Generator Help

[Brooks_]

Any help would help. I don't know anything about using them. Is it better to try to run on a half or full load? Are modern portable gennies with a good surge protector as safe for electronics as inverter type? Etc.

 

[cavemanrich]

I use a generator as a backup power source during power outages. Luckily those are rare here in my metro area, but do happen . I only use minimum power at that time. My generator is only 7 HP. so it's maximum watts is about 4000watts.
My minimum usage includes electricity to power all home outlets,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,but during that time, we avoid using Microwave, Toaster, Ironing board iron, Washing Machine, or other high consumption appliances. Of course the refrigerators are plugged in and running. That is the main reason for the electricity backup. We also minimize lighting as necessary. The new LED lights do not draw much current BTW.
My generator is running at about half capacity at that point. If it runs at full capacity, it will consume the gasoline fuel in much shorter time.

I do not connect my electronics, (computer) to my power generator supply. I can live without it until stable power is restored. I don't want to chance irregular power surges/spikes, created when things get turned on or off on a small network.
The inverter type generators are the ones suggested for that application. They are also much higher price for same power capacity.

If computer is important for your work, then get a battery backup power supply.
I'm not sure, but would check into before making the BIG LEAP. If recharging with generator power was acceptable.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[Chuckie chicken]

We have a 14kw generator that runs off of propane, and is connected to our panel by an automatic transfer switch. If we lose power it waits about 10 seconds then fires up and powers the whole house. It's "technically" undersized, but that's if you consider using all of the high amperage appliances at once, which we never do. In over a decade I've never unplugged anything, or really changed day to day life if we happen to lose power, and have never had a problem with any electronics. I couldn't imagine all the crap I'd have to unplug in 10 seconds, lol!

 

[Chuckie chicken]

Are modern portable gennies with a good surge protector as safe for electronics as inverter type? Etc.

If you have a couple of specific items you want to protect, you could use a power bar. Some of the more expensive ones offer warranties against power surges. My personal thought on that is "good luck collecting"! Wether the warranty is any good or not, , but they do offer some level of added protection.

 

[Stepnout]

Are modern portable gennies with a good surge protector as safe for electronics as inverter type? Etc.

I would not rely on surge protection alone to save sensitive electronic equipment.
Sadly INVERTER equipped generators are much more expensive.
Here is a quote from the province of British Columbia Hydro

“Installing a surge suppressor or an uninterruptible power supply (with surge suppression) for your sensitive devices”
link to page bellow.
https://www.bchydro.com/safety-outages/electrical-safety/safety-at-home/protect-electronics.html

I believe they are referring to a HIGH QUALITY surge suppressor.
All generators are not equal. We can ask ourselves why is that 3000 watt generator $500 and that one $1000?
I am a 64 year old retired Electrician, my last 23 years I worked at a large oil refinery. The refinery is equipped with MILLIONS of dollars of equipment to protect against UNSTABLE ELECTRICITY!
example: ALTERNATING CURRENT or AC power is what we have in most of the world DC current is what’s in our vehicles. DC electricity flows in one direction. Alternating electricity flows (for simplicity) left and right, up and down or back and forth, what ever way helps you understand.
Alternating Electricity(let’s call it) in North America changes direction 60 times a second we call that 60 cycles. If during an unstable electrical event such as lightning or a failure of some major equipment on the electrical grid system happens and the 60 cycles is interrupted dropping to 58 cycles per second or less SENSITIVE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT begins to shutdown! Unstable electrical event like this happen every day in North America causing millions and millions of dollars in losses.
I personally have a 12000/9000 watt generator that I would not plug my electronic equipment into. Lights and heat are what’s important.
SADLY most all modern stoves, fridges and freezers are built with sensitive electronic boards. I gamble on those appliances with my generator. Thankfully I’ve never had to use it. We have pretty stable power here.
Sorry this is a bit long, I hope it helps more than confuses peopl.

 

[Chuckie chicken]

https://www.bchydro.com/safety-outages/electrical-safety/safety-at-home/protect-electronics.html

I just have to point out the lameness of BC hydro using a photo of a European power bar on their website. Sorry can't help myself.

 

[Brooks_]

I guess now I'm looking at two generators. A small inverter gen for electronics and fans (Florida summer-fans are a must) and a medium standard style for other stuff. Still need to calculate the watts tho. An online calculator said to add all the running watts then add the highest starting watts of what is to be used. For me that is the fridge. Actually two fridges. Do I add the starting watts once or twice?

 

[cavemanrich]

Once should be sufficient. Not likely both reefers will be starting at same time during regular operation.

 

[Chuckie chicken]

I guess now I'm looking at two generators. A small inverter gen for electronics and fans (Florida summer-fans are a must) and a medium standard style for other stuff. Still need to calculate the watts tho. An online calculator said to add all the running watts then add the highest starting watts of what is to be used. For me that is the fridge. Actually two fridges. Do I add the starting watts once or twice?

You can add them twice, but the likelyhood of both starting at the same time while you have the genny maxed out with everything else is pretty low.

Like I said, mine is technically undersized, but that was a calculated risk that has worked out fine after more than a decade of use.

I see Rich beat me to it.

 

[cavemanrich]

Chuckie chicken​

With your 14KW, of power, you can most-likely run your Air conditioning, and be fine. I have a small unit only to run bare-bone essentials.
Furnace, and refrigerators.
We have had power outages winter, and summer. Longest was 3 days.