Thinking about buying a generator.

**KeithBC** · 08-15-2011, 03:37 PM

We got one in the middle of an eight day power outage caused by a winter storm. Have you ever tried buying a generator in the middle of a major outage? It wasn't easy.

But after the first three days, it wasn't an adventure any more, it was a royal pain, so we just got the first one we could find.

We wouldn't be without it. We have used it every year since then.

First decide what you need or want to run off it. Forget about running everything - a generator that can do that is very expensive. Prioritize your loads. Our essential loads are freezer, fridge, and well pump. Nice to have loads are a few lights, my laptop for work, and battery chargers.

Once you know what loads you want to run, you can determine what size generator to get. Remember to allow enough extra capacity for starting motors for freezer, fridge and pumps.

Then, narrow down your selection of models of suitable capacity. Decide what fuel you want to run it on, and how much noise you can stand. (Briggs & Stratton engines are LOUD; Honda engines are quiet).

Think about how you plan to connect it. A generator has the potential to to damage (including killing a lineman from the hydro company) if you are not careful. You can connect it with an extension cord through an open window, or with a transfer switch that should be installed by an electrician. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

**khaski** · 08-15-2011, 08:15 PM

We made it 6 years up here in NH without 'needing' one as we have a wood stove keeping the house warm in the winter so losing power for a few hours was no biggie...UNTIL the totally unexpected ice storm of '08 hit one Dec....10 days without power! Sure, we were warm, but we couldn't shower, had no fridge, and had a 5 month old baby (and almost 3 year old). We lucked t and got a generator in CT 3 or 4 days after it, we were down there for a family function, thought we could waltz into any store and grab one. WRONG. People from as far away as ME were in CT, trying to buy generators and chainsaws, they were hit by the storm pretty badly too. We got one only as we were 'wait listed' for one and some folks didn't show up fro theirs off the shipment. Ran that generator the remaining week or so, made ALL the difference, Haven't needed it since, but nice to know it's there! Some folks in town were without power 2 WEEKS straight! If you can afford one, get one- you never know when you'll need it and once you need it, good luck finding one to buy- everyone else is buying them up too! Just being able to run the fridge, shower, use the computer/tv made ALL the difference, comfort-wise.

**wjcalderon** · 08-16-2011, 06:49 AM

Originally Posted by Russ

Now, I am a bit anal about my equipment. I start and run it every other month with a load on it so it stays in working order. I don't want to be out there in the pouring rain trying to start it.

Well, I had to take mine to the shop for carburetor work. Apparently I didn't run it often enough.
How often should I crank it up and how long should I run it when I do?

**Russ** · 08-16-2011, 07:22 AM

Originally Posted by wjcalderon

Well, I had to take mine to the shop for carburetor work. Apparently I didn't run it often enough.
How often should I crank it up and how long should I run it when I do?

I don't believe there is a set standard length or interval at which you should run it. I run mine at least every other month with a load on it and long enough to get it good and hot. I also put stabil in the gas, available anywhere...walmart, auto parts, Amazon etc
Your carburetor and its needle valves were probably gummed up from the old gas sitting in it.

**frugalfranny** · 08-17-2011, 01:04 AM

Originally Posted by KeithBC

Think about how you plan to connect it. A generator has the potential to to damage (including killing a lineman from the hydro company) if you are not careful. You can connect it with an extension cord through an open window, or with a transfer switch that should be installed by an electrician. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Can you elaborate more on the adv. and disadv. of the connecting methods?

I found this:

http://www.lni.wa.gov/tradeslicensin...ts/elc0706.pdf The automatic switch sounds like it would be expensive to install.

But any more you want to add to it???

I have been saying I want one for over a year......just have to bite the bullet and go for it, I guess.

Not sure where I would STORE the thing...........my garage needs some serious re-arranging!!

**KeithBC** · 08-17-2011, 01:22 AM

Originally Posted by frugalfranny

Can you elaborate more on the adv. and disadv. of the connecting methods?

1. Extension cord through the window.
Advantages: cheap, simple, no re-wiring, safe (no back-feeding possible)
Disadvantages: requires a window at least partly open (weather, exhaust fumes), unsafe (could overload the cord)

2. Double-male extension cord plugged into a house outlet
Advantage: A bone-headed imbecile could do it.
Disadvantages: This is INSANELY dangerous. Don't even think of doing this. Only a bone-headed imbecile would try it. This is what electrocutes linemen through back-feeding.

3. Partial re-wire. You install a separate set of outlets in the house for specific appliances wired directly to the generator, typically via an inlet connection on the outside of the building. Each appliance has its regular hydro outlet and a special generator outlet. To switch from hydro power to generator powe, you unplug the appliance from the hydro outlet and plug it into the generator outlet.
Advantages: no open window, safe (no backfeeding possible).
Disadvantages: requires partial rewiring.

4. Transfer switch.
Advantages: safe (no backfeeding possible)
Disadvantages: expensive, requires professional installation

"Backfeeding" refers to the possibility of generator power feeding back into the power line. If the generator is connected to a circuit that also connects to the power line, generator power will flow into the power line. It will go backwards through the transformer on the pole and get stepped up to 14,000 volts. The lineman will think the line is dead ('cause the power is out, right?) and try to repair it. ZAP!

**frugalfranny** · 08-17-2011, 01:36 AM

THANKS keith..........some great info.

Originally Posted by KeithBC

[B]1. Extension cord through the window.

, unsafe (could overload the cord)

Can I ask one more...........since I could be 'stuck' with situation 1.............

would a 'commercial type' (heavy duty) three prong make it any safer?

I am guessing I can't use my light ones that run the blower and etc.

**KeithBC** · 08-17-2011, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by frugalfranny

THANKS keith..........some great info.

Can I ask one more...........since I could be 'stuck' with situation 1.............

would a 'commercial type' (heavy duty) three prong make it any safer?

I am guessing I can't use my light ones that run the blower and etc.

The cord(s) that you use has/have to match the appliances that use them. You can use a single heavy-duty extension cord that has a capacity equal to the generator's maximum output, or you can use multiple cords, each serving a small number of appliances that are within its capacity.

Extension cords are rated in amps. You add up the amps used by the appliances, and make sure that the total is smaller than the rating of the cord they are plugged into.

**low-1** · 08-17-2011, 01:07 PM

Keith makes an extremely good point, backfeed can and will injure (or worse) the people trying to reconnect your home. Either feed your loads directly (extension cord method) or have a proper transfer switch installed. A transfer switch is a lot less expensive than a lawsuit for injuring or killing a lineman.

Also, as Lovestolaugh mentioned, consider a propane or diesel generator. They are going to be more expensive initially, but if you are not regularly running your generator and are COUNTING on it to work, it will be worth it in the end. Gasoline has a ridiculously short shelf life, even with stabilizer. Propane and diesel have a nearly infinite shelf life without any kind of treatment at all. Plus, diesel engines are typically constructed a lot heavier and a lot better and will last longer. Propane runs a lot cleaner and will last a lot longer as well.

As another bonus, if the crap really hits the fan, you can replace diesel with biodiesel and propane with biogas, both of which can be made at home. There are not a lot of "home-brew" replacements for gasoline.

**Sophiasmama** · 08-17-2011, 10:20 PM

We have a Honda generator...very quiet.

**frugalfranny** · 08-25-2011, 01:16 AM

Wow........for whatever reason there has been LOTS of
generators on our CL...........wish I knew more about them
to trust myself to buy a used one...........some good
'sounding' deals on there!

Figure either the people needed the money or got tired of
storing them and running them..............we don't have
power outages real often here and can't remember one that
has been longer than maybe three hour max. (but you never know!!)