Posted: 10/14/2007 5:06:52 AM EDT
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are there any low cost generators that work pretty good? just looking for something to run the freezer this winter if the power goes out. any good places to start looking? thanks stuck |
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First thing is to check the power req. for you freezer, including the spike load when it powers up. Is that all you plan on using it for? or do you want to add additional loads? You must add up all the max loads that you plan to run first. Then start hunting for a gen that will handle approx 10% more that that (at a min). I like the generac brand myself. I've got a 7.5k w/a 11k surge and an electric start. If you plan on running just a couple things you can usually get away with just plugging them in directly to the gen, but if you want to power some circuits in your home and do it correctly, you should get a transfer switch and install/practice it so it will help keep line workers safe. I got my at Home Depot in NLR (noticed you were from AR too). If you go to the USPS in their change of address packages, there's a 10% off coupon from either HD or Lowes. Or you can usually sign up for one of their credit cards and get 10% off. |
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I got my 6 circuit transfer switch from EvilBay... it allows me to switch over 6 of my normal breakers in the house to emergency power with the main breaker turned in the off position. The 6 circuits run off the gen. They run approx $150-> , but IMHO are well worth the $ since they can save someones life. It's fairly simple to hook your generator into your dryer line and bleed power into the lines that may reach a worker. Safer is better. It is possible to install yourself if you are confortable with electricity and it's within code in your area, or you may have to get an electrician to do it. If you can hook up a breaker box, you can do this. It's basically a small breaker box piggy backed onto your main. |
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Generator Guide/Faq from Northern Tool Gen Accessories at Northern Tool (gives you an idea of items to get and there slighly inflated NT cost lol) |
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I've been looking into gensets for a year. The best I've found is a Honda tri-fuel (Natural gas, propane, gasoline) that runs to 2800 watts and is portable "T-bar" config, no wheels... and is about $600. But I keep thinking there's gotta be a better way. Like hooking an inverter to the BOV to run appliances from the car's alternator system. Or getting some battery system that can be recharged via the inverter + car or a dynamo (bike or manual) or solar panels... Then it boils down to what I want with the electricity? Just to keep food cold? Or keep the well pump going? There's no good answer. I think eventually I'll have to join the rest of humanity and just get a generator. 
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I gout my pannel from Home-depo, I paid to have it installed but after watching the guy I was paying $75/hr do it I would rather do it my self, it's not that hard. |
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