Home Standby Generator
Oct 12, 2017 07:18:22 #
Would like to hear from people who have home standby generators. After this last hurricane I decided to get one and am looking for comments from those who own them. Reliability is a big issue I'd like to know about.
Oct 12, 2017 07:27:12 #
Reliability is important but what you should also consider is where/ who can service the generator. I have worked for Caterpillar, Cummins, and Generac and I always consider the service area of a local dealer.
As for reliability they all are very reliable today.
As for reliability they all are very reliable today.
Oct 12, 2017 07:36:39 #
We bought a Generac and it has been reliable. It was purchased from and installed by an electrician who has a good reputation and has installed many of them in our neighborhood. I also purchased a service contract from the electrician; the generator is serviced and has its oil changed twice each year.
Oct 12, 2017 07:37:13 #
Oct 12, 2017 07:46:04 #
Oct 12, 2017 07:51:21 #
Howard5252 wrote:
Would like to hear from people who have home standby generators. After this last hurricane I decided to get one and am looking for comments from those who own them. Reliability is a big issue I'd like to know about.
I bought a 750 watt Briggs & Stratton after Sandy. We had an electrician hook into our electrical panel & install a connector outlet on the outside of the house. Fortunately, we have never had to use it but I have run it before Hurricane season to make sure it ran.
One thing to be aware of is NOT TO LEAVE GAS in the tank. Put a small amount in the tank to test it and let it run until the fuel runs out. I almost ruined mine by not adhering to that rule.
Another thing to be aware of is to store it above any surge waters if you live in an area prone to flooding. It doesn’t work submerged.
Oct 12, 2017 07:55:43 #
Howard5252 wrote:
Would like to hear from people who have home standby generators. After this last hurricane I decided to get one and am looking for comments from those who own them. Reliability is a big issue I'd like to know about.
Do have access to natural gas? Will it be gasoline operated? My son has one and it is powered by natural gas. He has a Kohler.They like it. I don't know how much they spent for it and the cost of installation. I think in the 4-5 years they owned it they lost power twice. Not for more than a day each time. Gasoline for them was not an option.
Oct 12, 2017 07:57:01 #
cthahn wrote:
What does this have to do with photography?
Nothing. That's why it's in; General Chit Chat. Why are you here??
Oct 12, 2017 08:03:55 #
Most home standby generators are natural gas or propane. If you do not have aNY natural gas lines running on your street you would need to install a propane tank on your property. The home standby generators also have a transfer switch installed between the utility meter and main panel. This provides automatic starting of the generator and a timer for weekly exercising. An electrician experienced with home standbys or the generator manufacturers rep would be required to help size the proper generator for the size of your home and what you need to run during an outage.
Oct 12, 2017 08:05:36 #
Generators that are gasoline e powered are portables. These can be used to power your home, but you are more limited on what you can run and you have to drag out and run when it is needed..
Oct 12, 2017 08:06:53 #
I have a 5000 watt generator, which I got after Sandy. It was installed by my electrician (power cable, mod of CB panel, external connector). I keep it in a small shed next to my house. I run it once a month and thus far have had no need to use it because of power failure. The generator (full load) can support my whole house (lights, computers, oil heater, fridge, TV, including an external Freezer. I also pass an extension cord to my neighbor to run his fridge. (all tested)
Better to be safe than sorry.
Better to be safe than sorry.
Oct 12, 2017 08:07:23 #
cthahn wrote:
What does this have to do with photography?
We are in the General Chit-Chat (non-photography talk) forum.
Oct 12, 2017 08:09:50 #
I should have mentioned - I will be using Natural Gas to fuel it.
Oct 12, 2017 08:34:27 #
Howard5252 wrote:
I should have mentioned - I will be using Natural Gas to fuel it.
I would check with Consumer Reports and see how they rate Home Gas Generators.
Oct 12, 2017 08:55:38 #
Nothing--it's in the general chit-chat section.
cthahn wrote:
What does this have to do with photography?
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