Posted: 12/13/2007 5:13:53 AM EDT
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I have a few questions about how you would set these up from your Generator to inside your house. 1. My 5000w Generator comes with a 20 amp Cord (rated 7500 watts) with a 4 plug box on the end. Should I use this to get the power inside my house and then run other extension cords to the necessary appliances/items? or should I run each appliance with its own extension cord straight from the Generator? 2. How should I get the cords inside the house without letting the cold air, snow or rain in? Door, window or ?????? I have my own ideas I just want to hear from someone who has done this in an actual emergency situation. 3. I plan on using 15 amp cords to either run straight from the Generator or branch off of the main 20 amp cord. The largest items I will run is a large fridge. Startup amps of 11.6. A 15amp (1875watts) cord should handle this. Maybe a Microwave (1.5 kw). I think this is 1500 watts? I plan on using a 20amp cord for this but not at the same time the Fridge is running. 4. How long should I run the Fridge each session? 1 hour, 2 hours? 5. My Generator is not the inverter type. Should I run the extension cord to a surge protector if I am running my appliances? What about a TV, DVD or computer? I have a large MONSTER Brand surge protector I use for my stereo and Plasma TV. I could use this to connect my most sensitive items? All help is appreciated. AccurateOne |
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1. Only if the generator circuit is protected by a 20A breaker on the generator. 2. Thru the window, block the opening with duct tape and cardboard. 3. A 5kW should run both the fridge and the microwave provided that notheing else is running. 4. Until the internal temp pulls down to 40* or less. 5. Generator power is not clean, you probably should not run anything electronic unless necessary. Given the nature of your questions, you should probably consult an electrician. Electricity can kill you. It will also set things on fire and your appliances aren't going to like running on long extension cords. I'd suggest that you get a quote on having an emergency panel installed with the proper circuits, and a transfer switch to disconnect from the main power and connect the generator. You don't mention a water pump, are you on city water? The generator should not run 24/7 during an outage. Run it for an hour or so each morning and evening to pump water and run the refrigeration. Be aware that you will be using at a minimum 1 gallon of fuel per hour. How much fuel can you store? I'm not trying to rain on your parade, but if you don't know what you are doing disastrous results can follow. Ops |
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Regarding the fridge & how long to run. I bought a digital thermometer at Radio Shack. I also got a couple extra sensors. I put one in the fridge and one in the freezer. That way I can monitor temps without opening the doors. ETA: Its not too hard to install a transfer switch but as mentioned above electricity kills. |
Can you possibly post a pic or link to the type of remote thermometer and how you have it set up |
www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200321027_200321027 Screw cords do it right and your life with your genny will be much beter. As Ops said have an electrician install it. |
At half-load, my 5000 watt genny will drink 5 gallons every twelve hours. Do the math on how long of an outage you may have to contend with - Do the math on how much gas you can reasonably and safely store - Then, figure out how much electricity you really need as opposed to wanting. I have a Honda 1000 watt genny for extended outages. (6/10ths of a gallon every 8 hours) |
I don't know how to post pics. You can go to Walmart or Radio Shack. They have Digital readout (LCD) thermometers. Most of them you can use multiple wireless sensors. I have one outside, one in the freezer, & one in the refridgerater. The main unit has 2 displays. One displays show temp at the unit the other display can be toggled betyween the other 3 sensors. Works well. |
Man, mine uses 3/5ths of a gallon every 8 hours. 
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Thanks for the help on the posts. As for figuring out your fuel consumptions you should only use the generator to run the fridges and freezers for an hour or so every three to four hours. This will keep your food for days. Think of the people in the midwest that are going to be without power for at least 10 more days. I keep 2 55 gallon drums of fuel for my genny and 5 gallons of white gas for stoves and lanterns. I also have several 1# propane bottles and 4 20#ers to top off the 1#ers. These will run my heater, another lantern and coleman stove. This should get my family through 10 to 14 days of bad weather. |
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