Generator's?

[GooseGun]

I have a Generac 5500 watt that I back feed into a 240v outlet in my garage, have about a 30 ft whip with male plugs on both ends, one hook to genny, other to the outlet, shut off main in house panel, and energize the outlet and I can run, two fridges, one chest freezer, water heater, furnace and well pump. along with house light s and two fish tanks. Along with a wood stove, we have no problems at my house no matter what time of year.

[24Pink14Stink]

Mine is wired by a dedicated 220 line to my panel with a manual switch.

[24Pink14Stink]

How do you all plan to keep your generator covered in inclement weather when in use?

My eaves are pretty wide, so no issues for me.

[WARFAB]

I've got a breaker setup similar to 24Pink. If things ever get really bad for a long time, maintaining a supply of gas to run the generator will probably be a bigger issue than the nuts and bolts details of where/how to run it.

[24Pink14Stink]

I've got a breaker setup similar to 24Pink. If things ever get really bad for a long time, maintaining a supply of gas to run the generator will probably be a bigger issue than the nuts and bolts details of where/how to run it.

My generator is an 8K Honda tri-fuel. It's currently using natural gas but can also go on propane or diesel. Super loud though.

[WARFAB]

What does everyone plan for usage during a power outage. In the house I grew up in the big risk was the basement flooding if the sump pump didn't have power, so we would mainly run the generator enough to keep the basement dry. Unless you've got one of the fancy hard plumbed natural gas generators, running full time isn't going to be practical. So run X number of minutes per hour to keep food from spoiling? Anyone have any tips on how long/often to run the generator?

[usmcveteran]

For a lot of sump pumps you can get a battery back up. That way your protected until you get generator up and during down time.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0009...y+power+supply

My plan would be to run it for 6 to 10 hrs then assess. Always try and keep freezer full as well.

[LibertyOrDeath]

I don't own a generator but plan on getting one. I'll talk to my buddy who's an electrician to see how he recommends setting it up.

[usmcveteran]

On first page there is a link I think by 24 to a transfer switch and pictures of his set up. Looks easy to set up and wire up as well..

[GooseGun]

What does everyone plan for usage during a power outage. In the house I grew up in the big risk was the basement flooding if the sump pump didn't have power, so we would mainly run the generator enough to keep the basement dry. Unless you've got one of the fancy hard plumbed natural gas generators, running full time isn't going to be practical. So run X number of minutes per hour to keep food from spoiling? Anyone have any tips on how long/often to run the generator?

When I used to work in the small engine field, we would tell customers to run generators about 4 hours to get the fridges cold and the house warm and then shut them off for a few hours, the other thing people don't think about is changing the oil, when your generator is running the house it is under heavy load and should have the oil changed about every 48 hours of run time.

[Norm DeGuerre]

usMC can git my help on this ...
but, between lunch, dinner, and beer it could end up Pricey ...

[usmcveteran]

usMC can git my help on this ...
but, between lunch, dinner, and beer it could end up Pricey ...

My big question is.... Do I get generator or buy a shed lol?

[24Pink14Stink]

On first page there is a link I think by 24 to a transfer switch and pictures of his set up. Looks easy to set up and wire up as well..

That was DWA. I never posted pics as posting directly to this site doesn't work.

[harleyhutch]

As others have said better to have it than to wish you had one when you need it. Mine is 6500 watts and 8500 peak. If in the country go larger, well pump or sewage pump grinder if you have that for your septic system where as city folks don't need to consider it. Also consider shelter for the generator, last place you want it is out in the wind and rain or water coming off a roof along side the house. Transfer switch if best, I have mine down in the barn with a complete separate breaker panel and breakers for the generator, barn and back feeding the garage and eventually the house.
When you think about today's Peshitta gas, propane or natural gas are a better option but more costly. Auto switching is great if your not home but consuming fuel when it may or may not be needed. You need to evaluate your specific needs and go from there. My needs boil down to oil lamps at night, run the generator for meals, fill the water tank, cool the freezers and fridge down, run the furnace if necessary (we have a wood stove the will get us by) and enjoy the peace and quiet.

[harleyhutch]

When consider sheltering the generator, don't box or close it in too much they need to breath or will overheat as well as having to check oil and refuel, not a good idea of having to do when it is storming out. Don't run in any attached part of the living space! Exhaust gases and fire hazard, no matter how convenient, garage door open or not, don't do it.