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OT: Backup/Standby generator vs. Portable generato

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Paul Schultz

09-02-2006 16:53:15

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We are trying to pare down the cost of building our new home. We are in an area that can lose power a few times a year (due to dense trees, storms, and power lines coming down). Down times can vary between 30 minutes to 12 hours and can occur 2-5 times a year. We really want an automatic standby generator. However, the Generac company also has a nice Portable "Ultra Source" generator (15kW!) that can be wired up as a manual backup. This would pare the cost by a couple thousand. Plus, the builder will need a generator to use until we get a power hook-up from the utility company.

So, any opinions on backup generators? Any brand preferences? Anyone have experience with the Generac automatic standby or portable generators?

Thanks,

Paul.

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soberley

09-05-2006 08:04:25

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Re: OT: Backup/Standby generator vs. Portable gene in reply to Paul Schultz, 09-02-2006 16:53:15

Try Looking for the Automatic Generack generators from HarborFrieght.com. I looked into them and I"ve come across quite a few people who have loved them. They also come with the transfer box for just under 3 grand (Runs off of natural or propane gas) Has all kinds of great features...
Just my opinion....

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Chuck (VA)

09-03-2006 19:44:27

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Re: OT: Backup/Standby generator vs. Portable gene in reply to Paul Schultz, 09-02-2006 16:53:15

Can"t answer your question, but wonder why nobody recommends a commercial welder/generator combination? Wouldn"t this serve two purposes for about the same money? Been looking at a Miller Bobcat 250 which produces 9500 watts power for about the same price as a Honda 6500 watt stand alone. Plus it appears to be a top grade welder.

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Areo

09-03-2006 16:04:11

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Re: OT: Backup/Standby generator vs. Portable gene in reply to Paul Schultz, 09-02-2006 16:53:15

Anyone know what it cost to have an automatic natural gas unit installed? Everyone and their brother sells them, but no one will give you a number on installation cost.

Thanks, Areo

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Charles (in GA)

09-03-2006 10:55:52

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Re: OT: Backup/Standby generator vs. Portable gene in reply to Paul Schultz, 09-02-2006 16:53:15

Our homeowners assn has a 10K Genrac (actually rebranded as a Grainger/Dayton) and while the Genrac engine is a little difficult to get parts for, they are becoming more popular. Many of the external stuff such as filters, mufflers are Briggs parts, Genrac is owned by Briggs.

We've had no real problems with it, except for an oil pressure switch failure that would cause it to shut down 30 secs after it was up and running, but I fixed that and it runs OK. I use synthetic oil in it (Amsoil) and have a battery maintainer on it as a 16 hp engine is not easy to pull start.

We use the engine to power one of the water wells, during power outages, but they are few and far between. I have used it when I was doing work for the homeowners assn in locations where there was no power outlets nearby, but most of the run time on it is testing time, and not actual use.

Charles

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Bill(NC)

09-03-2006 08:51:56

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Re: OT: Backup/Standby generator vs. Portable gene in reply to Paul Schultz, 09-02-2006 16:53:15

Generators are about as personal as cars, so I wouldn't try to tell you what to get. However, here is something to think about. When you lose power, it is possible that gas stations for miles around will not be able to sell you gas for your generator. I have found myself a number of times in that situation. If you are out of power for days, then you find you may spend all your time trying to find gasoline. It is important to know how long a generator will go on a tank of gas, and what it takes to keep the gas on hand.

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Cargocult

09-03-2006 07:16:46

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Re: OT: Backup/Standby generator vs. Portable gene in reply to Paul Schultz, 09-02-2006 16:53:15

Generators!! Funny..I am writing this by generator power! Thanks to the Remnants of Ernesto! I live in a Formerly Rural Area! (But that's another rant, hehehe) Thank God 4 generators! I have had much experience with portable small gensets, and they all suck & make unnecessary noise! However, they DO produce electricity, which is the whole point of gensets! Small portable ones are best 4 my uses, because I can transport them anywhere that 120/220 voltage is required. When the power goes out, I simply take the genset outta where it is stored, and roach it off! Usually, I plug a bunch of extension cords in and run what I want off them! Ocasionally, durin' LONG OUTAGES, for several days, I will rig it into the house system, but that's illegal these days, due to MORONS screwin' up and electrocutin' linemen. I always Pull the MAIN breaker,(In the house and on the pole) but a lottsa MORONS don't! Usually, the power comes back on b4 the fridge thaws out. Now, It is like two days and still no power! The whole point is: Gensets like to be exercised! If u only use them when u need them, they will likely NOT START! I like to add Sta-Bil to the fuel, and run it occasionally even when I don't need it. Lottsa Yuppies go out and score a genset when thye are outta power, as soon as the power returns, they put it aside and let it get all gummed up and when the next emergency comes along, guess what?? Like The Old Boy Scouts..Be Prepared!! We had a lottsa trees down, and much boat & dock/boat house damage! But, I guess we are better off than some folks. Can't complain..it don't do any good, hehehe!

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guest

09-03-2006 04:38:35

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Re: OT: Backup/Standby generator vs. Portable gene in reply to Paul Schultz, 09-02-2006 16:53:15

Unless you are floating in money I would
go for the manual system.
A 15KW unit will have to be wired into your
system with a huge a$$ circuit breaker.
Most manual generators (5-8KW) require a 30A to
50A breaker (pretty common).
An automatic generator if it decides to mess
up will kill you. Just like a sleeping family
that never woke up here in PA a year ago.

I like to know what is happening and be under
control with a manual generator.

If you are sleeping and the power goes out
you really don't need power till the morning when you WAKE up.

Well, furnace, and refrigerators can easilly
wait till you throw a few switches and start
the manual generator.
If you are running a business out of your home
I would expect that you would be working when the
auto generator comes on and you can observe
the generatior operation.
My 2 cents
George

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souNdguy

09-02-2006 21:23:29

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Re: OT: Backup/Standby generator vs. Portable gene in reply to Paul Schultz, 09-02-2006 16:53:15

Not specifically what you are looking for.. but when i needed a generator, I decided on getting a pto generator.

I don't like caring for a gas engine that only gets run 1-2x per year... My lawnmowers and weed whacker are bad enough after setting all winter. The thought of relying on a gas powered genny was a bit uncomfortable.. so i decided I'd rely on my best engine.. the one in my tractor.

At 12.5kw for 1000$ i couldn't pass it up. It all 'manual' but works for me.. probably not what you are looking for though..

Soundguy

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hvw

09-02-2006 19:03:46

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Re: OT: Backup/Standby generator vs. Portable gene in reply to Paul Schultz, 09-02-2006 16:53:15

A friend of mine has a fully automatic system. After sitting for a year, cranking only as scheduled, the power finally went out. It started immediately when the power failed and went off when it came back on. He's happy. On the other hand I think John,PA has the best advice. Going out to start it up won't be much of a problem. We lose power for up to a week at a time and I haven't found a manual stystem to be a problem.

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Jack-Illinois

09-02-2006 18:52:20

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Re: OT: Backup/Standby generator vs. Portable gene in reply to Paul Schultz, 09-02-2006 16:53:15

I have a Generac on our motorhome that stripped the teeth off the flywheel with only 22 hours on it. Had a real fight with the company getting it fixed under warranty. It took the dealer over 3 months to get approval, then another month to get the new flywheel. Our son-in-law has a portable that was almost impossible to get started and dealer could not get it fixed. Same story of company not wanting to replace it. Can't really recommend the brand from our experience.

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old 9

09-02-2006 18:44:46

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Re: OT: Backup/Standby generator vs. Portable gene in reply to Paul Schultz, 09-02-2006 16:53:15

Good installed generator systems have a timer that runs the genset one time a week to keep it up and running.. you change the oil according to specs change battery every 3 years.. They are made to last years and years. On the other hand I have 2 portables 4000 watt units. My wife cannot start them as directdrive gensets pull HARD ( rope start). What are you loking at for fuel? Natural gas, LP, gasoline or diesel? Natural gas can be cut off in many natural diasters. LP, gasoline, and diesel are up to you to keep supplied. The other option is a PTO set up for your Ford. Look at how much you want to do at 2 AM in order to get power restored to your home, and what your family can do when you are not there. Lots Of Luck Joe

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Carl K

09-02-2006 18:36:46

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Re: OT: Backup/Standby generator vs. Portable gene in reply to Paul Schultz, 09-02-2006 16:53:15

My 40 KW stand by Generac has a weekly exercise cycle. It starts up and runs for about 15 minutes each week automatically.

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Maybe..John,PA

09-02-2006 18:21:18

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Re: OT: Backup/Standby generator vs. Portable gene in reply to Paul Schultz, 09-02-2006 16:53:15

Maybe I can help a little.....

Most problems with "stand-by generators" occur from the machine just sitting IDLE. For instance, natural erosion(rust) is one of the biggest concerns.

Generally, the contractor will include the stand-by systems into the new house cost (MORTGAGE) PAYMENTS.

I recommend the portable style. STAND ALONE system. You can always take it with YOU if you sell the house later. Plus, you can keep the machine in better operating condition, personnally.

HTH John, PA

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Paul Schultz

09-02-2006 19:09:11

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Re: OT: Backup/Standby generator vs. Portable gene in reply to Maybe..John,PA, 09-02-2006 18:21:18

If I go with the standby system it would be natural gas. A portable would be gasoline.

All the Generac standby generators have the once a week exercise mode. The Generac portable actual generates more kW than the standby I'm looking at (15 vs 13). The portable uses the same transfer wiring box/switch that the standby uses. So, the house would be wired for the standby system if we later upgrade. I'm thinking a small outbuilding will be in our future (have to have a place to put the tractor!). At that time, I'm thinking of getting the standby for the house and moving the portable to the outbuilding.

I've heard mainly good reviews of the Generac systems. But, thanks for your input. Anyone else with advise/warnings/ideas?

Paul.

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Dixon

09-02-2006 22:22:44

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Re: OT: Backup/Standby generator vs. Portable gene in reply to Paul Schultz, 09-02-2006 19:09:11

I have a Generac system and would have nothing else it runs once a week on its own and every time the power has gone off ,bingo repower.I don"t know where you are but picture this 5 below and you"re outside trying to start the generator for heat.not me I"m a retired Fireman and chief throughout our county all the stations have Generac systems.Now if you want a portable only one and I"m serious try them, Honda easy starting quite running all the Fire equipment again in our county has Honda.we discussed this at the last county meeting in ten years not a problem from one Honda.Says something Huh

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