never had to test it.

I just found out it is a 10 kw

ishoot308 · 09-05-2011, 11:50 AM

I have a 6500 watt Honda portable generator that I use at the camp. It pretty much runs the entire camp less the electric stove and washer / dryer. While this generator is ridiculously expensive it is ultra quiet and the safety features really paid off during Irene. I had no problem leaving the camp during the day and let the generator run. It has an overload protection switch which kicked in thanks to an iron that was supposed to have an automatic off switch which was defective. The overload protection switch not only saved the generator but many appliances and electronics in the camp as well. It also sipped fuel at a rate of 4 gallons over a 12 hour period while under load using the "eco-throttle" setting. Can't say enough good about this generator!

At our main home we use an 18,000 watt Generac portable gas generator that runs everything including the stove and washer / dryer. It is a brute of a generator and loud (I have no neighbors!) but runs well. It does however suck down fuel like crazy at about a gallon an hour at full load.

Wouldn't be without a generator at either home. They are invaluable!

Dan

09-05-2011, 10:22 AM	#5
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,945 Thanks: 795 Thanked 1,493 Times in 1,040 Posts	I don't know what size ours is, but it switches on automatically and does the heat, refrigerator, water pump, sump pumps, septic, pump, lights, microwave, tv. I don't know if I forgot anything. Anyway, I would not want to be without it. We have three tanks of bottled gas and the only thing we don't know is how long it would run before the gas runs out. Three days? Five days? We just don't know. Fortunately we have never had to test it. I just found out it is a 10 kw Last edited by tis; 09-05-2011 at 01:57 PM.

09-05-2011, 11:50 AM	#6
ishoot308 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gilford, NH / Welch Island Posts: 6,534 Thanks: 2,455 Thanked 5,468 Times in 2,143 Posts	I have a 6500 watt Honda portable generator that I use at the camp. It pretty much runs the entire camp less the electric stove and washer / dryer. While this generator is ridiculously expensive it is ultra quiet and the safety features really paid off during Irene. I had no problem leaving the camp during the day and let the generator run. It has an overload protection switch which kicked in thanks to an iron that was supposed to have an automatic off switch which was defective. The overload protection switch not only saved the generator but many appliances and electronics in the camp as well. It also sipped fuel at a rate of 4 gallons over a 12 hour period while under load using the "eco-throttle" setting. Can't say enough good about this generator! At our main home we use an 18,000 watt Generac portable gas generator that runs everything including the stove and washer / dryer. It is a brute of a generator and loud (I have no neighbors!) but runs well. It does however suck down fuel like crazy at about a gallon an hour at full load. Wouldn't be without a generator at either home. They are invaluable! Dan Last edited by ishoot308; 09-05-2011 at 12:51 PM.

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09-05-2011, 08:30 AM	#1
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,985 Thanks: 246 Thanked 744 Times in 444 Posts	I run a portable 5000 watt that I bought used for $275 after the big ice storm 3 or 4 years ago and a safety interlock on my original breaker panel. This is the least expensive way to make all the circuits in a house live. Off-the-grid living at my place is only slightly less convenient than on-the-grid. I made the interlock myself, but they are available commercially here: http://www.interlockkit.com/. I converted the used 5000 watt machine to electric start so my family can use it in my absence. I also created detailed instruction manuals for them, but it's really quite simple to operate and switch over. Prior to owning the 5000 watt generator, I used a 4000 watt for 15 years and that was not quite powerful enough to run the well, furnace and fridge at the same time. The 5000 watt does so without any issues. Can't run an electric dryer on the 5000 watt, so we hang laundry when without power. The washer runs fine.

09-05-2011, 08:34 AM	#2
Rusty Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 2,028 Thanks: 603 Thanked 687 Times in 425 Posts	Here is another thread that talked about Generators: http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...ight=generator

09-05-2011, 08:55 AM	#3
robmac Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Nashua,Meredith Posts: 950 Thanks: 213 Thanked 106 Times in 81 Posts	I had to have a new service installed in my house house and had the company install a switch for the generator for power outages. I simply throw the switch plug the cord in and fire up the generator. The only thing I would and will change when this generator dies is go diesel.

09-05-2011, 09:54 AM	#4
ITD Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonboro, NH Posts: 2,953 Thanks: 484 Thanked 703 Times in 393 Posts	In my Mass. house I just installed a 6 circuit transfer switch that I had bought 2 years ago. It was this model switch http://www.reliancecontrols.com/Prod...il.aspx?20216A with the outdoor receptacle. I installed it myself and it was pretty easy, taking me about two hours to install (switch and outdoor plug). The only thing I would do over again is install a larger switch, they have a 10 circuit switch so I could have more options to simple switch things on an off. It is important not to draw more current than the generator can supply, this switch has watt meters on it. The only other problem I had was my generator was a coleman 4000 watt model, the 240v plug only had 3 prongs, 2 hot and 1 ground. The switch has a 4 wire plug. I rewired the generator with a 4 wire plug, and made it a floating neutral, which allows the generator to be grounded thru the house ground and is safer in when connected like this. I also had to adjust my generator as it was putting out 136 volts, the adjustment turned out to be simple as I slowed down the engine so that it produced 120 volts. The switch is the best option for me as my wife can easily connect the generator. For now, if I need power at the lake I run a couple extension cords and hook up what I need. We haven't had an extended outage in my area in Moultonboro in many years.