Backup generator questions

[circlew]

My neighbor down the street has a Winco 8 KW generator. It's OK, but won't run the electric range or dryer; however the water heater is connected to it, as is the furnace/air conditioning. I have noticed at times that the lights have a high frequency flicker when it's being used, which leads me to believe it has poor frequency regulation.

My Aunt Doris had a Kohler 60 KW diesel model that would operate everything in the house just like if the utility power was being used. My cousin Shane has a 100 KW Kohler generator (diesel) on their chicken farm. Both were used for days on end after Katrina without any troubles. Both of these are commercial units like used in medical facilities, schools, etc.

Before purchasing one you might want to check with your local public safety offices to see what brands they use, as they have to have something reliable. I personally wouldn't buy anything other than Cummins, Kohler or Cat. Also I'd stick with an 1800 rpm engine model.

Link is to sizing guide.

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www.kohlerpower.com

 

[supersuds]

I'd certainly want a Kohler if I was going for a permanent installation, but it's probably too pricey. Though it wouldn't kill me to get a quote, I guess.

This Champion brand 3400-watt dual-fuel generator gets pretty good reviews on Amazon. Right out of the box it runs on gasoline or propane, so you wouldn't have the stale gas problem. As an inverter, it's said to be relatively quiet.

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www.amazon.com

 

[askolover]

After the 1994 ice storm I said I'd eventually have a NG genset when I got my own house.  But right now I live directly behind the hospital and on the same street as the police department, so our power doesn't go out for very long at a time...not enough to justify buying one.  I can still cook, grill, heat, and take a shower with zero power.  Just can't wash clothes, heat the waterbed, watch television, or dry my hair.

 

[good-shepherd]

drone from generators would have gotten on my nerves

I found noisy generators only gets on the nerves when you don't have one and the house is freezing while the neighbors generators are humming away and they're inside nice and toasty.

When its your generator, the power is out for Lord knows how long, it's the best sound in the world.

 

[wayupnorth]

My new Generac was installed yesterday. I couldnt be happier with the reasonable price I paid and the great technicians that busted their buts to install it in a difficult place. The test run was flawless and the electrician said it was performing just as it should. Now I am waiting for my gas company to install a new propane tank for it. They explained everything to me and how after 10 seconds of an outage it automatically comes on and powers everything in the house and I dont need to touch a thing.

 

[countryguy]

Congrats on the new generator. You'll be loving it when the electricity goes out for any length of time.

Gary