Grant makes some good points which I will address this evening when I get home. Not enough time at work to comment.
Dan Sent from my iPhone On Aug 30, 2011, at 12:01 AM, G Mann <g2ma...@gmail.com> wrote: > Some items to consider in generator selection for use in a real disaster. > > 1. If it's an earthquake disaster, Gas lines will be broken, or as a > precaution all main supply valves will be shut off until safety can be > ensured via inspection for the whole area. During that time, your NG > generator will be without fuel, you will be without electricity. > > 2. If it's a hurricane, with damage on even small scale, homes will be blown > away ripping out the gas line connection which will once again require > shutting down the main supply to the gas grid system for the entire area. > Result, you are out of gas and electricity with no fuel source for the > "backup generator" > > 3. Nuke attack.... Let's don't go there. However, presuming you survive, > will the gas mains? > > Size selection is a matter of calculation of electrical load for "necessary" > function. Easy enough to do with a bit of thought and work. > > Fuel choice: Gasoline doesn't store well, goes stale with time, and > presents a real fire hazard for storage. Diesel has fewer flash fire > issues, lasts much longer with simple biocide treatment to keep alge growth > in control. It is hydroscopic so should be sealed against water intrusion. > > Cost: Gas generators large enough to run a house systems can be in the "less > than a 1000 bucks range. Diesel gensets cost more [$1500 to $10K about]. > lasts longer in useful hour life span, aren't available in smaller sizes > [3500 Watt is about the low end size]. > Propane fueled generators use more fuel than either gas or diesel simply > because propane [or natural gas] has less BTU per comparable volume of fuel. > Propane stores pretty well, as in independent source from the vulnerable NG > grid , as a third option. However, you may have local permit issues with a > large propane tank in your yard. > > My personal experience: I live on a remote 36,000 acre ranch [that's 35 sq. > miles] in western Arizona. The nearest power pole is 42 miles away, so for > me, "normal" is your "emergency". I have all the electrical items [likely] > that you have and the order of electrical generation works for me like this. > 1. Solar system , 4.5 KW system.. Primary. normal house things, computer, > lights, refrig. > 2. Diesel Generator, 7.5 KW system... Secondary.... 120/240, 3 phase > available > 3. Diesel Generator. 3.5 KW system... Secondary backup. 120/240... > 4. Gas Generator, 3.5 KW system.... Reserve secondary backup, mobile rig > 120/240 with welders on trailer, also wired to run well pumps. > 5. Gas Generator, 1.2 KW system.... House system backup reserve, [dedicated > to refrig/deep freeze and lights. [phased usage required since it's to small > to handle start loads on all the items at one time. > 6. Numerous 12 volt solar panels dedicated to small battery banks to run > things like the electric entry gate, security cameras, electrified fences, > communication relays, etc. > > As you may guess, I'm a great fan of not depending on public services [since > there are none where I am].... respectfully suggest that in a real emergency > you quickly find yourself in the same situation. > > Grant... > > On Mon, Aug 29, 2011 at 8:07 PM, OK Don <okd...@gmail.com> wrote: > >> Thanks for putting the "generator hat" on! >> I ran a crude spreadsheet calculation against the propane generators on >> Amazon, and found this one - almost too good to be true -- >> >> http://www.amazon.com/Sportsman-GEN7000LP-7000-Watt-Portable-Generator/dp/B004BKI0ZM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314673188&sr=8-1 >> >> It produces 8.86 watts/$, vs. a Generac 7kW at 3.89 watts/$. >> >> On Mon, Aug 29, 2011 at 7:52 PM, LWB250 <lwb...@yahoo.com> wrote: >> >>> <Generator hat on> >>> >>> The whole thing when it comes to stationary standby generators is >>> determining what your critical loads are. Until you do that, you're just >>> flailing around. >>> >>> Make a list of "must have" loads and write down their wattages. >>> >>> The worst case ones will be small, fractional horsepower motors, like >> sump >>> pumps and furnace blowers. Single phase motors are horribly inefficient >>> when it comes to starting current, so you've got to have enough reserve >> to >>> handle their inrush current. >>> >>> From there look at things like fridge, freezer, basic lighting, garage >> door >>> opener, etc. >>> >>> Generac and other manufacturers have some good sizing programs on the Web >>> that allow you to do the calculations. Just keep in mind that these are >>> general values and not 100% accurate. It's a guide to give you an idea >> of >>> what you need capacity-wise. >>> >>> Once you know what you need kW-wise you can start looking. >>> >>> Stationary sets run off propane vapor or natural gas. Be careful when >>> shopping, as propane has a much higher BTU content than natural gas, so >>> machines are often rated on propane with deration percentages if it's on >>> natural gas. Usually you'll see a 10%-15% deration on natural gas. >>> >>> Install often equals the cost of the unit, so be prepared. If you can do >>> any of it yourself this is the place where you can save some serious >> bucks. >>> You will need a licensed electrician to do your transfer switch, unless >>> you're doing downstream of your main breaker. This is typical, as a >> branch >>> circuit will be run to a transfer switch that feeds a small distribution >>> panel where your critical loads have been broken out from the main panel. >>> >>> While it's more expensive, it's foolish (in my opinion) to go with a >>> stationary generator and not have an automatic transfer switch (ATS). >> Think >>> about if you are away, and the power goes out. If it's an extended >> outage, >>> you risk food loss, possible damage to your home depending on the climate >>> and season, etc. Sure, it's a peace of mind thing, but the additional >> cost >>> is minimal in the grand scheme of things. >>> >>> Generac has really dialed in the consumer home standby market, and done a >>> good job with it. You'll find their products marketed at all the big box >>> home improvement stores under the "Guardian" brand, among others. They >> have >>> done a very good job of balancing the price point vs. quality and >> longevity. >>> You can go more expensive, such as a Kohler, but even though I have some >>> bias as a former employee of both, the Kohler is a premium product that >>> effectively does the exact same thing the Generac does. >>> >>> Maintenance is the key to longevity on these, just as it is on your MB, >> and >>> it doesn't take any special tools or knowledge. Change oil and filters >>> annually and keep it clean and you're pretty much done with it. >>> >>> If anyone has specific questions they are welcome to send me a PM. >>> >>> Dan >>> >>> </Generator hat off> >>> >>> >>> >>> >> >> >> >> -- >> OK Don >> 2001 ML320 >> 1992 300D 2.5T >> 1990 300D 2.5T >> 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager >> _______________________________________ >> http://www.okiebenz.com >> For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com >> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ >> >> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: >> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com >> > _______________________________________ > http://www.okiebenz.com > For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com > To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ > > To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: > http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
