[Elecraft] OT: Whole House Generator - Update

Sat Sep 9 15:29:43 EDT 2017

I have a 20KW Generac here at the house and a 22KW Generac at the farm both with AUTO-transfer switches.  The 20KW here at the house is Natural Gas and the one at the farm is Propane.  I have noticed no issues at either location concerning radio gear.

Ed.. AB4IQ

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Dave Cole
Sent: Saturday, September 09, 2017 2:12 PM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Whole House Generator - Update

I solved this issue by changing out the power feeds to both my gas heater, and gas hot water heater with AC line pigtails.

I just unplug the two devices from the AC mains, and plug them into the generator output lines.  I changed my stove to gas, so when there is a power fail, I run everything from a Honda UE2000i...  Heat, showers, and food...  We had a 6 day power fail last winter, and we were the only ones in the area with power...  Ran the EU2000i for 6 days straight.

Changed oil, etc., and we are ready again...

I built a full kit for the generator with an extended gas tank.

73s and thanks,
Dave
NK7Z
http://www.nk7z.net

On 09/09/2017 11:36 AM, Charlie T, K3ICH wrote:
> It's Generac "Synergy" not syntergy
> And yes, they just came out with them as their own version of the 
> inverter type generator.
> I've only seen it listed on a few of their dealers so far.
> 
> There's nothing magic about wiring a transfer switch. In the larger 
> systems of about 7 - 8 kW and higher, think of it as a remote 
> sub-panel that might for example, be in a garage and fed out of your 
> main house panel through an appropriate sized breaker, but with a two 
> way switch for the Line In that selects either the line from the main panel or, the generator.
> This applies whether it is manually operated or fully automatic.
> All the control switching logic comes from the manufacturers circuitry.
> 
> The whole idea is to NEVER permit your generator output finding its 
> way out to your main feeders. (You could electrocute a Lineman working 
> on what he thinks is a dead line.  That pole-pig outside works both 
> ways.  You apply
> 240 V on your side and there is 7½ or higher kV on that deadly wire!) 
> Unless there is a massive failure in the switch itself, this can never 
> happen.  Most of the ones I've seen are WAY overrated for just that 
> sort of safety margin.  My panel came with a 15 kW generator, but has 
> a 200 Amp transfer switch.  The commercial power input is completely 
> dis-connected from the generator much the same way as a DPDT switch's 
> outer contacts never touch.
> 
> In some of the smaller transfer panels, each house circuit has its own 
> two way switch such that you have to manually switch it from mains to 
> generator and back when the juice comes back on.  This works fine too 
> and isolates the generator output.
> 
> 73, Charlie k3ICH
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net 
> [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Doug Hensley
> Sent: Saturday, September 09, 2017 1:44 PM
> To: Elecraft List <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Whole House Generator - Update
> 
> Someone on the list suggested we post a summary of private responses to us
> as an alternative, I'm guessing, to members not knowing what was said.   In
> my case, the results don't lend themselves to a simple summary so I am 
> sending this as a fair response to what I learned:
> 
> 
>    1.   I'm quite surprised by the many respondents with homes over 2500 sq
> feet running satisfactorily off generators under 10 KW with several as low
> as 5 & 5.5 KW.   One 3300 sq ft home was happy on 7 KW.  Generator size
> ranged as you would expect from the portable Honda to the stationary 
> GENERAC & KOHLER units.  Natural gas as a fuel choice got the most recommendations.
> The overall lesson seems to be to "know your load" and buy what you 
> need, not what you want.
> 
>    2.    I'm was pleased to hear K3, K3S & KX3 owners consistently reporting
> whatever hash their units were producing had no ill effects on their 
> Elecraft radios during the period their generator was running.  One engineer
> measured his no frills stationary generator as having about 4% THD.   Most
> reported only the audible noise from their generator was noticeable 
> while it was running (I suppose like a lawn mower doing the lawn outside).
>    3.    No one reported having a GENERAC Syntergy unit.
>    4.    The 1800 RPM Kohler was recommended the most over the more prevalent
> & cheaper 3600 RPM units.
>    5.    Finally, most people were in favor of an automatic transfer switch
> for the whole house with installation done by a proper electrician.
> 
> 
> Sorry I can't give any more specifics.  The reports of Elecraft 
> working nicely with or without the generator running was refreshing.  
> Thanks to all who responded.
> 
> 
> Doug W5JV
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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