Topic: Generating Power

[BenelliSEI]

Gasoline powered generator is out in the driveway, running hard. Local power is out, so cycling furnace, fridges and freezers. Super high winds knocking down a lot of trees and poles, past few days........

[Prospect]

How is it hooked up to the house? Do you have a seperate panel for the essentials?

During the ice storm in Toronto 8 years ago I had a tiny generator running to the panel directly (main breaker turned off) and had only the fridge and furnace going. I was the only one on the street with a generator. Most of the houses were abounded for the 4 days. My next door neighbours house got down to 7C. I was cycling everything every 4 hours and stayed warm. We still talk about that time.

I've since upgraded to a 2500 watt generator with electric start. It runs on gasoline and propane. Haven't had to use it.

[Don R]

 I got a Honda 2200 watt generator, it will keep the house warm or run a frige. We use it at the track, it runs all day on a small tank of gas. We used to use a battery inverter and charge intermittently. I also keep a battery and inverter at home when the trailer goes to storage in case of bad weather.  It would charge phones and run a laptop.

[BenelliSEI]

This generator is a good size. Actually made in the USA, probably +40 years old. A Toronto neighbour had it for his Dad, to run medical equipment in emergencies. He gave up on trying to start it, after his father passed away. Cleaned the carb and tank, runs like a top. A bit loud, but I have a long cord, so it can go outside. During the last Toronto emergency Prospect mentioned, my son ran it for days. Other than a few bolts that shook loose on exhaust and intake manifolds (fixed with decent hardware and loctite) it’s been great. Twice a year, I put fresh fuel in it, and test run for 1/2 hour.

When I built on the mud room and garage a few years ago, I installed a new pony panel just inside the garage (fed off a 60 amp breaker in the house main panel). Basement Freezer, fridge and furnace are on it too. Mounted a twist lock receptical below the panel for my welder. Made up a large cable with male plugs on both ends.....

This morning, after disconnecting the mains and shutting off the electric hot water tank, I fired up the generator and connect it to the pony panel. Every few hours, I turn off one fridge, and turn on another one. Ran the coffee pot too. Certainly not “automatic”, but all works well.

We’re fed off a central transformer, hanging outside my barn. I turn on a yard light, that comes on when power is restored, so I know when to swing it all back. It just popped “ON”, so off to reset all the timers and clocks!

[RAFster122s]

Glad your power is restored!

[scottly]

Used Onan generators from RV's sometimes come up for sale at reasonable prices. These are two cylinder engines that run at 1800 RPM instead of the 3600 RPM of most generators, and have a 7.5 KW power output, in both 115 and 230 volts. There is one for sale locally, and I'm thinking of buying it just because I know how good they are, even though I already have a Honda 2700 watt generator.

[BenelliSEI]

I do keep my eyes open for alternatives, but this “old nail” works so well, it’s not urgent. The hook up and switching feeds around is a bit onerous. I guess I’m just too cheap!

[bwaller]

We're more rural than most so I just bought a Generac stand-by, completely automatic switching and powers the whole house. I felt a bit guilty last weekend, but offered coffee to neighbors! Pretty sweet.

[Kelly E]

I run a Honda EM3500 contractor grade generator. I've lived off it for more than a week several times since we live in the country and are the last people to get the power back on. It will run the fridge, freezer, the woodstove blower fan, two entertainment centers and a couple of lights. I have satellite TV so I just have to wait for the box to reload and it is up and running again. I would love to have a whole house generator that runs on propane.

[BenelliSEI]

We're more rural than most so I just bought a Generac stand-by, completely automatic switching and powers the whole house. I felt a bit guilty last weekend, but offered coffee to neighbors! Pretty sweet.

That is the ultimate solution and the first time my old generator fails to start with 1-2 pulls, will go there!

[Don R]

 We removed a natural gas generator from a nursing home, it had a 15 year old oil change sticker on it and the oil looked like new. We asked the maintenance man about how often he changed the oil. He said HUH?
  It was a twin cylinder Onan, my boss would not sell it to me.

[vfourfreak]

Absolutely an essential piece of kit in the Philippines. Power cuts are frequent.

Well more than frequent . . .

Kev

[BenelliSEI]

Here too..... fortunately, since we’ve had it only really needed it once!

[grcamna2]

I rent a one bedroom apt. here in town but have spent a few years looking for a good,used Honda EU2000i used generator;ideally I can find one that's been used at tailgate parties on & off and still has many hours left on it.I would use it to do mobile work.

[BenelliSEI]

I rent a one bedroom apt. here in town but have spent a few years looking for a good,used Honda E2000i used generator;ideally I can find one that's been used at tailgate parties on & off and still has many hours left on it.I would use it to do mobile work.

Years ago, I bought a flea market special part. It attaches to my truck battery and mounts under the hood of my ancient FORD pick up (it has a big alternator, set up for plow and extra lights). It connects to a 110V duplex receptacle that can power a drill or small circular saw...... most usfull $20 I ever spent!