This reminds me of a question about tanks.I've got 4x 100# tanks that have
been on the farm, well probably 50 years. Are they useful for refilling or
should I send them for recycling? We've never refilled them for the camp
because they're hard to handle and we only use 2x 20# cans in a normal week at
camp. Actually before we got the fridge we wouldn't even use 2 full tanks.
-Curt
On Sunday, February 14, 2021, 8:18:07 PM EST, Scott Ritchey via Mercedes
<mercedes@okiebenz.com> wrote:
Kaleb, You need to think through which circuits need to be on the backup
system and which don't (unless you get a really big generator). The typical
home has a 200 amp service entrance, which is almost 50KW. My house already
had an outdoor breaker panel as part of the meter and an indoor fuse box (which
became a breaker panel). I tried to put all the critical circuits on the indoor
breaker panel and then power that panel through the transfer switch (so
everything on the indoor CB panel could be generator powered). The electrician
did not exactly follow my desires so neither heat pump is on the generator.
That is only a problem in summer because I have LP fireplaces. Some of the
Generac kits include a sub-panel (of sorts) that you mount next to the main
(existing panel). That critical circuits get moved to that subpanel and that
subpanel is powered through the transfer switch. But I think that setup looks
crappy in the main part of the house.
Another option is to power the whole-house panel through the transfer switch
but selective turn off unnecessary breakers. Finally. There are devices you can
use for specific loads, like a water heater, that will disconnect that load if
it detects the generator is overloaded.
In NC, you can buy or rent the tank. If you use enough LP in a year the rent
can be free. But if you rent, only that company can deliver LP to the tank.
If the tank is above ground, switching to a different LP supplier (who will
provide his own tank) is easy. Generators use LP quickly, at least compared
with other things. One of the reasons for a larger tank is to maintain
pressure during high usage. The tank needs to absorb enough heat from the
environment to "boil off" LP gas as you use it.
Preferably, locate the generator so the engine exhaust will blow away from the
house.
-----Original Message-----
From: Mercedes On Behalf Of Kaleb Striplin via Mercedes
Sent: Sunday, February 14, 2021 6:37 PM
To: Mercedes Discussion List <mercedes@okiebenz.com>
Cc: Kaleb Striplin <ka...@striplin.net>
Subject: Re: [MBZ] Blizzard
I would like to get a whole home backup generator and run it off propane, and
also run a line out to the shop for the heaters there. Maybe even replace the
stove/oven with propane instead of electric
Sent from my iPhone
> On Feb 14, 2021, at 5:11 PM, Scott Ritchey via Mercedes
> <mercedes@okiebenz.com> wrote:
>
> Power was out here from about 0700 to noon, probably caused by an ice storm.
> I was unaware of that until I got to my kitchen and heard the generator
> running. That (15KW Generac) LP-fired standby generator was nice to have
> then but there are costs.
>
> I think the equipment was about $3500 (in 2005) but the install was part of a
> bigger project so I don't have a number for that. LP is pretty clean but I
> still do an annual oil and filter change. The start battery has died several
> times without much warning and battery acid damaged allowed the case to rust.
> I'm using a Battery Minder now, maybe that will help.
>
> At very light load the output frequency is just over 63 Hz which causes many
> UPS systems to revert to battery power (beep-beep-beep) and deplete the
> battery; APC Smart UPS are more tolerant.
>
> I have an underground 500 gal LP tank (which only holds 400 gal) that should
> be good for a couple of days. An above-ground thank would be cheaper and
> would let ne switch LP suppliers; but SWMBO said no to above-ground.
>
> Overall, I have no complaints but frankly, the few recent power outages
> didn't justify the expense. However, long power outages were very common
> previously and SWMBO would not be able to manage a manual system (I traveled
> for work in those days).
>
> For short outages, an 8-10 KW (electric start) gasoline generator should do
> the job much cheaper. The plug-in output cord can be wired to a power panel
> with a mechanical interlock fairly inexpensively (if code allows). The main
> drawback of this setup, IMO, is storing gasoline and keeping it fresh.
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Mercedes On Behalf Of Dan Penoff via Mercedes
> Sent: Sunday, February 14, 2021 4:27 PM
> To: Okie Benz <mercedes@okiebenz.com>
> Cc: Dan Penoff <d...@penoff.com>
> Subject: Re: [MBZ] Blizzard
>
> It does make life far easier and less likely to be interrupted. Big up front
> cost, though, if you do it right.
>
> -D
>
>> On Feb 14, 2021, at 4:24 PM, Kaleb Striplin via Mercedes
>> <mercedes@okiebenz.com> wrote:
>>
>> Being that we are total electric here, I should get a backup generator one
>> of these day.
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>>>> On Feb 14, 2021, at 3:15 PM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes
>>>> <mercedes@okiebenz.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> That reminds me, it’s about time to check the propane tank for my
>>> annual fill for the standby generator…
>>>
>>> -D shoveling sun and a little bit of rain today in the near 80s
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> On Feb 14, 2021, at 4:12 PM, Kaleb Striplin via Mercedes
>>>> <mercedes@okiebenz.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Blizzard is proceeding, temp is 7 outside with wind chill is -10,
>>>> snow blowing outside. Heat pump pretty much runs non stop. Over the last
>>>> 30 minutes the power has been going out off and on. No good. I may end up
>>>> having to haul in some firewood and firing up the fireplace/insert. It
>>>> would Most definitely cut down on the heat pump useable but by the time
>>>> you pay for firewood I don’t think it would be any cheaper. I keep
>>>> firewood around for use in the case of emergency.
>>>>
>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>>
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>>>
>>>
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>>
>>
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>
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