I had my heart set on a slow turning diesel generator for emergency backup power for my house and small farm, but it's hard to justify a $5,000 heavy generator for something you hope to never need.
I have a small home that is all electric except for a LP furnace. I've put an amp meter on my big loads which are the water heater and well pump. I don't expect to be able to run my central AC so I didn't bother.
Water Heater - 17 amps @ 240 volts
Well Pump - 9 amps @ 240 volts
Furnace Fan - 9 amps @ 120 volts
The rest of the house is basically nothing with the exception of the oven and range, but I can turn off and on components to run a generator.
We lost power for 3 days and we learned we can do without powering the entire house, but hot showers and a little TV go a long way towards happiness.
I am looking at the 8,000 watt range of generators for several reasons. First, at 240 volts it provides 33 amps of current which is enough. Second, I can wire this using 30 amp plugs and receptacles to make setup quick and easy.
I like the Generac GP and XP series because I can get those at cost and may have better service through direct suppliers.
Your thoughts on durability and ease of use? Comment away!
I'm well aware of back feeding and lineman protection so please don't lecture me on safety.
I have a small home that is all electric except for a LP furnace. I've put an amp meter on my big loads which are the water heater and well pump. I don't expect to be able to run my central AC so I didn't bother.
Water Heater - 17 amps @ 240 volts
Well Pump - 9 amps @ 240 volts
Furnace Fan - 9 amps @ 120 volts
The rest of the house is basically nothing with the exception of the oven and range, but I can turn off and on components to run a generator.
We lost power for 3 days and we learned we can do without powering the entire house, but hot showers and a little TV go a long way towards happiness.
I am looking at the 8,000 watt range of generators for several reasons. First, at 240 volts it provides 33 amps of current which is enough. Second, I can wire this using 30 amp plugs and receptacles to make setup quick and easy.
I like the Generac GP and XP series because I can get those at cost and may have better service through direct suppliers.
Your thoughts on durability and ease of use? Comment away!
I'm well aware of back feeding and lineman protection so please don't lecture me on safety.