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OT - portable generator for home

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  • SmokingPiney
    SmokingPiney Posts: 2,282
    edited May 2018
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    I have a 12kw  gas powered Generac. My panel is interlock wired for it and I have a box on the outside of the house to plug it in. I have to be mindful of total draw and I cannot run my entire house on it like normal conditions. It powers all the outlets, lights, 2 refrigerators, a freezer, my well pump and my heater - all I need to remain somewhat comfortable while the power is off. I don't need a stove or oven. I have a BGE for that.
    South Jersey Pine Barrens. XL BGE , Assassin 24, Weber Kettle, CharBroil gasser, AMNPS 
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  • pasoegg
    pasoegg Posts: 447
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    Tspud1 said:
    pasoegg said:
    Also run aviation fuel (gas) in the generator as it's shelf life is several years and no ethanol to create issues like you hear about when engines are stored and then try to be started.  Will start every time and run strong.  I use it in my pressure washer as well.  You will be HAPPY you did....

    Isn't that a lot higher octane?
    How much per gallon in your area?


    yes it's a higher octane but have had no adverse effects that I can tell.....I pay $5 per gallon...yeah that sounds high but when your generator doesn't run when you need it in a storm and you are having to replace carbs/rebuild carbs because gas sat in it all summer it ain't bad....beside - how much fuel do you think you will run during a storm season....The pro's far out weigh the con's in my humble opinion...

    "it is never too early to drink, but it may be too early to be seen drinking"

    Winston-Salem, NC

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  • THEBuckeye
    THEBuckeye Posts: 4,231
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    My bro-in-law has a full house generator. Spent about $4K 10 years ago as I recall. So far, he's spent $2K per use. 
    New Albany, Ohio 

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  • SmokingPiney
    SmokingPiney Posts: 2,282
    edited May 2018
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    THEBuckeye said:
    My bro-in-law has a full house generator. Spent about $4K 10 years ago as I recall. So far, he's spent $2K per use. 
    For momentary power outages, I can see this view. For power outages that last days (I've had 2 experiences within the past 8 years - 4 days and 6 days), that generator would be worth every penny. 6 days is a LONG time to be without power or limping along on a small generator, constantly refueling it. 

    I'm working on my wife about getting a natural gas, auto-on whole house generator. The last 2 nor' easters this winter with subsequent power losses drove the point home for me. 

    I'm old and I like my creature comforts. 

    South Jersey Pine Barrens. XL BGE , Assassin 24, Weber Kettle, CharBroil gasser, AMNPS 
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  • HeavyG
    HeavyG Posts: 10,350
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    Ethanol free gas is easy to find in some areas, others not so much.

    If you're looking for ethanol free gas this site can help - https://www.pure-gas.org/



    “Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.” ― Philip K. Diçk




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  • Tspud1
    Tspud1 Posts: 1,486
    edited May 2018
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    HeavyG said:
    Ethanol free gas is easy to find in some areas, others not so much.

    If you're looking for ethanol free gas this site can help - https://www.pure-gas.org/



    How fast does it break down? I keep at least 30 gallons in 5 gallon containers in summer for all my mowers and yard equipment and go thru it fast. I do have a source for ethanol free gas but only keep it for small engine use. Both of my generators use gas. One is a Honda, mainly for 5th wheel camper. Ever heard of Honda copy called Predator? Heard good things about them, half the cost
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  • JohnEggGio
    JohnEggGio Posts: 1,430
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    You guys are awesome.  Thanks, and a Friday night “Cheers!”

    Oh, by the way - Costco prime heart of ribeye working...
    Maryland, 1 LBGE
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  • nolaegghead
    nolaegghead Posts: 42,102
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    Ethanol free.  octane should simply be equal or above your requirements for the engine.
    ______________________________________________
    I love lamp..
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  • GregW
    GregW Posts: 2,677
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    Photo Egg said:
    JohnEggGio said:
    Thanks for the quick and thoughtful responses.  You guys have helped me refine my thoughts.  I’m thinking of something that’s goint to get me through a 12-36 hour outage.  I’m a bit inland in Maryland, so we’re not going to take the full brunt of a hurricane, plus we’re in a more densely populated area, so repair services are going to come quicker than to more rural areas.  Doesn’t mean a longer outage is not possible, but less likely.

    The necessities...2 fridges and a 55” OLED tv...  Oh, and the sump pump.
    I can get by with my Honda EU2000i for small storms. It's very portable. Enough so that I can turn it sideways and empty the gas and run it dry after I use it. Easily handles my large inside fridge and garage freezer a few lights and a fan.
    The EG2800i would give you a little more options. They are fairly quiet compared to most others and are pretty efficient.
    I have a Honda 3000i. The generator ran for 6 days straight, with in flight refueling in the aftermath of the April 2011 Tuscaloosa AL tornado.
    The Honda is very quiet and reliable.
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  • jtcBoynton
    jtcBoynton Posts: 2,814
    edited May 2018
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    whldch said:
    One reason we opted for portable vs standby was the cost of the gas line. Estimate of almost 50K, based on length of line required. Rascal  - I admit we had a problem for a few days after Sandy when a lot of gas stations lost power but since then a lot of stations now have generators.
    Don't have natural gas line here.  Gas stations run out fuel in emergency situations and long lines for the ones who do have fuel and a way to pump it.  I don't like storing as much gasoline as needed for the generator.  I went with propane as fuel source for my portable generator.  Put a large tank in the ground that should  run the generator for quite a while. 
    Southeast Florida - LBGE
    In cooking, often we implement steps for which we have no explanations other than ‘that’s what everybody else does’ or ‘that’s what I have been told.’  Dare to think for yourself.
     
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