Choosing a Backup Generator

(Page 6 of 6)

February/March 2004
By Greg Pahl 
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Planning ahead for blackout emergencies is a wise strategy because most energy experts predict even more problems with grid reliability in the future. Get your backup generator ready now and transform your next power outage from an unpleasant surprise (or worse) into a minor inconvenience. Or, combine your backup generator with a renewable energy system, and declare your total independence from the grid!

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Operation and Maintenance Tips

Keep your generator as level, clean and dry as possible.

Never operate a portable generator inside your home or garage. It will produce deadly carbon monoxide gas.

Never refuel your generator while it is running.

Keep your generator ready for use by starting and testing it on a regular basis (once a month is a good rule of thumb); some permanent standby generators have an automatic "exercise" feature for this task.

On electric start models, regularly trickle charge the battery.

Keep fresh fuel on hand at all times, and follow safety advice on storing and using fuels. Gasoline and biodiesel have a shelf life of about six months; diesel lasts for about a year; propane canisters are good for about two years.

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  • Robert Bullard 1/30/2009 7:11:43 PM

    I live in remote WV and have power troubles. I have had 5 different generators from 1 to 10 KW. When power is off their usually isn't access to town for gas, and the 10 KW unit will take 5 gal in a day, I use it for short outages one or two days. I installed compact florescence and LED bulbs in the house and barn. One 15 amp breaker feed this circuit by way of a double pole transfer switch which switches from the power company to an Inverter the double pole switch is required to isolated ground because the inverter output cannot be connected to Gnd. (I used Black & Decker 700 watt unite $26.00) this unit only draws 120 MA. with no load the cooling fan doesn't run with no load, one small float charged will keep the battery charged when power is on. I used two 220v double pole wall switches with a blocker so only can be on at a time but changed to a double pole double position relay which was cheaper and will switch automatic the the winding is 120v ac (from Radio Shack). with a 400amp car battery the lights will last 6 hrs. It is nice to have light to start the generator. When the battery is low I charge it with a 60 amp alternator powered by a 6 hp lawnmower engine (1/2 gal. for 12 hrs not 5 gal.) or jumper it to the Kobota. The delco si alternator has a 14.64 V regulator (used in fire and police cars). I only start the 10 kw unit when I need to run the water or the freezer is not cool enough (the $10 Walmart) wireless thermostat work to check the freezer with out opening the door. For backup heat I use a wall mount gas heater.
    A government large enough to provide everything you want is strong enough to take everything you own!

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