Portable Home Generator Questions

 

After last month's ice storm in North Carolina, I have decided to invest in
a portable generator.   After some research at various sites, I am certain
that around 8 kw will fit my needs.   However, I still have  **many**  very
basic questions about generator types,  fuel storage,  fuel consumption,
power cabling to the transfer switch, etc.

I know there are a lot of questions, and hopefully folks will comment or
advise on the ones about which they have knowledge or experience.

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In terms of efficiency and fuel use,  which generator type is best.....
gas, diesel, or
propane ?

Has anyone here used a tri-fuel generator, such as the one made by Northern
Industrial Tools ?

How can one safely and properly store 150 gallons of gas ?  I figure this is
the maximum
amount that i would need in any severe storm.   I am aware of the use of
Stabil, and I would
also  "rotate" the gas at least once a year.

Has anyone here used a propane generator ?  If so, how well did you like it
?  What
model have you used ?   If you have not used one, do you know of one on the
market
right now, in the  8 KW range ?  (I find that all the propane ones I find
are much larger
generators, up to  12-15 kw or higher).

In terms of fuel usage, is a gallon of propane about the same as a gallon of
gas ?

I need  6   120  volt circuits, and two  240 circuits.   The 240 circuits
are needed for
hot water, and water pump.   Will this mean that I will need  3  distinct
power cables run
from my generator to the transfer switch in the house ?   Are these
pre-manufactured
cables in given lengths, or will my electrician custom make cables ??

If I use a propane tank, it may well be 50  feet lower in elevation than my
generator, and
up to  100 feet away.   Will the propane travel an uphill run like this ?

What is your favorite generator in the  7-8 KW  range  ?

-------------------------

Well, that should be enough questions for now  !!

Thank you in advance for any comment or advice !!

James

 



As far as the transfer switch and cord, the units generally come with twist
lok outlets up to 50 amps.  You can buy these pre built, or built to
whatever length you like. You typically run one cord from the generator to a
manual transfer switch

 

RBM, thank you for the good comments !!   I am looking for a portable
generator, as the is the price class that I am in.  I will have a transfer
switch installed by a qualified electrician, but it will not be
automatically engaged.  If we lost power, I will start the generator and
flip the transfer switch.

As to the power cord, I am confused......... on the units I have seen, they
have one or more  120 volt outlets, and most have one or two  240 volt
outlets..... I would not need cords for each of these outlets ??

Very good comments/comparisons of gas, diesel, and propane.


Thanks again !!

James

 



On the larger portable units they'll typically have multiple outlets. Some
standard 120 volt 20 amp, some 120/240 volt 30 amp, and in your case you'd
want one that has a 120/240 volt 50 amp. You would buy a transfer switch
that would be fed through a 50 amp 4 wire cord, providing both 120 volt and
240 volts to the switch. There is no need to use any additional cords.

Another thing to note: portable units typically have fairly small fuel
tanks, often holding less fuel than you'd need to go through the night.
Check the fuel consumption at full load and at half load, then do a
calculation to determine if it's big enough for your needs. You can always
use a fuel tank, not attached to the unit, but it becomes less portable, and
potentially more dangerous.

 

Thanks again to all/  good site Dennis/  good comments CY.

James