Selection of Home Generator Systems

[Don]

RE: Back Up Home Generator Systems:

Hurricane Irene in CT caused extended power outages. Approx 55 % state wide outage from Aug 27th and the last power predicted to be 100% restored on Sept 7th. While the length of the outage and damage in the entire state was not the norm, started to review, pros and cons, back up home generator systems. Towns made schools etc., available for showers, water, hot/cold meals, lodging etc. Local gyms offered use of their facilities at N/C . UCONN Women's Basketball Team sponsored a community dinner, over 500 meals served. Considerations so far:
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* Transfer switch application at the circuit panel, not multiple extension cords from the generator to the devices
* Electric start
* No natural gas, would need to use either propane or gasoline powered, ease of refueling
* Capacity to exist, monitor usage by shutting down appliances etc
* Selecting a company that sells, installs and services
* Minimum capacity for the essentials such as water well pump, furnace, freezer, refrigerator, 110V items, microwave, one element on the electric cooktop, etc. A/C would be a plus when managing overlap usage.
* 110V & 220V
* Exterior location, permanent mount or on wheels and then connect power cord to circuit panel transfer switch.

Any advise, comments and other considerations on the selection of a generator system, etc ?

[DougD]

We lose power during winter storms on occasion where I live in Iowa. A few hours in cold weather, and the house temp will drop below freezing and create all kinds of problems. In addition, during wet weather, the power can go out and render my sump pump inoperative.

I priced a home generator system last year that would be large enough to run the entire home. It came in around $3500-4000 plus a grand or so in wiring/installation. Not cheap, but what cost is acceptable when compared to the potential damage, and the peace of mind?

My criteria included that it had to be automatic, as I could not be sure someone was at home to switch it on.

I prefer a permanent install. It looks like a second central air conditioner alongside the house. Natural gas would be my preference, as well. I suppose a propane tank would also work, as long as you keep an eye on the fuel level. I travel a lot, and the natural gas version eliminates worring about fuel for it. Include automatic switching to disconnect from the utility company power, and you'll never know it's on.

I have not pulled the trigger and purchased one yet. I decided to roll the dice, as we may move in a few years, and I'm not sure the next owner will be willing to pay for it in increased home value. My next home should be my last, though, and I definitely will include one as one of the "must have" options.

[Commodore]

Don,
I'm kind of in your neck of the woods (E. Haddam, CT) and recently bought (just before Irene paid us a visit) a portable/home generator. Norther Tool ran and probably still is running a special on a Powerhorse 9000 Watt unit. Delivered, the total came to $888.00. It runs my 30 amp electric water heater, well pump, oil furnace, two refrigerators and most of my homes lights - all at the same time. The killer load is the 30 amp water heater but I can breaker that off temporarily if all services in the house are running at the same time and click it back on when other services are not active. I had my electrician hard wire a manual 200 amp street/generator switch before my breaker panels and had him hard wire a line to the gen set (I use just the 240 V/30 amp output from the gen set). In a power failure I just wheel the generator (no extra charge wheel kit included in the delivered price) out my basement door and under my back porch where I plug it in to the hard wired input box. Plan on spending about $1K for the hook up and hardware (depending the complexity of your installation) and your set to go. As an aside, the generator is remarkably quiet - even under load. Here's hoping you never need it once it's installed.
Ron

[Don]

Ron.......thanks

Been reviewing the alternative of a full service company ( sells, installs, services ) using a 10 position transfer switch, 6500 watts, electric start, power cord from electrical panel to portable generator located at the back garage door: $2,800 total with a 2 year warranty.

Other alternative was purchasing a generator and transfer switch separately, then wiring same as above. A Honda 6500 watt unit and transfer switch is in the range of $3,500 + installation. Honda warranty would apply, service from any authorized Honda dealer. An electrician estimated wiring the transfer switch at $300.

Had not thought of your approach ( hard wire a manual 200 amp street/generator switch before my breaker panels and had him hard wire a line to the gen set I use just the 240 V/30 amp output from the gen set) which I now will do.

The full service company did not mention this option. Like it better since the load can be managed and then select just the circuits desired rather than locking in specific circuits with a transfer switch. Had also considered installing a meter to monitor the load when selecting use of the generator

With Northern Tool, how is the engine/generator serviced if their is a problem, during warranty and after ?

[Commodore]

Don,
Being the eternal optimist - I haven't really looked. The owners manual reads as if you send the defective part, assembly or entire unit to one of Northern Tools service centers after getting an RA from Northern Tool after calling their 800 service number. The gen is covered for 2 years. I've bought a bunch of things from NT and never had any problems with their offerings - so I kind of 'skipped' over that little detail. Buying local has its benefits but I rolled the dice and ordered on line anyway. I didn't buy the 'not included' starter battery for electric starter on the unit but with that said, the engine started on the first pull after I added the crankcase oil and six gallons of gas. The gen set ran perfectly and almost constantly for the five days of no power in my area. I started it yesterday just to keep it exercised and again one pull lit it off.
Ron

[Jamo]

We got a Kubota ARX6500 about 10 years ago. We have two big boxes next to each other on the house wall. We're out in the country a bit.

One to run the auxilliary building which has a 2 bedroom pool house, a three bedroom apt. that I use as a home office, an RV garage between them which serves as living space for the tin can and a 65 Mustang...and for the water pump and pool filter.

The other box is for the main house...two airconditioners, several hot water heaters, appliances, three daughters armed with essential items such as hair curling irons, etc.

Had a guy come in and wired it up with switches and plug-ins so that I can run either box. The ccircuit breakers obviously allow me to run what's needed.

Roll it up...hit the electric start and run what we want...run the pump for awhile and fill the pressure tank, then switch over to the main house.

Side benefit of having a nice portable to use whenever.

I have no clue what the current model has or costs, but this has all of your stats met and came in around what you're thinking.

No problems.

Best use was two nights before Xmas a few years ago...some drunk hit a pole. Everyone's lights out...no moon. Wife had put up Xmas lights to the hilt and was sad, so I hooked it up and it ran the lights and the house that night. Think Charlton Heston's pad in The Omega Man.

[Don]

Found this unit at Northern, 9000 Surge Watts, 7250 Rated Watts, Item# 166114, $800 + $100 shipping. Ron, same unit you purchased?

Powerhorse Portable Generator with Electric Start — 9000 Surge Watts, 7250 Rated Watts | 7,000 - 9,999 Watts | Northern Tool + Equipment

Noticed on Northern's web site, Tech Assistance: Reply to my question:

" We have a technical department that would assist you. If there was a problem, our technical department would set you up with a local service center. It would be in a 50 mile radius of where you are. Our technical department can be reached at 800-222-5381. They are in Monday-Friday, 8-5 central time. "

Ron's suggestion regarding Northern: Northern has a Generac unit, 9375 Surge Watts, 7500 Rated Watts, Electric Start, Model# 5943 ,warranty service from any authorized dealer, with free shipping, total is $130 more than the above, $1030. The local full service company I mentioned earlier proposed a 6500 watt Generac generator. With a transfer or a street/generator switch, approx $1,000+ less expensive buying from Northern, after installation.

Will also look at the Kubota ARX6500 that Jamo mentions.

The street/generator switch approach sure has the benefit of not having to pre-determine the circuits, then managing the load. Locally, requires a building permit and multiple inspections.......

[WardL]

Costco has a 15KV unit that looks pretty much top of the line. You can get a auto switcher package. $3k seems pricey. I like the natural gas auto backup. I get the impression these things suck gas down (not that anyone on this site has a problem with that), but it is a hassle to keep it full.

[Commodore]

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Found this unit at Northern, 9000 Surge Watts, 7250 Rated Watts, Item# 166114, $800 + $100 shipping. Ron, same unit you purchased?

Yup, that's the one. I too looked at the Generac. Generac is a well known quality product and a good buy but you'll want the wheel kit which I believe is extra adding to its cost. Being 'thrifty' and living in an area not plagued by very many power outages I chose the Powerhorse based on total delivered price. Don, thanks for calling NT with your warranty questions and posting their response.
My house was wired for an emergency generator by the previous owner. The previous owner sold the brand new never used generator to my neighbor prior to listing the house for sale. Really didn't matter though as I thought the unit was a bit to small to power the house anyway. The bottom line is that throwing out all the perishables from my freezer and refrigerators plus buying drinking water and ice would have cost me as much as my generator had I not purchased the unit prior to Irene's visit. One way or the other I was destined to be spending close to $900.00 and with no power for four days to boot. The plus side is that I'm now ready for what good old mother nature might have up her sleeve the next time she gets pissed off at CT. We're due for a few ice storms this winter aren't we? I don't do cold very well any more and I out grew camping many years ago. Time to get away from the keyboard and exercise my pretty blue and remarkably quiet generator.

Ward, the GPH fuel use of these things isn't too bad with a typical 50% load. I was getting at least 7 hours of run time per tank of fuel (a full tank is just over 6 gallons) with the generator powering everything I normally run in my house - except our 30 amp, 80 gallon electric water heater. I cycled the water heater in during low load times and took no cold showers as it seems our water heater holds its heat pretty well. Oil consumption was minimal for the four days the unit was running (unit was shut off at midnight and restarted at 6 am during the outage).

Ron

[4RE KLR]

We have put in a Generic in the past with very good success.

If possible you should look into a duel fuel system. I would try to have Natural gas or propane for the primary and then Gas or Diesel for the secondary. These are relatively simple to install and work great.

If you do put one in you will need to run the system every month or so to keep it in good shape. If you don't start the system on a regular basis the gremlins will move in.

_______________
Ferrari Killer
Steve

Must Sell Right Now

[Paul F]

We use our 5500 watt generator about once every other year. It is a portable unit on wheels that I keep in the shed next to the garage. It's enough to run the well, furnace, refrigerator, and other appliances.

I don't have it hard wired because I also use it out in the field or yard at other times. I just turn off the main breaker and plug the generator into the 220 socket in the shed to back-feed house. Two pulls of the cord and it always fires up. Cheap, simple, easy to wire up.

One thing that would be handy is a pilot light wired to the utility side of the main breaker that is in the house and let's you know when power returns.

I just pulled the muffler off and I'm going to adapt a small car muffler to it. There's just no need for those small engines to be that loud.