Generator Recommendations

[homebirtha]

We lost power for 5 days this week. What fun. It doesn't happen all that often, but enough that we are considering a generator.

Any recommendations? The main things we need to power are the well pump, fan on the woodstove, and refrigerator/freezer. A few lights would be nice.

Would a gas-powered one be sufficient or should we look at a propane one that is hard-wired into the house? The propane ones seem to be about 3X more expensive. Are they worth it? Any suggestions appreciated.

[firefly81]

we have a gas one, it is well worth it to have when you live outside of town we had the power off for 9 days and we were alright. we wouldnt be with out one anymore.

[BackwoodsIdaho]

We use a propane 8KW backup generator here because we are off the grid so in the winter in Idaho where the days are short, we supplement with engine driven power. Sometimes I have also brought home a 25KW generator from my worksite that runs on diesel for extended run times. Diesel is 1.5X the cost of propane here but the efficiency of the 1800RPM diesel vs the 3600RPM propane outweighs the fuel cost difference making the diesel generator cheaper to operate. The diesel was a good buy - I bought it used with 3000 hours on it for $8000.00. Expected lifetime is 16000 hrs MTOH. I will finish using it this spring then probably convert it over to another use.

I like propane because the fuel is easy to store, doesn't degrade and is relatively inexpensive per BTU compared to gas. You might take a look at natural gas vs propane if you have access to NG.

For your use, make sure you get a genset that puts out the right voltage for your well pump (likely 220V) and has enough surge load to handle the startup on the well pump motor. I would look at the breaker on the well pump and size accordingly. Remember, a fuse on 220V is 1/2 the size of a fuse on a 120V circuit. To figure out the wattage required, add up all the amp loads (ie. 15A on the well pump likely) and multiply by the line voltage (120 or 220) and you have the max load on the generator. That said, having used a lot of generators both at home and work, don't run the generator at max load continuously. It will beat it up.

I would think a 7000 watt generator gasoline driven with 2000 watt surge that puts out both 120 and 220V would work fine in an emergency. I would not want to use it continuously for prime power. You can find the less expensive versions at Lowes or Home Depot or shop online. If you want to spend the extra money, a Honda is probably the most reliable that I have found.

[Rocky Fields]

Hey.

I have a portable Honda that works great and is reliable.

RF

[Rocky Fields]

PS...

I've got a gas powered Honda, but I think a propane powered gen would last longer because it burns much cleaner. If you aren't gonna use it much, get the gas powered.

RF

[mdharris68]

I have been researching propane/natural gas conversion kits for the smaller gasonline powered generators. I have read alot of positive things on the net about this, but I am trying to find someone with experience converting thier generators. Here is a link to one of the sites.

http://www.propanecarbs.com/small_engines.html

I posted on the shop talk forum this morning asking about these conversions. I don't know if there are any replies yet. I think that if I had about 8 kilos of power, that would be plenty in an emergency. But I want to be able to hook it up and let it run without constantly running for gas. Like a previous post pointed out. Make sure it will handle the essentials and you should be good to go.

[mike3367]

try looking here...generatorsales.com

[nathan104]

I have a 5000 watt Generac gas generator. I love the thing. Use it quite often around the pasture as my portable power source. Straps on the back rack of the 4 wheeler so I can take it everywhere. It is very loud though. Ive wanted to see about altering the muffler to make it quiter. I can run dang near everything in my house on it with the exception of the ch/a and waterheaters. Most of them have it, but a fuel shut off switch is a necessity on the gas generators. Since they are put away for long periods, instead of just turning them off, close the fuel line and let it run out of gas. Will keep the fuel from sitting in the carb and gumming up the works. Make sure you put stabil in any left over fuel in the tank before putting it away. And, if it might be a very long time, either drain the gas or run it dry. Most of the 5000 watt gensets can be had in the $300-$600 range(used). Better ones with Honda motors or kawasakis will be more. Id love to have one of the whole house gensets, but the price tag will not allow it.

[canfossi]

I have a 3000 watt Honda gen, it's fine for me. I you get a gas one, watch the gas so it doesn't go bad or use a fuel stabilizer. Chris

[zant]

I can't recommend propane gens.I have a 12.5 diesel backup and it uses .8 gal per hour at full load..an identical propane gen uses 2.75 gph...propane is 1.99g here,offroad diesil is 2.85...costwise the diesel is far superior...also in an EXTENDED outage can you go 5g cans filled with propane??I have had both Generac and Honda 5kw gas gens and they serve the purpose but put out LOUSY electricity...The Honda only put out 60hz at 6amps or below,the Generac at 10amps or below...At full rated power both are in the 54-55hz range,not good for electronics..Try Centralmainediesel.com...mine was delivered to S.Al free shipping...

[nathan104]

Thats one thing I forgot to note which Zant pointed out, is that I do NOT use my computer, sattelite receiver, stereo receiver or any good tv's on the genset. Thats when we use the small older 19" tv we have in the guestroom with regular antenna.

[Old Vet]

I wouold sugest that you get a larger generatior (10,000 wats) on propaine. The reasion is that when you have a gas one you must keep it empty of gasionline or compleaty full so that moisture can't condence in it and harm your carbiratior. Propaine will never have that problem. Propaine will be easily to get extra tanks or if you have a large tank run it off of that. With Gas you need to have some aditivate to it to store it. Propaine will store for ever in a tank. If you have gas store it away from all buildings.