Post by: blackpowderhunter on August 29, 2018, 07:51:35 PM
i saw this one at costco
https://www.costco.com/Firman-Power-Dual-Fuel-Generator-7500-Running-Watts.product.100417697.html
with 7500 running watts, i like that it is dual fuel.
anyways..i have a 3 bedroom home, currently in the process of switching the furnace, hot water heater, and stove to natural gas.
so this would mainly be to run lights, keep the freezer in the garage going, fridge in the kitchen, and a few small things.
would a generator of this size be sufficient?
i've run through a few online calculators and it seems as though it would be..just wanted to check with people who have actual experience.
thanks.
Post by: MADMAX on August 29, 2018, 08:04:22 PM
no heat pump no oven
gas cooktop
gas fireplace during power hour outage
runs the lights runs the TV runs the fridge and I switch off on the freezer just because of the circuit it’s on in the house that I purchased
Neighbors went out bought an 11,500 W generator and run the same stuff I run
Post by: Hilltop123 on August 29, 2018, 08:54:27 PM
Looking to pick up a generator to wire in for home backup for emergencies, power outages, etc. we dont seem to lose power much..but i'd ike to be prepared.Are you also running a well or are you on a community water system?
i saw this one at costco
https://www.costco.com/Firman-Power-Dual-Fuel-Generator-7500-Running-Watts.product.100417697.html
with 7500 running watts, i like that it is dual fuel.
anyways..i have a 3 bedroom home, currently in the process of switching the furnace, hot water heater, and stove to natural gas.
so this would mainly be to run lights, keep the freezer in the garage going, fridge in the kitchen, and a few small things.
would a generator of this size be sufficient?
i've run through a few online calculators and it seems as though it would be..just wanted to check with people who have actual experience.
thanks.
Post by: blackpowderhunter on August 29, 2018, 09:21:54 PM
Post by: PolarBear on August 29, 2018, 09:35:38 PM
Post by: spin05 on August 30, 2018, 04:06:35 AM
Post by: Wazntme on August 30, 2018, 05:10:21 AM
Post by: BNAElkhntr on August 30, 2018, 07:04:51 AM
your generator PM me I'll point you the way
Post by: ctwiggs1 on August 30, 2018, 07:25:16 AM
We did the same thing to our house a few years ago. Once I did all the calculations to figure out what my real draw would be (worst case), I think I came in under 1500W. I ended up putting the stove, Microwave, etc. on there for the heck of it. Why not? :chuckle:
A big help is replacing all the old bulbs with LEDs - you can take your wattage from 60W down to 6W real fast per bulb.
If you use that particular generator, it looks like the power cord you'll want to use will be the one that connects with this:
14-50R Dual Voltage 120V/240V - 50A
I would plan to spend a good chunk of change on a power cord. I think we spent about $150 on ours @ 100ft long.
Post by: Special T on August 30, 2018, 07:43:28 AM
While the power is still working in your home you should map out which plugins go on what breakers and circuits. Create a map that signifies it. Make a couple copies and keep one in a ziplock takes to your breaker pannel.
Figure out where the generator will be placed when running. It needs to be secure from theft and as close to the plug in as possible. Proper planning ahead of time makes all the world of difference.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
Post by: ctwiggs1 on August 30, 2018, 07:44:50 AM
Post by: Special T on August 30, 2018, 07:52:00 AM
If you turn off your master breaker in your home you isolate you while house from the grid. If you hook the power of your generator to your home and do not isolate your home you are financially and I belive criminally liable for damage or injury.
The generator isolation breakers are made so they are idiot proof. It isnt possible to put power to your home without disconnecting it from the grid. This doesnt mean it isnt possible to power you home without one. If you main breaker is off and you connect your generator to your 220 welding plugin that is next to the breaker box all your power is isolated.
I remember finding a "certified product" that was some kind of mechanical lockout that went over the breakers on your existing panel for much cheaper than the $1200 panel mentioned. $2-300.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
Post by: blackpowderhunter on August 30, 2018, 07:52:17 AM
Hi There What Brand is your electrical panel some manufactures are able to convert Your whole panel to be able to be used of course within limits ofill have to take a look this afternoon.
your generator PM me I'll point you the way
thanks for the replies everyone.. i know i could probably get by on a smaller one, but i do appreciate the dual fuel aspect, since this wont be used much, i dont want to have to worry about gas sitting in it, as i always do have propane available.
Post by: Special T on August 30, 2018, 07:54:16 AM
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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180830/472afd0f38bf4fd10be551e482065d8a.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180830/7797fce53e88ef0450a7f3f3e9538529.jpg)
Post by: blackpowderhunter on August 30, 2018, 07:55:02 AM
I think your generator is plenty big enough. I dont lose power often but did for over a week. Here is what I learned.definitely on my to do list while i do this project.
While the power is still working in your home you should map out which plugins go on what breakers and circuits. Create a map that signifies it. Make a couple copies and keep one in a ziplock takes to your breaker pannel.
Figure out where the generator will be placed when running. It needs to be secure from theft and as close to the plug in as possible. Proper planning ahead of time makes all the world of difference.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
Post by: wapiti hunter2 on August 30, 2018, 08:11:48 AM
A 7500 watt will easily run it. Where you run into problems is trying to run a electric oven,water heater or a well. Right now i run everything on a 3500 watt honda but no oven,no water heater and no well
I can run my whole house plus my well on a 5kw. I have recently upgraded to a 6500w but that's because I got a good deal. I have a fairly small place and my stove and water heater are propane. I have a chest freezer and refrigerator as well as all the lights in the house. I also heat with wood but can run 3 plug-in oil heaters off the gen. In 2012, we had an ice storm and the power was out for 6 days. We carried on like nothing was wrong. We only ran the gen for about 6 hours/day though. No real reason during the day and the 6 hrs/day kept the freezers frozen. Be sure to have plenty of gas. In the ice storm, Yelm was out as well and we had to drive to Olympia to get gas.
Post by: Special T on August 30, 2018, 08:14:48 AM
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Post by: Special T on August 30, 2018, 08:31:05 AM
Gas and diesel have a storage shelf life. Propane does not. Few people have a 500gal diesel tank at thier home, but many have a propane one.
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Post by: baker5150 on August 30, 2018, 08:39:27 AM
I separated my comments out because the last time I mentioned this I got an ear full.
If you turn off your master breaker in your home you isolate you while house from the grid. If you hook the power of your generator to your home and do not isolate your home you are financially and I belive criminally liable for damage or injury.
The generator isolation breakers are made so they are idiot proof. It isnt possible to put power to your home without disconnecting it from the grid. This doesnt mean it isnt possible to power you home without one. If you main breaker is off and you connect your generator to your 220 welding plugin that is next to the breaker box all your power is isolated.
I remember finding a "certified product" that was some kind of mechanical lockout that went over the breakers on your existing panel for much cheaper than the $1200 panel mentioned. $2-300.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
:yeah:
You will need an Interlock and breaker as mentioned, it will need to be installed on the right hand side of the panel at the very top. It will not be able to be turned on if the main is on, and the main will not turn back on until this breaker is off. There is a lock out bar as a fail safe that makes it idiot proof.
If you do it this way PLEASE, check the neutral bar for voltage when the main is off. If you have voltage there, find out why and fix it.
This is how my panel is set up and it works great. They are made for most popular panels.
A similar product to what I used.
https://www.ebay.com/i/172254359314?chn=ps
Post by: shallowforks on August 30, 2018, 08:54:20 AM
Looking to pick up a generator to wire in for home backup for emergencies, power outages, etc. we dont seem to lose power much..but i'd ike to be prepared.
i saw this one at costco
https://www.costco.com/Firman-Power-Dual-Fuel-Generator-7500-Running-Watts.product.100417697.html
with 7500 running watts, i like that it is dual fuel.
anyways..i have a 3 bedroom home, currently in the process of switching the furnace, hot water heater, and stove to natural gas.
so this would mainly be to run lights, keep the freezer in the garage going, fridge in the kitchen, and a few small things.
would a generator of this size be sufficient?
i've run through a few online calculators and it seems as though it would be..just wanted to check with people who have actual experience.
thanks.
Yes with this generator you will be able to run lights, fridge, freezer, and gas furnace with room to spare. I recommend that exact generator to all my customers. (Im an electrical contractor)
Post by: Special T on August 30, 2018, 09:41:06 AM
I separated my comments out because the last time I mentioned this I got an ear full.
If you turn off your master breaker in your home you isolate you while house from the grid. If you hook the power of your generator to your home and do not isolate your home you are financially and I belive criminally liable for damage or injury.
The generator isolation breakers are made so they are idiot proof. It isnt possible to put power to your home without disconnecting it from the grid. This doesnt mean it isnt possible to power you home without one. If you main breaker is off and you connect your generator to your 220 welding plugin that is next to the breaker box all your power is isolated.
I remember finding a "certified product" that was some kind of mechanical lockout that went over the breakers on your existing panel for much cheaper than the $1200 panel mentioned. $2-300.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
:yeah:
You will need an Interlock and breaker as mentioned, it will need to be installed on the right hand side of the panel at the very top. It will not be able to be turned on if the main is on, and the main will not turn back on until this breaker is off. There is a lock out bar as a fail safe that makes it idiot proof.
If you do it this way PLEASE, check the neutral bar for voltage when the main is off. If you have voltage there, find out why and fix it.
This is how my panel is set up and it works great. They are made for most popular panels.
A similar product to what I used.
https://www.ebay.com/i/172254359314?chn=ps
I knew the member that installed one would post up the link... way cheaper than the other options.
Post by: Katmai Guy on August 30, 2018, 10:48:02 AM
Most people don't have their generator permanently connected with auto start so this is the best way to do this vs a transfer switch if they can/want to run the whole panel. Also, it's safer for the lineman trying to restore power than just trying to backfeed a recept.
Post by: thinkingman on August 30, 2018, 01:53:30 PM
This is the only way to go.I separated my comments out because the last time I mentioned this I got an ear full.
If you turn off your master breaker in your home you isolate you while house from the grid. If you hook the power of your generator to your home and do not isolate your home you are financially and I belive criminally liable for damage or injury.
The generator isolation breakers are made so they are idiot proof. It isnt possible to put power to your home without disconnecting it from the grid. This doesnt mean it isnt possible to power you home without one. If you main breaker is off and you connect your generator to your 220 welding plugin that is next to the breaker box all your power is isolated.
I remember finding a "certified product" that was some kind of mechanical lockout that went over the breakers on your existing panel for much cheaper than the $1200 panel mentioned. $2-300.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
:yeah:
You will need an Interlock and breaker as mentioned, it will need to be installed on the right hand side of the panel at the very top. It will not be able to be turned on if the main is on, and the main will not turn back on until this breaker is off. There is a lock out bar as a fail safe that makes it idiot proof.
If you do it this way PLEASE, check the neutral bar for voltage when the main is off. If you have voltage there, find out why and fix it.
This is how my panel is set up and it works great. They are made for most popular panels.
A similar product to what I used.
https://www.ebay.com/i/172254359314?chn=ps
I got one from the same manufacturer.
It looks home-made but works great.
Post by: WAElkhunter89 on August 30, 2018, 02:00:17 PM