Portable generator

[Rattlesnake Guy]

When we use our generator, I always keep a light on which allows me to gauge how the load sharing is doing. If the new load makes the light dim, I shed other load immediately. Things like the well get solo performances. You can also hear it in how hard the generator is working. It won't take long to figure out what keeps it happy. The other thing to remember is that the lighter the load, the longer the gas will last.

But after writing this it occurs to me that I should just plug my multi meter into an outlet to keep an eye on the voltage level. Duh.

[dpg]

If you overload a generator and it does not have an overload protection switch, you will cook something, most likely one of your appliance motors or similar. Under powering any electric motor is quite damaging and usually kills it rather quickly. It is quite common to hear of a well pumps getting fried when generators are used due to under powering during start up.

As far as sound goes, I have a 17500 watt portable gas Generac generator that sounds like a freight train when standing next to it! I don't care however as I have no neighbors close by and it can be barely heard in the house and is on the opposite side of the house as our bedroom. I also have a 6500 watt Honda portable that I use at the camp that is whisper quiet. You could put it between two people and carry on a normal conversation, it is that quiet. You do pay for this convenience however!!

Dan

Thanks Dan that's perfect examples in both cases...The Honda is quite expensive!

[Kamper]

http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/f...or-safety.html

I found this link to a safety video, on www.psnh.com when I was trying to find out about power restoration. Also, if you enter "generators" in the search box on the PSNH site you will get some articles, and a couple safety pamplets in Adobe format.

[SIKSUKR]

When I've overloaded my generators they have stalled. They both also have circuit breakers built in for each recepticle.

[Bizer]

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Guy

When we use our generator, I always keep a light on which allows me to gauge how the load sharing is doing. ... But after writing this it occurs to me that I should just plug my multi meter into an outlet to keep an eye on the voltage level. Duh.

I suggest buying a "Kill-a-Watt" electric meter, under $30. It will show you your power consumption (watts), both instantaneous and long-term. If (for example) it shows that you're using 1200 watts, then you know that you can add the 300 watt refrigerator and still have some spare.

After Hurricane Irene, I purhcased a Honda eu2000i. It's not enough to run the whole house, but if you don't mind juggling occasionally, it's fantastic. For example, my refrigerator can easily keep food frozen for 8 hours if I don't open the door. It can keep the food frozen for 3-4 hours of normal use. When I wake up, I plug-in the refrigerator, coffee pot, and heating system. By 10 am, I've switched the generator to the computer/monitor/wifi/television for a few hours. Then it's back to the refrigerator/heating system for a couple of hours, etc. All the while, 3-5 florescent lights consume a trickle of power.

Luckily, I have a gas stove (matches needed) and a gas hot-water heater (no electricity needed). If you're stove is electric, I'd advise getting a camping stove.

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by Bizer

If you're stove is electric, I'd advise getting a camping stove.

The barbecue grill works pretty good too.I cooked a nice breakfast on the side burner.