Generator for home during power outages

[Havok1]

I recently purchased a 9200w champion generator, and wired in a plug inlet and interlock so I can just plug it into the house and power whatever I want. Looking now at getting a tri fuel kit so I can run it off my natural gas line with gasoline or propane as back up.

 

[rotor]

As far as ethanol free gas, this site has a list....

Pure-gas.org - ethanol-free gasoline in the U.S. and Canada

Pure-gas.org is the definitive web site listing stations that sell pure gasoline in the U.S. and Canada.

www.pure-gas.org

To check to see if it is ethanol free, ...

Ethanol Fuel Testing | Ethanol in Gas

Never burn fuel that contains ethanol in your airplane. Learn how to test for ethanol in fuel, what to do when you can't find ethanol free gasoline, and the damage ethanol can cause to your aircraft.

www.autofuelstc.com

As far as avgas, pretty high lead content and I don't know if your engine can handle avgas. Avgas though is very stable and can probably last a year.

I have one of those 7000 watt bought at Sams club years ago. Battery or pull start. Only gasoline. A hint on these, buy a can of that spray ether starter and give it a 2 second spray into the air filter and save your starter battery or shoulder. That always gets it going fast.

I have gas heat so I can heat my house with the generator running the motors. I can watch TV, run the essentials with a generator. More than a invertor unit can do.

Heat the house in the cold. Absolutely essential. Run the freezer and refrig. Absolutely essential. The rest I can scrounge.

 

[Axxe55]

As far as ethanol free gas, this site has a list....

Pure-gas.org - ethanol-free gasoline in the U.S. and Canada

Pure-gas.org is the definitive web site listing stations that sell pure gasoline in the U.S. and Canada.

www.pure-gas.org

To check to see if it is ethanol free, ...

Ethanol Fuel Testing | Ethanol in Gas

Never burn fuel that contains ethanol in your airplane. Learn how to test for ethanol in fuel, what to do when you can't find ethanol free gasoline, and the damage ethanol can cause to your aircraft.

www.autofuelstc.com

As far as avgas, pretty high lead content and I don't know if your engine can handle avgas. Avgas though is very stable and can probably last a year.

I have one of those 7000 watt bought at Sams club years ago. Battery or pull start. Only gasoline. A hint on these, buy a can of that spray ether starter and give it a 2 second spray into the air filter and save your starter battery or shoulder. That always gets it going fast.

I have gas heat so I can heat my house with the generator running the motors. I can watch TV, run the essentials with a generator. More than a invertor unit can do.

Heat the house in the cold. Absolutely essential. Run the freezer and refrig. Absolutely essential. The rest I can scrounge.

^^^^Lots of good information here.^^^^

Though I would suggest a safer alternative to the way you are using the ether. Take a rag, spray ether into the rag, getting it saturated, but not dripping with ether. Place the rag near the air inlet and then use the pull start or electric starter. Performs the same function but is much safer for the engine long term.

 

[Davetex]

Soft starter for home A/C.

 

[Axxe55]

Lead is being phased out of aviation fuel. Also most aviation gasoline is never higher than 10% ethanol, if it contains ethanol.

Phase-out of leaded aviation gasoline[edit]
The 100LL phase-out has been called "one of modern GA's most pressing problems",[33] because 70% of 100LL aviation fuel is used by the 30% of the aircraft in the general aviation fleet that cannot use any of the existing alternatives.[34][35][36]

In February 2008, Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) announced that the company is very concerned about future availability of 100LL, and as a result, they would develop a line of diesel engines.[37] In a February 2008 interview, TCM president Rhett Ross indicated belief that the aviation industry will be "forced out" of using 100LL in the near future, leaving automotive fuel and jet fuel as the only alternatives. In May 2010, TCM announced that they had licensed development of the SMA SR305 diesel engine.[38][39][40]

In November 2008, National Air Transportation Association president Jim Coyne indicated that the environmental impact of aviation is expected to be a big issue over the next few years and will result in the phasing out of 100LL because of its lead content.[41]

By May 2012, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA Unleaded Avgas Transition rulemaking committee) had put together a plan in conjunction with industry to replace leaded avgas with an unleaded alternative within 11 years. Given the progress already made on 100SF and G100UL, the replacement time might be shorter than that 2023 estimate. Each candidate fuel must meet a checklist of 12 fuel specification parameters and 4 distribution and storage parameters. The FAA has requested a maximum of US$60M to fund the administration of the changeover.[42][43] In July 2014, nine companies and consortiums submitted proposals to the Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative (PAFI) to assess fuels without tetraethyl lead. Phase one testing is performed at the William J. Hughes Technical Center for a FAA approved industry replacement by 2018

Gasohol[edit]
Rotax allows up to 10% ethanol (similar to E10 fuel for cars) in the fuel for Rotax 912 engines. Light sport aircraft that are specified by the manufacturer to tolerate alcohol in the fuel system can use up to 10% ethanol

 

[rotor]

Lead is being phased out of aviation fuel. Also most aviation gasoline is never higher than 10% ethanol, if it contains ethanol.

Phase-out of leaded aviation gasoline[edit]
The 100LL phase-out has been called "one of modern GA's most pressing problems",[33] because 70% of 100LL aviation fuel is used by the 30% of the aircraft in the general aviation fleet that cannot use any of the existing alternatives.[34][35][36]

In February 2008, Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) announced that the company is very concerned about future availability of 100LL, and as a result, they would develop a line of diesel engines.[37] In a February 2008 interview, TCM president Rhett Ross indicated belief that the aviation industry will be "forced out" of using 100LL in the near future, leaving automotive fuel and jet fuel as the only alternatives. In May 2010, TCM announced that they had licensed development of the SMA SR305 diesel engine.[38][39][40]

In November 2008, National Air Transportation Association president Jim Coyne indicated that the environmental impact of aviation is expected to be a big issue over the next few years and will result in the phasing out of 100LL because of its lead content.[41]

By May 2012, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA Unleaded Avgas Transition rulemaking committee) had put together a plan in conjunction with industry to replace leaded avgas with an unleaded alternative within 11 years. Given the progress already made on 100SF and G100UL, the replacement time might be shorter than that 2023 estimate. Each candidate fuel must meet a checklist of 12 fuel specification parameters and 4 distribution and storage parameters. The FAA has requested a maximum of US$60M to fund the administration of the changeover.[42][43] In July 2014, nine companies and consortiums submitted proposals to the Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative (PAFI) to assess fuels without tetraethyl lead. Phase one testing is performed at the William J. Hughes Technical Center for a FAA approved industry replacement by 2018

Gasohol[edit]
Rotax allows up to 10% ethanol (similar to E10 fuel for cars) in the fuel for Rotax 912 engines. Light sport aircraft that are specified by the manufacturer to tolerate alcohol in the fuel system can use up to 10% ethanol

For years the demise of 100LL has been predicted but there are no commercial available alternatives. I believe all tetra ethyl lead comes from 1 factory in England so if that stops so will 100LL. Glad I don’t fly anymore.

 

[Grumps21]

If inverter type is desired, the some of the popular RV forums would be a good resource as well. I‘m not inferring TGT doesn’t have sound advice, but the RV folks base a lot of what they do around the gensets a

Try to find fuel without ethanol. Some of the Murphy's (Walmart) carry it. I have an antique car (1935 Ford sedan) so I am always on the lookout for this fuel.

try Buckees for ethanol free if there is one close to you. The one in Katy has it

 

[Grumps21]

Lowes does sell non-ethanol fuel, mostly premixed though. They do sell one for four-stroke engines by Tru-Fuel, priced at $5.98 a quart. That would be $23.92 a gallon!

I’ve seen 1 gallon cans as well at Lowes

 

[Axxe55]

I’ve seen 1 gallon cans as well at Lowes

They are not even a full gallon though. 110 ounces for $19.98.

Which if you are only using it for small engine yard equipment and only use about a gallon a month, or so, it's probably an option.

But if you are using as your source of fuel for a generator during a power outage and running the generator all the time, that is going to mighty expensive.

 

[no2gates]

Do you remember how many gallons of gas you used?

I was using roughly 4 gallons every 12 hours

 

[no2gates]

Do you want the part numbers for the stainless Generac power boxes and cord sets?

Since copper and the insulation prices are thru the roof the pre-made sets are cheaper than building them

That would be great !

 

[Saltyag2010]

That would be great !

Generac 6347 50a 240v power inlet box
Generac 6337 30a 240v power inlet box
Generac 6329 30a Cordset generator to box 50ft
Generac 6327 30a Cordset generator to box 10ft
Generac 6330 50a Cordset generator to box 10ft

All of this is outdoor rated. You’ll need a breaker and wire from your panel to this box.

You’ll also need to have a main breaker in your panel or some way to cut power from your panel to your meter. THIS IS IMPORTANT. DONT EVER BACKFEED YOUR SERVICE THROUGH THE METER AND INTO THE POWERLINES. PEOPLE TRYING TO GET YOUR POWER BACK UP DIE WHEN THIS HAPPENS

 

[no2gates]

Generac 6347 50a 240v power inlet box
Generac 6337 30a 240v power inlet box
Generac 6329 30a Cordset generator to box 50ft
Generac 6327 30a Cordset generator to box 10ft
Generac 6330 50a Cordset generator to box 10ft

All of this is outdoor rated. You’ll need a breaker and wire from your panel to this box.

You’ll also need to have a main breaker in your panel or some way to cut power from your panel to your meter. THIS IS IMPORTANT. DONT EVER BACKFEED YOUR SERVICE THROUGH THE METER AND INTO THE POWERLINES. PEOPLE TRYING TO GET YOUR POWER BACK UP DIE WHEN THIS HAPPENS

Thanks very much !

 

[Davetex]

You'll need an interlock.

Interlock Kit & Accessories For Your Home | Generator Interlock Kit

Our Interlock Kits act like manual transfer switches for electrical panels providing safe, easy connections between homes & portable generators.

www.interlockkit.com

Generator Interlock Kits | Electrician Interlock Kits | GenInterlock

The GenInterlock.com generator interlock kit provides an economical and dependable way to meet your electrical needs.

www.geninterlock.com

Generator Interlocks

Use your house wiring with a generator when the electric utility power fails

natramelec.com

 

[TxMongrel]

I have done a lot of research on generators. etc. Will install a propane system at our cabin. Easier/cheaper + no permits than Austin home. even ethanol-free gas has a shelf life. a 330gal propane tank is easy fix.

there are a number of transfer switches even a pretty good one on amazon. also https://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/power/manual-transfer-switches.html has some interesting ones. trick is where to mount it and how to get the generator power to it. Home in Austin have two breaker boxes - one inside and one outside (not to unusual). so wiring logistics can get interesting.

Did some research awhile back- All QT (Quick-Trip) stations in Austin will have ethanol free gas (according to corporate QT). The web site referenced in the earlier post is a great site. I use ethanol-free in my chainsaws, current generators, etc.

 

[leVieux]

Having lived through numerous hurricanes, when we built our retifement home some 4 years back, we had the entire home raised on brick piers over a slab, to a floor height some 46" above grade and some 9' above flood zone, around 26' msl. After listening to many experienced home generator models, we chose a natural gas GENERAC and had it places on a custom pedestal some 4' above ground level.

During our 3 year occupancy, we have had 3 hurricane near-misses and the big freeze. When our City power is lost, there is an 8 second delay, then everything comes back on. Nothing to do. During the last hurricane episode, it ran some 8 days nonstop.

Ours is a 3cyl air cooled auto engine. although shielded, it does make noise running. It is a comforting sound for me, but Wife hates the noise. The entire deal was about $11,000 if installed during construction; unit ~ 8,000., wiring harness & controls ~$1,500., pedestal ~ 1,200, protective devices ~ $500.

My son has the slightly larger water-cooled unit, but it ran around $20,000. w/o pedestal. It is much quieter, a bit more powerful, but works the same.

We were going to get an Onan or Kohler, but the GENERAC service plan and extended warranty changed our minds. Another consideration is that the other manufacturers cater primarily to business & industry, so their homeowners are lower priority in a crisis. GENERAC is mostly a homeowner's outfit and has more prompt service around here.

This pic is pedestal, electric connections, controls, etc before generator installation:

Will try to find a pic of generator after installation & post later.

Bottom Line: DO IT NOW !

leVieux
.

 

[Gummi Bear]

I’m an electrician by trade


I wired my house when I remodeled several years ago. I have a circuit in a junction box outside, so I wired my cord from it with a cord cap to my genny. Generator is a Briggs & Stratton - 5500w run, 8250 start.

Turned off the main in the panel, Started up the gen, and everything came up. The only thing we didn’t have was a clothes dryer (it’s electric)

I have natural gas for heat, so we stayed comfy the whole time. Had internet and TV as well.


Even had the neighbors over for a while so they could warm up, and charge their phones.




I store my gas with Marine Sta-Bil plus a splash of Seafoam. The Marine version of Sta-Bil has an ethanol killer in it. I’ve been using it for years, and it has done me right.

Where a lot of folks mess up, is that they do not keep fresh gas, and do not exercise their generators. They do not like to sit. Run them every week or two for a few minutes. If you elect not to do this, you’ll find yourself farting around with the carburetor when it needs to be running.



Adding an interlock, or a transfer switch is a good idea for homeowners. It keeps you from making any kind of mistake and back feeding the utility lines (transformers work both ways, so yes, you can make thousands of volts with a tiny generator)





I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

Henry David Thoreau

 

[Rusty Gun]

I had the Generac inverter generator during the freeze
It's a 2000 watt unit
Kept it stored with aviation gas ..so no ethanol
I got it out during the freeze and it started kn 12 degree Temps in my garage
It was plenty for us to make coffe..charge phones , some LED lights and run the fridge
I could not be happier with how it preformed when I needed it

i have been studying the portable generator world and that generac 2000 has had my attention for a while. Based on your review I pulled the trigger and ordered it this morning. Price was a little over $600 but I think it is cheaper than throwing away a refrigerator full of food and a freezer full of meat.

 

[Haystack]

I store my gas with Marine Sta-Bil plus a splash of Seafoam. The Marine version of Sta-Bil has an ethanol killer in it. I’ve been using it for years, and it has done me right.

Where a lot of folks mess up, is that they do not keep fresh gas, and do not exercise their generators. They do not like to sit. Run them every week or two for a few minutes. If you elect not to do this, you’ll find yourself farting around with the carburetor when it needs to be running.

I agree with everything you said. But now I buy only ethanol free gas for all my small engines. I have four 5 gallon cans that I fill with ethanol free. Surprisingly, it's becoming easier to find in East Texas. Many of the newer stations built in the last three years or so now have it at every pump. Since I switched to ethanol free, I haven't had a carburetor problem. It's a little higher priced because our tax dollars subsidize the ethanol. But, it's well worth it to have pure gas.

 

[diesel1959]

If at all possible, diesel is a good way to go.

Using Off Road Fuel (or if you heat with oil, your #2 Fuel Oil)....you use about 1/5th the amount of fuel a gasoline job does...

My two cents...

I agree. I've got a couple older Kubota GL6500S lowboy gensets. One is not serviceable at the moment, but is a spare. The other is just fine.

We put in a brand new breaker box in April, and took the time to reorganize and categorize everything--we chose the circuits we'd absolutely want during a power outage and placed the circuit arrangement so that in the breaker box, all the emergency circuits were on one side. We also installed a manual transfer switch (Reliance R310A, see below)--both the switch and the breaker boxes are mounted outside. We connect between the transfer switch box and the Kubota with a 25' NEMA L14-30P connector cable, which can handle 30Amps.

There's a 55gal drum in the backyard with red-dye diesel and pump/filtration setup. There's also two 55gal drums in the garage with road diesel and pump/filtration setup. We do all our refueling here at the house. I shuttle fuel with my Ram 1500 ecodiesel, which has a 40gal transfer tank in the bed.

By the time fuel has gone from the transfer tank to the first drum and then to the second drum (from which we dispense our fuel), the fuel has been "polished" via two separate water block filters, and two particulate filters--the final filter being a 2micron.

So yeah, we're ready for hurricanes, winter apocalypse, and whatnot.


EDIT: My brother is a sparky and handled all the heavy lifting on this project. He was able to carefully balance the loads on the A and B phases on the selected emergency circuits and optimize the setup. Our home has two central AC units--a five-ton and three-ton. Our emergency setup permits the three-ton AC to be operated, along with the furnace, and seven other circuits, as the manual transfer switch has ten slots. When we tested the system, we were able to run the washer, gas dryer, AC, and the refrigerator in the kitchen and freezer in the garage, along with plenty of lights all at the same time. Of course, we can also run anything out in the garage, like the diesel pumps.