Re: Whole house generators (slightly OT)

["Robert L Bass" <robertbass1@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> That's exactly what I have now, 6250 watts feeding a 6 breaker transfer panel but I want to be able to run AC and more things as
> well.  It looks like this endeavor will cost around $12,000 but with the frequency of problems that our antiquated power company
> has, I think it's worth it.

A few thoughts:

That's what we did in our home in CT many years ago, Bruce.  Our BP was only 100 Amps at the time.  I installed a Winco 8kW
auto-start, auto-transfer genset.  The Winco worked ok using NG only.  There were too many service problems for me to recommend
another Winco though.  Poor design had the electronics too close to the manifold, resulting in th need for frequent replacement of
timer modules and such.  In 18 years I overhauled it twice, the second time having to rebuild the cylinders.

Kohler's 35 kW model has a *very* quiet housing.  Friends of ours have used them for years and say they've had very few problems.
You might also want to look at Onan.  They're reputed to be very good as well.

For my purposes manual transfer is unacceptable.  If you don't want to power everything, simple install an E-panel after the
transfer switch.  Any circuits on that panel will receive backup power.  Less important circuits left on the primary BP will go dark
until public utility power is restored.  These would include non-essential loads such as power in the work shed, irrigation pumps,
spa heater and probably 1/3 to 1/2 of your utility outlets.

Make sure you provide power to the dishwasher and laundry room, as well as the fridge, stove and nuke.  These draw lots of current
for short periods but make "roughing it" a lot easier during a prolonged outage.

We had an electric range / oven plus the usual assortment of toaster-ovens, microwave, etc.  I chose not to power the stove from my
genset.  During outages that lasted around as 9 or 10 days (after a terrific series of T-storms ravaged CT some years ago) we
managed quite well without it.

BTW, some months ago someone from CHA asked about my TCP/IP controlled power strip.  I promised to ship it but couldn't find it for
a long time.  During one of my few good days I recently tore into the garagasaurus and found the thing.  If that was you, please let
me know.  I'd be happy to send it along.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

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