Generator Questions
Anyone know anything about these things? Someone recommended a Briggs and Stratton? And another name that came up was Kohler I think...Thought someone on this forum might know something about them...Anyone???? |
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| Generac seems to be the favorite here in Ohio. That's what I'd buy if I were looking for one. with all our summer storms and winter ice storms... I have a friend who has had one for two years and swears by it. Vance |
| Those are good starts for a generator SYSTEM. This is different from a "generator" which usually run on gas and you have to go out and start them. A system runs off gas or propane and automatically starts. It handles more power then your typical home generator. If you will be running AC, refriger and ?? you'll need more power. Manufacturers of quality home standby generators include Briggs & Stratton, www.briggsandstratton.com; Cummins Onan, www.cumminsonan.com; Generac, www.generac.com; GE Generator Systems, www.homestandbygeneratorsystems.com; Kohler, www.kohlerpower.com; and Kubota Engine America, www.kubotaengine.com. A permanent backup power system offers a lot more features: "Today's backup power units feature computers and Internet access to both maintain and remotely monitor the system," Bratcher said. They allow for quicker power transfers and the system won't switch back to utility power until the voltage is both available and consistent. If you already have a portable generator and want to upgrade, Bratcher said you can have a manual transfer switch added to your main electrical panel for around $1,000. That will enable you to directly connect the generator and power up key appliances in a home, rather than running a bunch of extension cords. Gary Marowske, owner of Flame Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical, (888) 234-2340, www.flamefurnace.com, has received many inquiries about backup systems due to the recent outages in the Detroit area. But as with any home improvement project, Gary warns that homeowners really need to be aware of deals that are "too good to be true." "Let's say someone will offer to install a backup system for a discounted price, but often they aren't including the pulling of permits, an additional gas line or meter upgrade," Marowske said. Just like your car, all permanent backup power systems require annual maintenance. It will need oil changes, spark plugs and filters, which can cost about $350. And remember an automatic system will also need to "exercise" itself weekly in order to keep it in proper running order. With all the options available, you can find a residential backup power system that will keep your refrigerator, air conditioning, lights and TV on during the next outage and even do it without having to leave your chair. |
| A small portable generator that ... 1) has 220 Volt output 2) 5,000 to 7,500 Watts 3) somehow can be run safely in inclement weather (Most small generators can't be used in the wet (rain) ... can likely be very safely used with a manual transfer switch, and will cost between oh, about $500 and $1,000. A manual transfer switch will also cost between $500 to $1,000 plus installation and needs to be placed in a location next to your circuit breaker panel. The price difference is the number of circuits you will be able to run on the generator. A line will need to be run/installed from the generator location to the transfer switch. Less safe methods are possible but not really advisable, although I have done them two different ways with two very different generators. I really don't want to describe them here.  Suffice to say that a $500 5,000 Watt 220-Volt generator and about $100 worth of parts can make a very dangerous setup, able to power most of a typical home (maybe not central air and not electric resistance baseboard heating). It's best and might be OK for a tech savvy person willing to "rough it" and keep up with the needs of the generator and the needs of the house for the privilege of having electricity in a time of need.A professionally installed, natural gas or propane powered, whole house backup system will run around $5,000. Add auto start and failover and you're probably up to around $7,000 to $10,000 all in for a smallish system. |
| I have experience with these! In my previous life (before nursing), I managed a 35,000 laying hen farm. We had an emergency backup generator that ran the entire farm in case of power outage. Ours was from a local company actually, but they are nationally known. Katolight.... http://www.marsonenergy.com/generators/katolight.html We had a not so dependable power company, so it ran quite often, actually.  If we didn't have power backup, we would have lost thousands of birds from heat, cold, no water, etc. When the power went off, it was wired to kick in automatically...it was amazing! Because it was huge (it ran the house and both barns), it sounded like a rocket taking off if you were in the dedicated room with it. It had it's own room in one of the barns, and it's own air intake to the outside. If you weren't right on top of it, you never even could tell that you were on generator - it was so powerful. It made me a total believer in them. Then of course we had one that ran essential services in the hospital I worked at - no way around needing that! Now we have a small portable one for emergencies. It ran our corn stove a couple winters ago for many hours - it was great. It won't run a lot, but it kept us and the pipes from freezing! |
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