[TheForge] OT: Generators

Mon Sep 1 19:14:01 2003

    I bought a Generac in 1979 after the blizzard -78 hours without power.
It is the same model that is in some motor homes - 5kw. It finally failed
this summer -
the engine runs fine but no output power. I planned on getting it repaired
but
the service shop says parts are not available for it any more, so I bought a
new
Generac last month - 7kw. Haven't needed it yet but it is just a matter of
time.
The manual says it is rated for continuous duty - time will tell.

Bob Willman
The Eagle's Anvil
Bowling Green, Ohio
WB8NQW


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Smith" <[email protected]>
To: "theforge" <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 01, 2003 18:36
Subject: [TheForge] OT: Generators


> We just moved to somewhat rural Maine (Brownfield) and thought it wise
> to invest in a generator and transfer switch. I'm finding which
> generator to be a decision with lots of conflicting advice, and I'd like
> to "generate" more.
>
> We already have propane, so this seems like a much better fuel than
> gasoline or diesel, given how much stored fuel is needed to last through
> a couple of days. This part was easy.
>
> I was all set on a portable Winco unit until a guy (who sells
> generators, not an unbiased source) warned me against portable
> generators. He says that portables are only intended for a few hours of
> operation (that they overheat), and that they should not be used as
> backup power that might need to be on for several days.
>
> So I looked at fixed "standby" generators. Rated for continuous duty,
> solves that problem. I figure our current load is about 5kW, so I have
> been looking at a 7kW Generac. There are, however, a sizeable number of
> people out on the web who say Generac is cheap junk. My electrician
> agrees. He says a portable should work ok for continuous use. The next
> step up from the Generac I'm aware of is a 12kW Onan, which is almost
> twice as much money.
>
> The other issue is the size of the motor. If you compare fuel
> consumption for a 12kW and 7kW generator, both putting out 3-3.5kW, the
> 12kW machine consumes 50% more fuel! So sizing the generator to the load
> looks pretty important.
>
> I love to say this to a bunch of blacksmiths--opinions please?
> Especially on fixed vs. portable.
>
> Thanks,
> Steve Smith
>
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