generator advice for power outages

[Phishnoob]

We have had snow and live in a remote area. I am about to get our tanks rolling again (just have two tanks with nothing but cured rock in them now ready to slowly stock).

We would like to get a generator to run the tank and a computer and some lights. Any preferences on brands with bang for the buck in mind. Also..do I need just the heater and pumps going if the power goes out?

We have a new propane gas heater system so that will run independently..I am worried most about the tanks. Also, this is Idaho so no one is going to steal the generator off our porch so I would like to hook it up outside to turn on automatically if the power leaves.

People leave the keys in their vehicles here so if you borrow their canoe you have a way to get it over to the river.

[tdwyatt]

I have used Honda and the Coleman 7.5 kW Generators, both are great, reliable (AS LONG AS YOU START THEM ONCE A MONTH YEAR ROUND), relatively inexpensive (around $600 to 900 USD depending on where and when you buy) and can be repaired by most anyone with some smarts on small engines. I would get one of the multifuel carburetor conversion kits and an electric start for the unit if you can, as the 7.5 kW size will run your tanks, tank lights, heaters, fans for the furnace, refrigerator, and a few other appliances if you run them one at a time in addition to just about every light in the house. The once exception would be the use of an electric stove or oven, or a dryer or electric heater. Although they will prolly run with the generator, you'll need to cut off a few other items, and it just seems wasteful if you're concerned about keeping the tanks up and the essentials running with a little reserve in place.

Necessary items: Grounding rod and 6G bare wire for grounding the generator, switching box to cut off mains power from the generator (if you're not isolated from the mains, then your electricity will go all the way back to the first transformer, possibly giving the repairing lineman a NASTY shock), a few 12 G extension cords, 5 gal gas cans or a few spare propane tanks, STABIL gasoline additive for extended periods of storage for gas in the generator tank (not recommended to leave ANY gas in the tank, disconnect it from the feed branches and run it out of gas when finished), a STOUT chain and padlock, and a large gauge eyebolt that is set into a large immobile block of concrete (I DON'T CARE HOW NOBLE THE LOCALS ARE, DESPERATE FOLKS DO DESPERATE THINGS, just look at NEW ORLEANS...)



...but that is just my opinion

[Junkzoo]

Ditto to all the good advice Tom added,, One more thing to consider during those once a month operations is, to plug in something of a load ,,ie: quartz lights, or a decent sized motor or the likes to "exercise" the gen half of the unit.
And load the generator during the monthly's, to keep things
Last thing you want to find out is that you lost your residual magnetism in the field windings,,,= no output,,,when you really need it
If that ever happens down the road, let me know, i have a super simple way of flashing the field,,,easier than the 6v battery to the gen. way of doing it,,,

On running the 'puter and/or other sensitive devices,,make sure you have at least a REAL good surge protector,,since most of the gens out there do not run that "clean". Most surge protectors will handle,or "clip" any surges,but prob will not help with protecting electronic devices running off a average gen. .
There are generators on the market that output clean AC,,but you will pay a deal more for those. I'd avoid running a 'puter off most average generators on the market IMO.

[VWD]

Originally Posted by tdwyatt

I have used Honda and the Coleman 7.5 kW Generators, both are great, reliable (AS LONG AS YOU START THEM ONCE A MONTH YEAR ROUND), relatively inexpensive (around $600 to 900 USD depending on where and when you buy) and can be repaired by most anyone with some smarts on small engines. I would get one of the multifuel carburetor conversion kits and an electric start for the unit if you can, as the 7.5 kW size will run your tanks, tank lights, heaters, fans for the furnace, refrigerator, and a few other appliances if you run them one at a time in addition to just about every light in the house. The once exception would be the use of an electric stove or oven, or a dryer or electric heater. Although they will prolly run with the generator, you'll need to cut off a few other items, and it just seems wasteful if you're concerned about keeping the tanks up and the essentials running with a little reserve in place.

I need to check into a new one , I have an onan in my motorhome that will handle alot , But am thinking of selling it and will nee to have a generator for the tank and light and heater motor. If i can get one for that price it would be great. I will have to start looking for one.

[Phishnoob]

I spoke with a couple of locals. I think if everything goes down the laptop is the way to go on battery power, especially after your comments.

We will start pricing these things and buy before the icky thing happens. Also, I forgot Cath's got nicked so I guess tack welding a link into an eyebolt into a chunk of concrete to buy a couple of minutes until Blitz the wonder dog starts barking is worth the two bucks it will cost me. We prolly won't get flooding at the top of the continental divide but they had humongous earthquakes there and Yellowstone is basically a big cauldera.

Also, there is gas down in the shop. It seems like running the thing every other week is the way to go just like every other small motor (including 2.5 liter inline sixes). Tom had the fancy built in stuff he showed me, and we do not need all that, but if it gets dark will need to plug in the essentials.

Thanks for your input. I will price the Colemans first. The Honda's are no doubt built like sewing machines but sound pricy.

[Loverotties]

Hondas are MUCH quieter!

[Phishnoob]

Fine...I will spend the extra fifty bucks ..prolly going to thank you in a month or two so be ready for it.