RE: Re: Generators - is this a good one?

["Nigel Giddings" <nigel@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I would definitely agree that a UPS is your first line of defence...

Computers can suffer from sudden power cuts and no electronics like Brown
O=
uts... Using a 'Long Run' ups has many advantages, they are clean, they
ref=
uel when the power is restored, and don't make much noise... They can also
=
log events to help identify the problem you had or even make a claim to
you=
r supplier. Batteries are the only real issue. I think they talk about 5 -
=
6 year life in commercial applications and this will be dependant on
sophis=
tication of UPS, some cycle the batteries automatically to prolong life...

Using UPSs with Gensets can be tricky... UPSs check the quality of the
main=
s supply and may not 'accept' generator power. I have heard a rule of
thumb=
that you should have a genny with twice the KVA of your UPS system using t=
he remaining half to present a clean load. This will help the generator
pro=
duce stable power, UPS and switched Mode PSU can produce harmonics which
ca=
n interfere with the generator frequency control.

I have 2 Compaq 3KVA UPSs running at 30-50% load, these run quite happily
w=
ith the generator while pulling a total of 10 - 15 Amps from the Genset.
In=
creasing the load has no effect either.

I personally didn't want to spend money on a Genset for it not to start
aut=
omatically every time, not a good one for WAF... Also being automatic it
wo=
uldn't mean I had to be at home to bring it into service. Sods law states
y=
ou will be out when it happens and the Parents will be house sitting...
Exp=
laining how to fire up genny then reboot the PCs would be a pain...

Nigel

PS you may want to research low power kettles, not much help with a UPS,
as=
it has a finite amount of stored power, but would mean you could boil a ke=
ttle with a 5KVA genny with the lights and TV etc. on... (A normal kettle
c=
ould pull as much as 3KVA).


-----Original Message-----
From: Andy Whitfield [mailto:andywhitfield2002@xxxxxxx]=20
Sent: 13 January 2005 09:59
To: ukha_d@xxxxxxx
Subject: [ukha_d] Re: Generators - is this a good one?




Hi John,

You can use a long runtime UPS for the light stuff (lights, TV,=20
fridge, etc).  Obviously not electric heating, kettle, cooker, etc!! I run
=
my own modest business dealing solely in UPSs. Paul Robinson, from this
gro=
up, has recently bought a long runtime=20
UPS from me.
See http://www.automatedhome.co.uk/postt200.html
Can add extra battery cabinets to this model.

I also have even longer runtime models.  Ask me for details.

Regards
Andy Whitfield

--- In ukha_d@xxxxxxx, "John Andrews" <groups@j...> wrote:
> Nigel
>=20
> Now that is impressive! 45A!
>=20
> Cheers for the tip about petrol, I did not know that petrol had a
shelf life=20
> and your comments about flammability - good point the genny can go
in the=20
> shed (about 5 metres from the house).
>=20
> I do appreciate about the load while the genny is running, it is
for the HA=20
> stuff, fridge, lighting. I would avoid heavy items like the cooker
etc.
>=20
> Cheers
> J
>=20
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Nigel Giddings" <nigel@c...>
> To: <ukha_d@xxxxxxx>
> Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2005 10:52 PM
> Subject: RE: [ukha_d] Generators - is this a good one?
> >
> > John,
> >
> > I installed a Genset just before Christmas, well Christmas eve to
be=20
> > exact....
> >
> > I went for an 11KVA unit, I think with 5KVA you will need to be
careful=20
> > what you try to use while the genny is running.
> >
> > The unit you list is petrol I think, you have to be careful with
petrol,=20
> > its obviously highly flammable, but it will also lose its punch
after 12=20
> > months due to the un-leaded fuel. It will be useless 18 months
after it=20
> > has left the pump... Maybe 12 if you are unlucky. A full tank
will give=20
> > you 10 hours, is this really enough for seeing you through the
night?
> >
> > The unit is electric start so you may be able to set up a auto-
start and=20
> > oil warning system will help to prevent major damage if something
occurs.=20
> > I have seen these on e-bay for =A3200+
> >
> > I went to the other extreme with my unit, also from e-bay. It
cost =A33K by=20
> > the time it was installed. It is a 2 cylinder air cooled diesel
with a 45A=20
> > Generator. It has a fully enclosed acoustic hood and a 100 Hour
fuel tank.=20
> > It also  came with its own purpose built mains fail changeover
panel which=20
> > means it is on line in less than 5 seconds...
> >
> > Pictures here
> >
> > http://photos.corbenic.co.uk/photos/photo_212.html
> >
> > HTH
> >
> > Nigel
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: John Andrews [mailto:groups@j...]
> > Sent: 12 January 2005 22:39
> > To: ukha_d@xxxxxxx
> > Subject: [ukha_d] Generators - is this a good one?
> >
> > Hi Group
> >
> > Is the following a good generator?
> >
> > http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?
ViewItem&category=3D46412&item=3D4348380265
> >
> > Basically I want something that will run the whole house that I
can mount=20
> > in
> > the loft (venting the exhaust outside).
> > The HA kit is on a UPS that will last for about 10 mins (enough
time for=20
> > me
> > to flick a switch).
> >
> > Also is there anything out there that can detect a power loss,
switch on a
> > generator and throw a relay? (and back again once the power is
back on)
> >






=20