Generator Selection?

[grsthegreat]

A backup generator is way different than an off grid generator. A 3600 rpm unit is just fine for the occasional power disruption. I install these things and even i could not justify the price of an 1800 RPM generator for the limited power outages we experience. In 3 years ive had 50 hours of generator use.

Small portables are also fine for occasional use. But i have seen some major damage done to motors, refer units, wells and tv’s due to cheap chinese junk generators out in the field. I also know one guy that built a huge 6,000 sf custom home with a harbor freight predator generator and it ran every day. You just never know.

The only reason i replaced my manual 5kw propane generator with a whole house system is so my wife wouldnt have to deal with running a generator if i was away during power outage (that and i got gen for free). My older Onan 1800 rpm generator was a troublefree delight. I kind of wish i never sold it. It was over 20 years old when i sold it.

 

[Diggin It]

When I say 'long term', I mean years whether I use it or not. Our outages are usually less than 12 hours and only a couple each year at most. A few have been 2-3 days. Two have been 10 days plus, but those were after serious storms that did damage over several counties.

If I can get by on $1,000 or so instead of over $3,000 even if it means I have to go outside to start it and do the transfer, I'd be OK with it.

Until now I was using a 7500 portable and/or a 2K inverter unit on extension cords to the things I needed powered. I now have the 7500 outside (sheltered) connected to the ATS so that everything in the house is powered with no extension cords. Remains to be seen how well that will work during a real outage. And no, I don't want to burn out appliance motors or electronics by using a portable. That's what I mean by 'getting by' on one instead of going to a fixed unit. This portable is aging though and has issues, hence the questions about a newer, bigger one. One that runs on LP will let me not have to keep so much gasoline on hand.

 

[Welshman]

A backup generator is way different than an off grid generator. A 3600 rpm unit is just fine for the occasional power disruption. I install these things and even i could not justify the price of an 1800 RPM generator for the limited power outages we experience. In 3 years ive had 50 hours of generator use.

Small portables are also fine for occasional use. But i have seen some major damage done to motors, refer units, wells and tv’s due to cheap chinese junk generators out in the field. I also know one guy that built a huge 6,000 sf custom home with a harbor freight predator generator and it ran every day.

What would cause this? What component of the generator would be the issue, and how does one know?

 

[grsthegreat]

alot of the cheapo chinese generators have crappy alternator and windings. some are even aluminum instead of copper. you would not believe the number of units ive been called on to invesitigate. especially odd are the units that show 240 VAC and equil 120C when unloaded, but once you put a load on the generator one leg shoots to 170 Volts and the other drops to 70 volts or some such numbers. and poof go light bulbs, led lighting especially, tvs, refer motors, etc.

seen it too many times to count. always some branded chinese junk unit. (preditor especially noted)

 

[Diggin It]

HOW DID THIS HAPPEN???????

I just got notice that the 16KW I ordered a few weeks ago is at my local store ready for pickup!!! Last I knew, it wasn't scheduled to be shipped until April at the earliest. I was planning on that delay to save some money up for the first couple of payments. Plus, I don't have the LP tank moved or ready for it.

I ordered it on November 26th and even now looking at the order screen it shows a pickup date of May 5th, but also shows Ready For Pickup.

 

[grsthegreat]

Like anyone can believe online shipping trackers.

 

[Diggin It]

Yet it showed up in about 5 weeks instead of the 14-16 everyone claimed.

 

[grsthegreat]

If its really there. I was told my transfer switch had arrived at shipping facility.....and a short 4 weeks later... it did.

 

[Diggin It]

I have no idea how this arrived in 4 weeks instead of the 14+ everybody was saying.

Really screwed up my scheduling though.

 

[grsthegreat]

You lucked out. I know many installers not being able to get units installed...cause there are no generators out there. Im just goad im now retired and no longer have to worry about it.

I did have one HOA contact me that they want to go ahead with the bid. I dud the bid 3-4 years ago. I told them i may still do the job...but i will have to rebid cost. Have not heard back. Maybe in 4 years they will call me back. Also, their bid was for a 13 kw..... they wernt happy when i told them those are no longer made.