Backup generator for home

[AkNomad]

I want to put in in a shed just cause. Works fine outside in the cold.

Get the exhaust vent kit that I posted above, took me about 30 minutes to install my kit. Thing sounds like a tractor on the outside when it's running........lol.

 

[lilduke]

Get the exhaust vent kit that I posted above, took me about 30 minutes to install my kit. Thing sounds like a tractor on the outside when it's running........lol.

Ya i will. I wonder if it would be quieter if a guy put a small car muffler on it

 

[greenthumb]

Thats why I got this one, cause of the tri fuel. 1200$ at home depot. 8kw continuous E start.

I think tri is the way to go if you have nat gas, but be aware it significantly derates the output. 8k on gasoline is only 5.5k on nat gas.

Ya i will. I wonder if it would be quieter if a guy put a small car muffler on it

Several YouTube videos of people doing this. mixed results.

 

[Cat401]

You really just need to ensure what ever you’re using is 60hz output. A standard generator runs at 1800 or 3600 rpm to achieve 60hz where an inverter will output 60hz at any RPM. When using any generator it’s best to let it stabilize before switching in the output power. It’s when you get into inverters using batteries to generate AC is where you can have issues. Cheap inverters run a modified sign wave which can damage some electronics. Always look for pure sign wave if running computers or tv’s

I have heard that this can be an issue with todays sensitive TV's, computers and even appliances....it looks like Generac generators are safe for household electronics

Copied from Generac's website:

Are Generac Home Standby Generators Safe to Power Sensitive Electronics?​

Jan 5, 2024•Knowledge​

Yes, Generac's home standby generators output a low (under 5%) Total Harmonic Distortion "Pure Sine Wave", which is considered to be power with a THD of less than 6%. This can safely power sensitive electronics. See the What Is Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)? article for more information.

 

[NoBrakes!]

i have been eyeing up a Generac GP2500i for a while... I should pull the trigger... I got a diesel heater now for emergencies but a guy needs power...

 

[lilduke]

I think tri is the way to go if you have nat gas, but be aware it significantly derates the output. 8k on gasoline is only 5.5k on nat gas.



Several YouTube videos of people doing this. mixed results.

Yup less output on NG. NG would be for an extended black out, so you wouldnt have to fill up tge tank, and youd have to cut back on what you are using.


For a few hours of even a couple days, gas would be the go to fuel choice due to the increased output

I was joking with my brother, that maybe i could get 12000 watts out of it on c12.

 

[fj40]

Would any of the hybrid trucks with a power outlet have enough power to run just the furnace or could it fry the board.

 

[Mike270412]

Would any of the hybrid trucks with a power outlet have enough power to run just the furnace or could it fry the board.

Gas furnace? Sure. Electric furnace? I wouldn't try it.

 

[kenvb]

Interesting thing I just learned about Stabil is that it creates a film on top of gas does not treat it. So if you have move your item say something you are transporting etc.. It is basically in effective. Not sure what the best alternative is. Probably an enzyme type treatment.

use this instead of the stabil we buy around here,, Amazon sells it. 10 yrs now and all my small motors start every time i need em.also Husky 91 gas too.

 

[kenvb]

we bought our acreage in 90 and it was a old dairy farm,,it had a 6500 Honda diesal wired to main breaker box..when power went out.i would flip the main breaker and start the Honda,,it was is a insulated box with heat lamp in winter ran whole 1800 sg ft house new 98% furnace, ,garage.barn..but no 220 anything,gas stove,furnance in house and one garage.dryer was gas too.

 

[meierjn]

I should get mine outside this weekend and run it. Its sitting on the bench in the garage nice and warm. I do have fuel stabilizer in the tank, but its still good to run these things every few months!

 

[tejay]

I have a cord run from the RV ( 4000 watt Onan) to a back porch window . I plan on installing a wall pass through kit so I will have a few receptacles available for an extended outage . An extended outage hasn’t happened here in Revelstoke yet, but who knows ? The Onan will run until the RV is down to a 1/4 tank and I always keep a 5 gallon container on hand.

 

[jhurkot]

Last year I Put a manual transfer switch/ panel with 240v plug on my well house to keep it warm and have water available since I had to redo all the electrical for adding a cistern system. Have a champion 10kw propane generator to connect.
I'm building a 30x 40 shop and the cost to run a new service from the road to it is ridiculous, so I may just buy a big genset to run the shop and have the ability to power the house too with a transfer switch panel if needed.
I foresee some grid issues in the near future.

This is a good idea especially if you’re not doing heavy usage. You could have a small battery and have the generator set to automatically charge them when they get low so you’re using the generator less frequently and more efficiently.