I know there was a thread one time about generators, but does anyone know how to figure out what size backup generator I'd need to keep the AC and the fridge running?
I know there was a thread one time about generators, but does anyone know how to figure out what size backup generator I'd need to keep the AC and the fridge running?
how many watts is your reffer and AC ?
is this a window unit or the whole house
https://www.govplanet.com/Generators
Fridge, TV, some lights and a microwave you can get by with a portable unit from 2.5kw (minimum), and up to 7.5kw for window unit AC. This entails running extension cords in dark rainy/snowy conditions, from a generator running in a covered remote location to protect the genny, and to protect your family from CO2 emissions and fire hazards.
For central AC you are looking at 10kw with not inexpensive wiring, and manual or automatic changeover switches.
You want hot water make it 15kw.
Whole house, depending on whether you have any gas/oil appliances you really need to think 25kw and up at least.
That also means you need to include the installation costs, fuel cost and storage for the length of outage you are preparing for, and take the time and effort to test run your system periodically to know that it will run when needed.
If your $100 weed whacker won't start it is a pain in the A$$. If your $5000 generator does not start when the lights go out it is a MAJOR PAIN in the A$$. And worse your neighbors will chuckle at you.
I know there was a thread one time about generators, but does anyone know how to figure out what size backup generator I'd need to keep the AC and the fridge running?
Go onto craiglist and google ONAN. Onan makes generators for the military, marine and RV. We are talking tough generators designed to work in poor conditions. You can snag one of craiglist pretty cheap. Here is a Onan
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/for/5061722821.html
That's 25KW at $3K. That will power you whole house and then some!
Don't forget to add a transformer to step that thing down to house voltage.
It's 3 phase, hopefully when you open the wiring box you should be able to bring out just one phase (120v). You see there is a meter for each of the 3 phases. Sadly overkill it's rated at 25K, meaning if you only only 120v you're going to get a whole ####load more than 25K. You could probably run a line down to your neighbor!!!
That's the generator I wouldn't mind getting. Just building a little doghouse around it. That generator puts those generac HD generators to shame.
It's 3 phase, hopefully when you open the wiring box you should be able to bring out just one phase (120v). You see there is a meter for each of the 3 phases. Sadly overkill it's rated at 25K, meaning if you only only 120v you're going to get a whole ####load more than 25K. You could probably run a line down to your neighbor!!!
That's the generator I wouldn't mind getting. Just building a little doghouse around it. That generator puts those generac HD generators to shame.
11kw. propane powered. Self tests. No worries about alcohol screwing up the engine.
It's simple, bigger is better.
I know there was a thread one time about generators, but does anyone know how to figure out what size backup generator I'd need to keep the AC and the fridge running?
I was afraid somebody was going to say something like that. Thanks for the info.
I've got a PTO generator, goes on the back of the tractor. .
Bob, isn't there also an issue with making sure the genny is bolted down?I've got a PTO generator, goes on the back of the tractor. That it runs off of the tractor PTO there is no (or very little) maintenance. NO oil to worry about, no fuel getting old.. never have to worry about it starting.
Since I use my tractor every week, it gets regular maintenance, and is always full of fuel, most of the issues of a generator are already taken care of. I think the biggest issue with generators is they sit somewhere forgotten, until you need it, then you find the fuel has congealed in the fuel lines, the spark plugs are fouled.. oil is contaminated.. just normal issues with storing combustion engines for a period of time.
The only issue is remembering to hook it up BEFORE electric goes out. It really sucks being outside in the middle of a snow storm or thunderstorm hooking up the PTO to the tractor..
I've got a 10K and it powers everything in the house EXCEPT the microwaves..