Generator Hookup to House ?

fatlazyless · 11-22-2018, 09:32 AM

So ...... have to ask ..... inquiring minds want to know ..... what country to you all live in that you have the need for a backup generator?

My place is in Meredith, NH which is served by the NH Electric CoOp, and the Electric CoOp has a local service garage/home on Rt 25 in Meredith, not too far from Center Harbor.

In the very rare event the power is down due to wind, ice, falling tree, the CoOp gets it fixed usually in less than an hour and they do it automatically without me making a call.

In 26-years I have had to make a call just once when some ice messed with the individual service line and half the 220v was down which made the power go backwards or something.

The CoOp Electricity comes with service included as part of the deal. The big yellow utility trucks with the big, tall, ladder lifts are service vehicles, and the people who fix the power are utility linemen.

loonguy · 11-22-2018, 09:54 AM

I hate to admit it, but I share Less's perspective. In this case Less is More. In nearly 20 years in Moultonborough we have had no need for a generator (knock on wood). We do have propane for the main furnace (which needs electricity), and two fireplace/stove heaters (which do not need electricity) on battery operated thermostats as back ups to avoid freezing. The only freeze incident occurred when the propane company failed to fill our propane tank, and a generator would not have helped.

Rusty · 11-22-2018, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

So ...... have to ask ..... inquiring minds want to know ..... what country to you all live in that you have the need for a backup generator

Probably the same reason most of us have health, home, or car insurance. Generators are just another insurance feature in your life. We only need them when something happens to us that the insurance policy will help us out.
Some people need a sump pump in their basement that a generator would come in real handy at times during a prolonged outage.

fatlazyless · 11-22-2018, 07:35 PM

Just like a 12v bilge pump on a boat, a battery powered Rule bilge pump and flipper switch could be installed in a basement as a sump pump for like 100-dollars or less, if you already have a spare 12v battery.

Apparently, the Plymouth Walmart doesn't have a backup generator, and they post signs, 'electricity outage-spoiled food-not for sale', and simply toss thousands of dollars of refrigerated food into the dumpster which is what happened recently in October????

...... so, to follow the Walmart example ....... just grab a bucket and mop!

loonguy · 11-27-2018, 07:34 AM

I understand the need for a generator in the circumstances addressed in other messages, but the risks of a generator remain a factor to be considered. This warning was included in today's storm warning from the National Weather Service: "If you plan on using a portable generator...be sure to observe all safety precautions to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning...electrocution...or fire. Be sure to operate your generator in a dry outdoor area away from windows...doors and vents. Carbon monoxide poisoning deaths can occur due to improperly located generators!"

Be safe!

Barney Bear · 11-27-2018, 10:58 AM

We have no dry outside area at our place, so we cover our generator with a small piece of plywood, weighted down with a concrete block, to keep snow and rain off of it. 🐻

8gv · 11-27-2018, 12:03 PM

To cover my generator I bought a small, low folding table on Amazon.

It fits around and just above the generator perfectly.

The exhaust outlet is low so there is no concern for melting the table top.

Kamper · 11-27-2018, 02:07 PM

I have a CO/Carbon Monoxide detector. A good idea with any type of combustion heat as well.

StevenGilford · 11-27-2018, 02:40 PM

I've lived in Gilford for almost 4 years now, and have had multiple power outages. Most for an hour or two, some for up to a day, and last year we were out for 5 days.

The 5 day outage prompted us to look into generators, as without a electricity we have no water, no furnace, and very limited heat. It also prevents me from working. We finally completed installation of a 12kw standby generator that automatically transfers a couple of weeks ago.

Today we woke up at 7am to a text message from Eversource saying our power was out 'in our vicinity'. We had to go outside to hear the generator to confirm that ours was out. It was nice to not have our morning impacted. We showered, breakfasted and got started with work without worrying about alternative options. The power came back on around 8:30am.

For short power outages it's very convenient, but mainly I don't want to go for 5 days without power or heat again.

8gv · 11-27-2018, 05:33 PM

Just don’t do the math on a cost/hour for your system so far!

StevenGilford · 11-28-2018, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8gv

Just don’t do the math on a cost/hour for your system so far!

Fingers crossed for multiple long outages to get value from it!

rick35 · 11-27-2018, 05:39 PM

When I had a 5500 watt portable generator I kept it in a large plastic yard box. The top lifted and the front doors opened. If the weather was good I would leave the top up but if not I would leave it closed and run a 12 inch fan in the box for cooling. Even when cold out the generator would run hot. I had it connected to a gentran switch and it worked great as long as we were home to fuel it. After the Halloween storm a few years ago we upgraded to a standby genererator.

camp guy · 11-27-2018, 06:27 PM

I replied earlier about this, basically, use a licensed electrician. I just read some posts wherein another thought comes to mind. A stand-by generator installed with fully automatic start and transfer also provides peace of mind to those who have homes with systems needing to be active all the time, i.e., a forced septic main from septic tank to leach field, a well-pump so you can flush your toilets, possible a security system protecting your house and contents, any one of several medical devices (C-PAP, oxygen generator, lift master stair climber). Also, what if you have company with certain needs - isn't the idea of a generator comforting to them?.

Merry Christmas (and with a generator you can keep the window lights twinkling all season) and a Happy New Year.

11-22-2018, 09:32 AM	#1
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,773 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 1,019 Times in 741 Posts	..... service included with the Electric CoOp So ...... have to ask ..... inquiring minds want to know ..... what country to you all live in that you have the need for a backup generator? My place is in Meredith, NH which is served by the NH Electric CoOp, and the Electric CoOp has a local service garage/home on Rt 25 in Meredith, not too far from Center Harbor. In the very rare event the power is down due to wind, ice, falling tree, the CoOp gets it fixed usually in less than an hour and they do it automatically without me making a call. In 26-years I have had to make a call just once when some ice messed with the individual service line and half the 220v was down which made the power go backwards or something. The CoOp Electricity comes with service included as part of the deal. The big yellow utility trucks with the big, tall, ladder lifts are service vehicles, and the people who fix the power are utility linemen. __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake!

11-22-2018, 07:35 PM	#4
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,773 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 1,019 Times in 741 Posts	Just like a 12v bilge pump on a boat, a battery powered Rule bilge pump and flipper switch could be installed in a basement as a sump pump for like 100-dollars or less, if you already have a spare 12v battery. Apparently, the Plymouth Walmart doesn't have a backup generator, and they post signs, 'electricity outage-spoiled food-not for sale', and simply toss thousands of dollars of refrigerated food into the dumpster which is what happened recently in October???? ...... so, to follow the Walmart example ....... just grab a bucket and mop! __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake!

11-27-2018, 10:58 AM	#6
Barney Bear Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 962 Thanks: 495 Thanked 274 Times in 175 Posts	Cover Up We have no dry outside area at our place, so we cover our generator with a small piece of plywood, weighted down with a concrete block, to keep snow and rain off of it. 🐻

11-27-2018, 06:27 PM	#13
camp guy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: formerly Winter Harbor, still Wolfeboro Posts: 1,190 Thanks: 302 Thanked 527 Times in 294 Posts	Generator Hookup to house I replied earlier about this, basically, use a licensed electrician. I just read some posts wherein another thought comes to mind. A stand-by generator installed with fully automatic start and transfer also provides peace of mind to those who have homes with systems needing to be active all the time, i.e., a forced septic main from septic tank to leach field, a well-pump so you can flush your toilets, possible a security system protecting your house and contents, any one of several medical devices (C-PAP, oxygen generator, lift master stair climber). Also, what if you have company with certain needs - isn't the idea of a generator comforting to them?. Merry Christmas (and with a generator you can keep the window lights twinkling all season) and a Happy New Year.

11-22-2018, 09:54 AM	#2
loonguy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Moultonborough near the Loon Center Posts: 197 Thanks: 60 Thanked 69 Times in 47 Posts	I hate to admit it, but I share Less's perspective. In this case Less is More. In nearly 20 years in Moultonborough we have had no need for a generator (knock on wood). We do have propane for the main furnace (which needs electricity), and two fireplace/stove heaters (which do not need electricity) on battery operated thermostats as back ups to avoid freezing. The only freeze incident occurred when the propane company failed to fill our propane tank, and a generator would not have helped.

11-27-2018, 07:34 AM	#5
loonguy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Moultonborough near the Loon Center Posts: 197 Thanks: 60 Thanked 69 Times in 47 Posts	I understand the need for a generator in the circumstances addressed in other messages, but the risks of a generator remain a factor to be considered. This warning was included in today's storm warning from the National Weather Service: "If you plan on using a portable generator...be sure to observe all safety precautions to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning...electrocution...or fire. Be sure to operate your generator in a dry outdoor area away from windows...doors and vents. Carbon monoxide poisoning deaths can occur due to improperly located generators!" Be safe!

11-27-2018, 12:03 PM	#7
8gv Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,110 Thanks: 64 Thanked 748 Times in 482 Posts	To cover my generator I bought a small, low folding table on Amazon. It fits around and just above the generator perfectly. The exhaust outlet is low so there is no concern for melting the table top.

The Following User Says Thank You to 8gv For This Useful Post:
Barney Bear (11-27-2018)

11-27-2018, 02:07 PM	#8
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,307 Thanks: 67 Thanked 172 Times in 128 Posts	I have a CO/Carbon Monoxide detector. A good idea with any type of combustion heat as well.

11-27-2018, 02:40 PM	#9
StevenGilford Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Posts: 138 Thanks: 15 Thanked 48 Times in 29 Posts	I've lived in Gilford for almost 4 years now, and have had multiple power outages. Most for an hour or two, some for up to a day, and last year we were out for 5 days. The 5 day outage prompted us to look into generators, as without a electricity we have no water, no furnace, and very limited heat. It also prevents me from working. We finally completed installation of a 12kw standby generator that automatically transfers a couple of weeks ago. Today we woke up at 7am to a text message from Eversource saying our power was out 'in our vicinity'. We had to go outside to hear the generator to confirm that ours was out. It was nice to not have our morning impacted. We showered, breakfasted and got started with work without worrying about alternative options. The power came back on around 8:30am. For short power outages it's very convenient, but mainly I don't want to go for 5 days without power or heat again.

11-27-2018, 05:33 PM	#10
8gv Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,110 Thanks: 64 Thanked 748 Times in 482 Posts	Just don’t do the math on a cost/hour for your system so far!

11-27-2018, 05:39 PM	#12
rick35 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bear Island/Merrimack Posts: 807 Thanks: 58 Thanked 203 Times in 130 Posts	When I had a 5500 watt portable generator I kept it in a large plastic yard box. The top lifted and the front doors opened. If the weather was good I would leave the top up but if not I would leave it closed and run a 12 inch fan in the box for cooling. Even when cold out the generator would run hot. I had it connected to a gentran switch and it worked great as long as we were home to fuel it. After the Halloween storm a few years ago we upgraded to a standby genererator.