Generators

[paul pachowicz]

After escaping the power losses to 9000 people during the last artic blast we had here in western SoDak and putting off getting a generator I decided to quit pushing my luck and get in the market for one. I want one that will run my propane furnace, well pump, a TV, fridge and a few lights. I talked to a guy at Lowes and he tells me about the Troy-Bilt 9750. I got flush when I talked to a Honda guy. They are out of my range. An electrician tells me he can hook it up to the house. Anyone know much about doing something like this? The Troy is a 6200 running, B/S engine, elec/pull start

30 AMP, 7 gal tank capacity 13 hour run time. I'd also like to know if there is a way a guy could run an exhaust out of the garage as it would be the ideal place to operate it.

[Back2Dakota]

I have family in Eagle Butte and Timber Lake...Fun week for all of you out there!!

[Surface Tension]

I thought about running my generator in the garage with the exhaust vented outside but decided against that. A small shelter or lean-to outside to protect it from thunderstorms and freezing is better and safer.

You'll use a transfer switch, either manual or automatic. Manual is the cheapest and way to go. That would be an interlock accessory kit on your panel. That interlock will cut the main breaker before you can back feed with a generator though a breaker. Your electrician will take care of that. I have a 4500 watt and generator and would need to do some power management. That would be tripping breakers for the large draw items like the range and water heater. I can unplug other items to manage the 4500 watts.

Whatever way you go you want a generator with low oil safety shutoff.

Those engines can use a lot of oil and it is considered acceptable by B&S. 13 hours of run time is scary without the low oil shutoff.

[DrKen]

For this you will have to figure out the load you have. Your furnace is propane but the blower is obviously electric and probably draws says 7 amps at 120 volts for a 840 watt load. Your well pump will draw say 7 amps at 240 volts for a 1680 watt load. The total for the two would then be 2220 watts. Add a few 100 watt light bulbs and say a the television load and it adds up quickly. Then they advise doubling that load to size your generator. You could get by with a 6000 watt sustained power with 8000 surge generator. Propane powered ones tend to be somewhat more expensive. They often are tri-fueled and can run LP, natural gas and gas. Northern Tool carries a large variety and there are standby ones that are mounted on a pad permanently. Your transfer switch is extra. You can backfeed thru a heavy duty outlet(such as a welding outlet) in a pinch but you MUST, flip the main breaker before even hooking generator up and unhook the generator before flipping it back on. They can be a life saver. Have used mine several times due to weather related interruptions. Also, don't run it in the garage. Roll or drag it outside. They make so much noise you will want it out there anyway.

[paul pachowicz]

Yes, the propane powered ones are spendy. I checked into them and they start at 4000.00. This Troy-Bilt is 900.00 Plus the cost of getting it wired to the house which isn't too awful bad. I surely appreciated the responses.

[Tom7227]

I got one about 6 years ago for my house in a TC suburb. The issue with the portables once you figure out the size you need/want is the quality of the unit and the amount of noise it produces. The lower end ones can really be loud. I got a long very heavy cord and put it outside the attached garage to run it. A friend just told me yesterday about a time that he didn't pay attention and ended up having a fire when the exhaust was directed towards the siding outside. I bought and installed the indoor box myself and it was time consuming and a bit complicated. I would consider hiring that part out unless you're very comfortable with your skill at sorting out the dozens of wires you end up with.

[BobT]

After reading though this thread I thought it would be appropriate to provide some warning information. Powering your home with a backup generator can be done the dirty, quick way but this can and does often prove dangerous if not fatal for those unaware.

If a generator is not properly connected to the system, you can potentially endanger your home's electrical system, you life or in particular the lives of unwary line technicians that may be working on your power grid. For this reason there are very specific rules about the equipment that MUST be used and how to use it. But don't take my word for it and don't concern yourself with the guilt of maybe finding out after the fact that you were responsible for injuring or killing an electrician.

I found this information from an electrical industry professional. Give it some thought before you backfeed your house.

Quote:

Prior to installation of my transfer panel I searched online for information on generator connection and use but found it sadly lacking. This page is intended to provide home owners with guidelines on how to connect and use their generators safely. If you have suggestions, comments, questions, or corrections please contact me. An email link is at the bottom of the page.

Last changed 10 January 2010.

Electric generators are potentially lethal if not used properly. There is a very real risk of injuring or killing someone working on power lines with a generator improperly connected to your home. Homeowners should know the correct way to use a backup generator. This page will explain how a generator transfer panel is properly installed. It will alert you to potential dangers and provide some insight on the workings of electricity. You will better understand the reasoning behind the need of a transfer panel instead of a simple double male extension cord. It is not my intent to encourage homeowners to make wiring changes, but rather to provide information which will promote safe and proper generator use. This knowledge can be used while choosing an electrician to do the installation work, and clarify what is being done. You will be able to ask intelligent questions, and maybe even point out wiring errors which must be corrected.

In many areas, any additions or upgrades to an electrical system is required to have an electrical permit authorized by the local electrical authority. You must be a licensed electrician to obtain a permit to do such upgrades, including any generator transfer panel installation. In the event of a fire directly related to an improper installation, you can be charged and your house insurance may not cover the damage.

In defiance of such rules, people often make electrical changes as they see fit, whether to install a dimmer switch, or to wire their newly renovated basement. In this situation, I encourage people to respect electricity, do the work correctly, and not take short cuts that could jeopardize the safety of themselves or others. A transfer panel installation is more involved than the typical do-it-yourself electrical job. Every installation will have its own set of unique conditions. Use information presented as a basic guideline only. I do not recommend this project be attempted by the average home owner, and anyone qualified to do such work will likely not need this page at all. Electricity is a useful tool, but it can kill and burn if not used properly. If you are not fully qualified, knowledgeable, and experienced with the workings of home electrical systems hire someone competent. Click on all links and read thoroughly before proceeding.

Safety first. Never connect a generator by using a double male cord plugged into the dryer or stove outlets. This technique is referred to as backfeeding and is potentially very dangerous. Do a web search for generator backfeed and read the responses. Backfeeding creates a possibility of returning power to the grid with potentially lethal results to people trying to repair the power lines. Even though you may know to turn off the main breaker, what will happen if someone else decides to connect the generator and leaves it on? These techniques are along the lines of playing Russian Roulette, except you are gambling with someone else's life. Do it right or don't do it at all.

The safe (and legal) approach is to install a proper transfer panel to provide isolation. The panel will have two breakers through which power feeds. It provides a mechanical lockout system that prevents both breakers from being on at the same time. One breaker is fed from the main panel and normal power, the other connects to the generator. Alternately, extension cords can be used to plug in a freezer or fridge directly to the generator. The furnace can be rewired to use a twistlock wall outlet and connected the same way. Make sure to use cords which are in good condition and with proper current ratings.

Always ensure the neutral wire in the generator is connected through the 4 conductor extension cord.

[paul pachowicz]

I'm fully aware of the dangers of installing a generator. That's why I have a qualified electrician to do the hook up. I'm goin this week end to take a look at the few that I have in mind. Thanks, fellas.