Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
Forums
« previous next »
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: Portable electric generator - which one?  (Read 5575 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Spanky

  • Contributor
  • Member
  • Location: SEPA
  • Posts: 143
  • Dogs get it
  • Motorcycles: Kawasaki C-14
Portable electric generator - which one?
« on: December 14, 2013, 12:23:17 PM »
Any advice on what brand or what type IE: gas, diesel, propane? Thinking about a generator to use if the electric goes out for an extended time. Would be nice to still have use of the furnace, fridge, and possibly the TV, but not sure how all this works. Any input will be appreciated.
« Last Edit: December 14, 2013, 12:47:04 PM by Spanky »
Logged

Offline Cablebandit

  • Contributor
  • Member
  • Location: Stormshire
  • Posts: 4979
  • Pig Pilot
    • https://www.facebook.com/TheCablebandits
  • Motorcycles: A Blue One
Re: Electric generator - which one?
« Reply #1 on: December 14, 2013, 12:28:55 PM »
All the ones out this way are Kohler. http://www.kohlergenerators.com/home-generators/generators-101/index.html

They use propane since natural gas isn't available.
Logged

Offline Spanky

  • Contributor
  • Member
  • Location: SEPA
  • Posts: 143
  • Dogs get it
  • Motorcycles: Kawasaki C-14
Re: Electric generator - which one?
« Reply #2 on: December 14, 2013, 12:46:40 PM »
Looking at portables, the home systems are nice but way more than I want to spend. The Kohler brand looks nice - any experience with them?
Logged

Offline Cablebandit

  • Contributor
  • Member
  • Location: Stormshire
  • Posts: 4979
  • Pig Pilot
    • https://www.facebook.com/TheCablebandits
  • Motorcycles: A Blue One
Re: Portable electric generator - which one?
« Reply #3 on: December 14, 2013, 01:10:58 PM »
Portable...buy a Honda or Yamaha.  The Yamaha has a nicer fuel drain. Otherwise they are both top notch and quiet.
Logged

Offline Cookie

  • Super Moderator
  • Member
  • Location: Most of the time I'm not 100% sure.
  • Posts: 14318
  • Tacos are life.
  • Motorcycles: '16 MG Audace, '10 Ural T, '19 Ural Gear Up and from out of nowhere, the surprise '06 KLR 650!
Re: Portable electric generator - which one?
« Reply #4 on: December 14, 2013, 02:01:25 PM »
I have a Generac 5500. Works for me just fine.
Logged
“Government is the Entertainment division of the military-industrial complex.”

― Frank Zappa

Offline marc11

  • Member
  • Location: Orange County, NY
  • Posts: 550
Re: Portable electric generator - which one?
« Reply #5 on: December 14, 2013, 02:57:31 PM »
Quote from: Cookie on December 14, 2013, 02:01:25 PM
I have a Generac 5500. Works for me just fine.

Me too. Powers all the essentials fine. Mine is 13 years old and runs like new.  A simple transfer switch and panel let's me the furnace or ac a few lights, TV and fridge. I have a ups on our internet so our IP phone and WiFi will work for about 8 hours on battery power.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk
Logged
2014 R1200RT
2002 XR400

Offline Scratch

  • Contributor
  • Member
  • Location:
  • Posts: 2619
Re: Portable electric generator - which one?
« Reply #6 on: December 14, 2013, 04:08:21 PM »
Before I invested in a whole-house unit, I relied on a Yamaha 6600.  Worked very well.

visitors can't see pics , please register or login


http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/powerproducts/products/modelhome/449/0/home.aspx
Logged

Offline Spanky

  • Contributor
  • Member
  • Location: SEPA
  • Posts: 143
  • Dogs get it
  • Motorcycles: Kawasaki C-14
Re: Portable electric generator - which one?
« Reply #7 on: December 14, 2013, 08:08:59 PM »
Thanks for the info. The Generac 5500 looks like a good choice. The Yamaha is very nice, but way over my budget.
Logged

Offline Cookie

  • Super Moderator
  • Member
  • Location: Most of the time I'm not 100% sure.
  • Posts: 14318
  • Tacos are life.
  • Motorcycles: '16 MG Audace, '10 Ural T, '19 Ural Gear Up and from out of nowhere, the surprise '06 KLR 650!
Re: Portable electric generator - which one?
« Reply #8 on: December 15, 2013, 01:17:22 PM »
Tractor Supply often has no interest deals on the generators.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

Logged
“Government is the Entertainment division of the military-industrial complex.”

― Frank Zappa

Offline Cookie

  • Super Moderator
  • Member
  • Location: Most of the time I'm not 100% sure.
  • Posts: 14318
  • Tacos are life.
  • Motorcycles: '16 MG Audace, '10 Ural T, '19 Ural Gear Up and from out of nowhere, the surprise '06 KLR 650!
Re: Portable electric generator - which one?
« Reply #9 on: December 15, 2013, 01:24:09 PM »
Before you spend a boatload of $$ on a transfer switch set up consider one of these.

The main must be off to engage the generator.

visitors can't see pics , please register or login


Start with this wired inro the top left 30A 220V breaker.


visitors can't see pics , please register or login


Simple, much less expensive and it feeds the whole panel. Shut off what you don't need. All tests so far show zero issues.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk
Logged
“Government is the Entertainment division of the military-industrial complex.”

― Frank Zappa

Offline Spanky

  • Contributor
  • Member
  • Location: SEPA
  • Posts: 143
  • Dogs get it
  • Motorcycles: Kawasaki C-14
Re: Portable electric generator - which one?
« Reply #10 on: December 15, 2013, 01:35:53 PM »
Thanks Cookie, that looks like a good way to set it up. I figured on using the switch box, but your setup will save some bucks and rewiring -  thanks!
Logged

Offline huron52

  • Member
  • Location: West Coast of Ontario
  • Posts: 13
  • Motorcycles: FJR1300, WR250R
Re: Portable electric generator - which one?
« Reply #11 on: December 16, 2013, 07:58:09 AM »
Quote from: Cookie on December 15, 2013, 01:24:09 PM
Before you spend a boatload of $$ on a transfer switch set up consider one of these.

The main must be off to engage the generator.

visitors can't see pics , please register or login


Start with this wired inro the top left 30A 220V breaker.

Simple, much less expensive and it feeds the whole panel. Shut off what you don't need. All tests so far show zero issues.


Never seen one of those.... got a linky? 
How does it work?
It kind of looks like when you push the red  device to the right it shuts off the main at the same time it closes the first set of breakers on the top left which are normally in the open position.  Does the 30amp 220volt then power the rest of the panel or just a separate circuit?


edit  After asking these questions I googled and found this site

   http://www.interlockkit.com/ilkitworks1.htm

Does look a hell of a lot cheaper.
Now I wonder if it is legal in Canada? 

Several years ago I bought a DEWATT genarator  650 watts powered by a honda engine.  It has severed my purpose.
« Last Edit: December 16, 2013, 08:09:13 AM by huron52 »
Logged

Online Black Hills

  • Member
  • Location: Rapid CIty, SD
  • Posts: 3545
  • Motorcycles: KTM 1290 Adventure R, KTM300xcw, 1290 SuperDuke
Re: Portable electric generator - which one?
« Reply #12 on: December 16, 2013, 08:07:15 AM »
Generlink makes a nice double throw that installs behind your meter, check with your local utility.
Logged
the above are merely the ramblings of a hamfisted fuckwit who has broken too many helmets.

Offline Cookie

  • Super Moderator
  • Member
  • Location: Most of the time I'm not 100% sure.
  • Posts: 14318
  • Tacos are life.
  • Motorcycles: '16 MG Audace, '10 Ural T, '19 Ural Gear Up and from out of nowhere, the surprise '06 KLR 650!
Re: Portable electric generator - which one?
« Reply #13 on: December 16, 2013, 08:32:47 AM »
Quote from: huron52 on December 16, 2013, 07:58:09 AM
Quote from: Cookie on December 15, 2013, 01:24:09 PM
Before you spend a boatload of $$ on a transfer switch set up consider one of these.

The main must be off to engage the generator.

visitors can't see pics , please register or login


Start with this wired inro the top left 30A 220V breaker.

Simple, much less expensive and it feeds the whole panel. Shut off what you don't need. All tests so far show zero issues.


Never seen one of those.... got a linky? 
How does it work?
It kind of looks like when you push the red  device to the right it shuts off the main at the same time it closes the first set of breakers on the top left which are normally in the open position.  Does the 30amp 220volt then power the rest of the panel or just a separate circuit?


edit  After asking these questions I googled and found this site

   http://www.interlockkit.com/ilkitworks1.htm

Does look a hell of a lot cheaper.
Now I wonder if it is legal in Canada? 

Several years ago I bought a DEWATT genarator  650 watts powered by a honda engine.  It has severed my purpose.


http://natramelec.com/?gclid=CPTetPP6tLsCFclQOgodCWUAbw
Logged
“Government is the Entertainment division of the military-industrial complex.”

― Frank Zappa

Offline spinalator

  • Member
  • Location: Regina, SK
  • Posts: 140
  • Motorcycles: XT1200Z
Re: Portable electric generator - which one?
« Reply #14 on: December 16, 2013, 10:14:54 AM »
Weird, I was just talking about this subject yesterday!
Logged

Offline PatM

  • Contributor
  • Member
  • Location: Canada eh!
  • Posts: 1772
  • Motorcycles: 2016 BMW R1200RT
Re: Portable electric generator - which one?
« Reply #15 on: December 16, 2013, 10:53:55 AM »
Quote from: huron52 on December 16, 2013, 07:58:09 AM
Quote from: Cookie on December 15, 2013, 01:24:09 PM
Before you spend a boatload of $$ on a transfer switch set up consider one of these.

The main must be off to engage the generator.

visitors can't see pics , please register or login


Start with this wired inro the top left 30A 220V breaker.

Simple, much less expensive and it feeds the whole panel. Shut off what you don't need. All tests so far show zero issues.


Never seen one of those.... got a linky? 
How does it work?
It kind of looks like when you push the red  device to the right it shuts off the main at the same time it closes the first set of breakers on the top left which are normally in the open position.  Does the 30amp 220volt then power the rest of the panel or just a separate circuit?


edit  After asking these questions I googled and found this site

   http://www.interlockkit.com/ilkitworks1.htm

Does look a hell of a lot cheaper.
Now I wonder if it is legal in Canada? 

Several years ago I bought a DEWATT genarator  650 watts powered by a honda engine.  It has severed my purpose.
It looks like it slides up when you turn off the main allowing the left uppermost breaker to be turned on.
Logged
Ride safe!

Offline Cookie

  • Super Moderator
  • Member
  • Location: Most of the time I'm not 100% sure.
  • Posts: 14318
  • Tacos are life.
  • Motorcycles: '16 MG Audace, '10 Ural T, '19 Ural Gear Up and from out of nowhere, the surprise '06 KLR 650!
Re: Portable electric generator - which one?
« Reply #16 on: December 16, 2013, 04:15:22 PM »
Quote from: PatM on December 16, 2013, 10:53:55 AM
Quote from: huron52 on December 16, 2013, 07:58:09 AM
Quote from: Cookie on December 15, 2013, 01:24:09 PM
Before you spend a boatload of $$ on a transfer switch set up consider one of these.

The main must be off to engage the generator.

visitors can't see pics , please register or login


Start with this wired inro the top left 30A 220V breaker.

Simple, much less expensive and it feeds the whole panel. Shut off what you don't need. All tests so far show zero issues.


Never seen one of those.... got a linky? 
How does it work?
It kind of looks like when you push the red  device to the right it shuts off the main at the same time it closes the first set of breakers on the top left which are normally in the open position.  Does the 30amp 220volt then power the rest of the panel or just a separate circuit?


edit  After asking these questions I googled and found this site

   http://www.interlockkit.com/ilkitworks1.htm

Does look a hell of a lot cheaper.
Now I wonder if it is legal in Canada? 

Several years ago I bought a DEWATT genarator  650 watts powered by a honda engine.  It has severed my purpose.
It looks like it slides up when you turn off the main allowing the left uppermost breaker to be turned on.


Correct.
Logged
“Government is the Entertainment division of the military-industrial complex.”

― Frank Zappa

Online Black Hills

  • Member
  • Location: Rapid CIty, SD
  • Posts: 3545
  • Motorcycles: KTM 1290 Adventure R, KTM300xcw, 1290 SuperDuke
Re: Portable electric generator - which one?
« Reply #17 on: December 16, 2013, 04:17:13 PM »
Quote from: Cookie on December 16, 2013, 04:15:22 PM
Quote from: PatM on December 16, 2013, 10:53:55 AM
Quote from: huron52 on December 16, 2013, 07:58:09 AM
Quote from: Cookie on December 15, 2013, 01:24:09 PM
Before you spend a boatload of $$ on a transfer switch set up consider one of these.

The main must be off to engage the generator.

visitors can't see pics , please register or login


Start with this wired inro the top left 30A 220V breaker.

Simple, much less expensive and it feeds the whole panel. Shut off what you don't need. All tests so far show zero issues.


Never seen one of those.... got a linky? 
How does it work?
It kind of looks like when you push the red  device to the right it shuts off the main at the same time it closes the first set of breakers on the top left which are normally in the open position.  Does the 30amp 220volt then power the rest of the panel or just a separate circuit?


edit  After asking these questions I googled and found this site

   http://www.interlockkit.com/ilkitworks1.htm

Does look a hell of a lot cheaper.
Now I wonder if it is legal in Canada? 

Several years ago I bought a DEWATT genarator  650 watts powered by a honda engine.  It has severed my purpose.
It looks like it slides up when you turn off the main allowing the left uppermost breaker to be turned on.


Correct.


and required by NEC (705.22?);)
« Last Edit: December 16, 2013, 04:33:03 PM by Black Hills »
Logged
the above are merely the ramblings of a hamfisted fuckwit who has broken too many helmets.
Pages: [1]   Go Up
« previous next »