Portable generators.

[Buckaroobonsai]

Having personally lived thru the aftermath of the Northridge earthquake and the L.A. Riots, I've become a bit of a prepper. Not so much the world ending scenarios with zombies invading, (although that would be fun), but the everyday reality type, like natural disasters and civil unrest.

In both cases, support services and utilities were back on online for most people within 3-4 days.The the Red Cross recommends a 72 hour emergency kit. I feel more comfortable with being prepared for at least 7 days to be safe. Weapons, ammo, food, water, tools, etc. are always ready to go if needed. Bug out bags and a 4x4 bug out SUV is also ready should we need to bail out as a last resort.

But let's get back on topic. Portable power generators. Giant Home Standby ones are more convenient, but are expensive and can't come with you. When we first moved to Adams County, we were experiencing power outages almost weekly for some reason. It's gotten better since then, but still happens. Sometimes it's only for less than an hour, other times it has gone on for over 5 hours. If a main station goes down, like has happened recently in Denver, it could be days. That's where these bad boys come in:



I bought the 4-Stroke 3500W first at one of the local auto part stores, for $300 I think. With proper break in and maintenance, this thing has started every time I needed it over the last several years! It has run a 40" LCD TV, Satellite box, a box fan and lights, all at the same time. It has even run my refrigerator for several hours once when needed!

The newest edition is the smaller 800W 2-Stroke. They currently sell on Harbor Freight for $130. I store the 3500W in the garage, drained of all gas, but fully serviced and tested every summer. This litle guy is kept ready to go, with gas & stabilizer, and tested monthly. It should fit the bill for short term outages, as well as being able to provide me with some electrical assistance should I need to get the 3500W filled and going. Plus, being mechanical, it's always smart to have a back up to the back up.

A heavy duty 50' extension cord and power surge multi-outlet lets me operate the generators on the back patio, and run the lines indoors, under the weather seal of the back door. No danger of carbon monoxide poisoning or engine noise. A staked ground wire outside quickly attaches to either.

Both are able to go in the back of the bug out Cherokee if I need to take them with me. I have enough gas stored in cans with stabilizer to last 2-3 days, depending on amount of use. A bulb syphon is on hand if I need more gas from the Jeep, which is always full. I have extra plugs and oil as well.

Just something to think about in case you haven't yet...

[Bowtie]

What was the fuel consumption on the big one when you where powering the TV and fridge? How much fuel do you keep for it?

[Great-Kazoo]

Why not do a line set/ disconnect box out back? We have a 30A one ready to plug n play if power goes out. You way is alright, but running multiple cords here and there might present an issue if rapid movement about the house became necessary.
We turn off the main, fire up the 6500 plug it in and relax.

[Buckaroobonsai]

Yeah Jim, I was looking at a power transfer kit as another option. Do you know if building code requires it be installed by or to be inspected by a licensed electrician?

Why not do a line set/ disconnect box out back? We have a 30A one ready to plug n play if power goes out. You way is alright, but running multiple cords here and there might present an issue if rapid movement about the house became necessary.
We turn off the main, fire up the 6500 plug it in and relax.

[Wulf202]

Yeah Jim, I was looking at a power transfer kit as another option. Do you know if building code requires it be installed by or to be inspected by a licensed electrician?

as a home owner it should not be required. call the city to verify.

[Great-Kazoo]

as a home owner it should not be required. call the city to verify.

Don't ask Don't tell. I had my guy do it (as with everything) to Code.
We removed the hard wired outlet for a spa and installed the 4 prong quick lock outlet. Have a 50' 10ga double male line foe gen to house.

[Buckaroobonsai]

I haven't run a full tank thru it in one sitting yet. Power has always come on before then! I believe the descriptions states that it can run 9 hours at half load per tank.

What was the fuel consumption on the big one when you where powering the TV and fridge? How much fuel do you keep for it?

[gnihcraes]

I have a Coleman 1850 portable. It's served me well many of times here in the city. Once the snow took out a tree, which took out our main line. I was the only one with power for about 4 days until the line was repaired. Furnace, a couple lights and the fridge/freezer off and on.

Transfer Switch on the house is the best option if you can afford to have one installed. Plug in the generator and throw the proper switches for each desired circuit.

I used about one gallon of gas a day in the generator depending on the load obviously and how often I ran it. Couple hours for the fridge/freezer to maintain and then the furnace to keep us warm and run the TV.

Good to have. Test every few months. Which I'll probably test mine this weekend.

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

You really have to cover your ass when installing a generator to run the house. First thing is a three way switch so you don't back feed the grid with electricity. You shock a lineman and folks will come looking for you, and they'll know it's you because youre the only dude with lights and a/c on the grid. I know a very good electrician that can get you lined out, and he's a gun guy too! Pm me if you want his info.

[HoneyBadger]

So if I'm doing my math right, that little guy could power a standard refrigerator? My fridge draws 6amps at peak, which is 720 watts. Normal load from the fridge would probably be closer to 2-3 amps or 240-360 watts.

How noisy is it?