Thinking about a small generator.

the_Journeyman · February 17, 2015, 07:04:50 AM

C and I were talking about getting a small generator. We don't get crazy snow, but we get a lot of wind and lose power because of it. We would want enough power to keep a refrigerator running and the blower on our wood stove. They're on the same circuit, so and electrician could tie the generator into just that circuit. What I need figure out is how large of a generator would be needed.

The fridge is a modern 28 cubic foot, and wood stove runs a single squirrel cage fan on high. Any idea how large of a generator?

JM

ducpainter · February 17, 2015, 07:06:16 AM

How many amps is the circuit rated for?

DarkMonster620 · February 17, 2015, 07:25:32 AM

Mike(lethe) could answer this one since he installed one in his place...

lethe, to the black courtesy phone, lethe to the black courtesy phone please

ducpainter · February 17, 2015, 07:30:06 AM

It's a very simple calculation.

15 amp circuit 1800 watts

20 amp circuit 2400 watts

P=IE...watts = amps x volts.

the_Journeyman · February 17, 2015, 09:26:22 AM

Thanks for the equation! Looks like we wouldn't need a very big one for just one circuit then. The circuit is only a 20amp. it has four outlets on it. All that is connected is the stove blower, fridge, and a lamp.

JM

Popeye the Sailor · February 17, 2015, 10:28:51 AM

What fuel(s) (if any) are piped to your house? There are generators that run off propane, etc if that's available to you-really anything that means you don't have to leave the house for fuel when the frigging thing runs out is nice.

There are multifuel options, and some that will exercise themselves automatically, depending on how much you want to spend.

Automated transfer switches are nice-just make sure to have it set up so you can't backfeed the system.

My last generator was a Honda and I was very happy with it.

the_Journeyman · February 17, 2015, 11:01:35 AM

No fuels piped in, we're a pretty small down. The only utilities that come to the house are water and electricity. We don't even have sewer, we have a septic instead.

JM

ducpainter · February 17, 2015, 11:08:14 AM

Quote from: Satellite smithy on February 17, 2015, 10:28:51 AM
What fuel(s) (if any) are piped to your house? There are generators that run off propane, etc if that's available to you-really anything that means you don't have to leave the house for fuel when the frigging thing runs out is nice.

There are multifuel options, and some that will exercise themselves automatically, depending on how much you want to spend.

Automated transfer switches are nice-just make sure to have it set up so you can't backfeed the system.

My last generator was a Honda and I was very happy with it.

Dave...stuff piped in...really?

Picture New Hampshire...just a little warmer with a southern accent.

DesmoDiva · February 18, 2015, 04:30:12 AM

Buy a Honda!

Speedbag · February 18, 2015, 08:10:18 AM

^^^ Yep.

I've got an ancient Coleman 3500W gennie that has a Honda engine on it, never fails.

Just make sure there's a fuel shutoff on it and run the carb empty after every use.

Mulletbiker · February 18, 2015, 08:56:08 AM

Journeyman, I had purchased mine to do exactly what you are looking for - refrigerator & pellet stove.

Bought this generator and it has worked perfectly for that application:

http://powerequipment.honda.com/generators/models/eu2000i

3 seasons now , pulls with 1-2 starts everytime, super quiet & runs for almost 10 hours on a full tank(1 gallon).

ducpainter · February 18, 2015, 09:16:46 AM

Quote from: Speedbag on February 18, 2015, 08:10:18 AM
^^^ Yep.

I've got an ancient Coleman 3500W gennie that has a Honda engine on it, never fails.

Just make sure there's a fuel shutoff on it and run the carb empty after every use.

I can't wait for my old Coleman 4000W (4400max) to die. It has a Tecumseh that really likes it's fuel...about 8-10 hours on 5 gallons. Runs at full tilt all the time.

Always runs though.

He Man · February 18, 2015, 12:06:48 PM

buy a used LS2 V8 motor and slap a motor on the end of the output shaft. Power your whole god damn house and have a party at the same time!

how long does your power go out for? A buddy of mine has the freezers that open up inside of opneing to the side. he keeps blocks of ice there and never touches it, i the power goes out, he transfers the food to that freezer and lets it thaw out on its own. because cold air sinks, and the door isnt opened as often. It lasts over a week. He also leaves frozen meat in there (mostly deer from the hunting season).

Just an idea.

the_Journeyman · February 18, 2015, 01:27:03 PM

Sometimes hours, sometimes a few days if it's bad. The fridge is a bonus mostly, but we want to be able to run the blower on the stove even if it's only out a few hours.

JM

Speeddog · February 18, 2015, 07:30:41 PM

Both Yamaha and Honda make nice generators.

This site has an explanation of differences between a generator and inverter, and some help on sizing:
http://www.yamahagenerators.com/EF2800i-p/ef2800i.htm

The refrigerator may spike load pretty hard when the compressor starts, I'm sure a resident sparky here can give some guidance on that.

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Thinking about a small generator.