power backup

[mjs97]

just wondering what most are using for power backup on odb systems. generators or powwer inverter with battery. what is everyones experience? would like some sort of backup is we lose power for a few days or something like that happens. run pump and also stove to keep things from freezing.

thanks,
matt

 

[hbbyloggr]

generator back up for OWB

just wondering what most are using for power backup on odb systems. generators or powwer inverter with battery. what is everyones experience? would like some sort of backup is we lose power for a few days or something like that happens. run pump and also stove to keep things from freezing.

thanks,
matt

I've always had a generator of some sort; usually a regular dog and pony show to get it out and running. You know the routine:1. Lose power 2. go to the garage to get everything you own out into the driveway because the generator is in the far back end of the garage. Then you find you only have enough gas to run for two hours. Get everything hooked up and running...just as power comes back on............Right?

We I cured all that this summer. I came by a 30kw Onan genset with a slant six Chrysler fueled by propane. I swapped an electrician firewood to hook up the unit to power all the house functions via 100amp manual transfer switch and we are now fully functional. There is power to spare for the shop 9 (next summer's plan) and we have enough propane to run constant for one week .

I would hate to lose power and have our OWB freeze up along with every pipe in the house. Total cost: $ 2600.00 is one heck of a cheap insurance policy in my book.http://www.arboristsite.com/images/smilies/popcorn.gif
opcorn:

 

[046]

WOW... 30KW!

got any pic's?

 

[Patrick62]

Grid power? What is that??

My shop is off grid. I prefer it that way. 400W windmill and golf car batteries handles the light duty stuff most of the time.

1.5K military generator serves the medium loads, when I really want to light the place up.

6.5K generator handles all of the above plus the air compressor, and welders.

I try and keep a few gallons of gas on hand. it was getting crazy with the $3 gas awhile back. Thank God for wind power!

30K with a \6 dodge... all I can say to that is:
I am envious....

-Pat

 

[TreeBarber]

We have a 8000 watt gen connected to the house, it runs the well and most of the house. Worked out good last week when we were snowed in and with out electrical co. power for four days.

 

[Woodsrover]

I've got a ancient 12K watt WinPower PTO generator I bought of an old farmer years ago. It's bolted to the basement floor with four heavy rubber mounts right in front of the dog door that the dogs won't use. When I lose power I back a 30hp diesel Kubota up to the dog door, run the PTO shaft out and Bob's yer uncle. We lost power for four days straight a few years ago and that old generator did well! It runs the whole house with power to spare. The tractor has a 720-rpm PTO speed so I can run it at relatively low engine speed and save fuel. Running everything I want in the house the tractor only burns one gallon in three hours. If Connecticut Light and Power keeps up with thier rate-hikes, I'll make my own bio-fuel and go off the grid like Pat!

Jim

 

[Locoweed]

6.5kw generator that runs off the 500 gallon propane tank. It will run everything but the central air.

 

[046]

6.5 kw Honda genset here... it's too big to run lights, frig and freezer.
but it starts every time and runs great! our power goes out 3-4 times a years.

we've had ice storms in Tulsa, that's knocked out power for two weeks. needless to say, sure glad had a good power backup.

 

[magnumtoy]

a couple years back during a 3 day outtage, I scrambled out and bought 3 Coleman 5500 watt generators at Costco (one for me and some for neighbors). No one had any available, it was shortly after Katrina and everywhere was backordered, so after all the searching I did, my last effort was a call to Costco who had like 10 of 'em!

Get a transfer switch (I still need to do) - it makes it a whole lot easier than cords - plus you'll be able to power up water pump, etc., that uses 220V.

I also use it for portable power (far away from the house) where like 1000 ft of extension cords don't make sense.

Besides, another machine can only make you feel MORE MANLY!!