Power Outages and Generators

[oak]

With the looming ice storm expected in my area, I'm trying to get a feel for what can be run on a generator I recently picked up. Last fall while camping at Talladega I bought a slightly used 120V, 3500W generator from a guy (dude looked and sounded just like Joe Gibbs-we called him coach all weekend LOL) camped next to me.

Trying to figure out what all could be run at once. I know things like fridge and freezer should be run for short periods by themselves. I am considering making a lead to plug into one leg on my breaker box. I know to flip off main the and all 220V breakers. Just wanting to figure out if I could run my modem, router, a couple of pc's, stb's, tvs, etc. One other thing that MUST run is the blower on my fireplace insert. Don't know what it pulls, but it's a very small (3"-4"diameter?)squirrel cage fan.

Just two years ago we had a major ice storm that knocked out power and should have taken care of any real threats to the power grid, but it never hurts to be prepared.

[wildman25]

Most fans run about 45 watts by themselves- give or take, so that would be fine. A regular computer shouldn't run more than 300 watts, but be aware power from a genny is subject to spikes that could...

[stman]

Most 3500W generators are only rated that for surge. The long term rating would be limited to 3000W. You will also see an amperage rating that you also need to watch. Appliances that have motors will need more power at start up than to keep them running. If you look at the power requirements on these items you want to run, it will give you the info you need. Many of these things have may different power requirements depending on their specs. I would think that it would be more prudent to actually plug the things you need into the generator rather than trying to do as you suggest though.

[freddydog1]

i plug things in i wanna run ,,dont know about where you are ,,but here in ns you cannot tie into your breaker box,,gotta be a seperate breaker box installed by an electrican,,
microwave is about 1000 wats ,,entertainment center is about 500 wats,,a sleeping bag wrapped around the freezer will keep for 3 days ,, and use lamps with 40 wat bulbs

[wildman25]

Yeah, the amperage is a big factor too- never even crossed my mind. Also, be aware that if you exceed the usage even for a second the outlet is supposed to reset and cutout- which wouldn't be good for the pcs. Maybe adding a ups to the setup later will allow a little more protection and stability to the setup.

[oak]

Thanks guys! Pretty much what I was thinking, but wasn't exactly sure. I know that when you divide watts by volts it will give you the amps used. 3000W/120V = 25 amps.

One other thing I completely forgot about is my google power meter. I can look at my usage history online. It's broken down into 10 minute increments. I can see things like the microwave, stove, water heater etc, by the spikes in the meter. I just never had the generator before and had to suffer without power during outages.

[Terryl]

Use caution when using a generator to run a PC or other electronic equipment as the AC voltage and line frequency is not that well regulated, I use a UPS system in front of all my PC's and audio/video equipment so when the generator kicks in (or other equipment) there wont be any line surges or frequency deviations that could hurt the equipment.

A good UPS (like APC) will protect your equipment from any line/frequency variations.

A standard surge protector will not do this.

[freddydog1]

you might not wanna hook up the hot water tank ,,the elements use about 3000 wats and use a camp stove instead of the range

[wildman25]

Never thought about a sleeping bag-- great tip! I would look into compact fluorescent bulbs, a lot less power consumption and they don't shed the yellow street-light colors anymore. There's been major improvements recently and the only drawback now is the 1/2 second delay when you turn them on. @ 15 watts for the 100 watt output adds up quickly- especially when using a genny


i plug things in i wanna run ,,dont know about where you are ,,but here in ns you cannot tie into your breaker box,,gotta be a seperate breaker box installed by an electrican,,
microwave is about 1000 wats ,,entertainment center is about 500 wats,,a sleeping bag wrapped around the freezer will keep for 3 days ,, and use lamps with 40 wat bulbs

[oak]

you might not wanna hook up the hot water tank ,,the elements use about 3000 wats and use a camp stove instead of the range

Oh of course not! LOL If I wire it in ALL 240 breakers will be thrown. Already got the camp stove out of the storage. LOL

I will be following Wild's and Terryl's advice and use the laptop. All this if I even lose power.

Thanks again.

[Terryl]

I use the LED landscaping lights connected to several 12 volt marine batterys connected in parrallel, you can re-charge them with a couple of jumper cables from your car if needed, mine are solar...

[Terryl]

Oh of course not! LOL If I wire it in ALL 240 breakers will be thrown. Already got the camp stove out of the storage. LOL

I will be following Wild's and Terryl's advice and use the laptop. All this if I even lose power.

Thanks again.


Some generators have 220 VAC ouputs, you can use a transfer switch for this type (should be installed by a qualified electrician) you run the circuits for the fridg and other stuff you may need during a power failure to this switch, when the power goes off it isolates the mains from the secondarys automaticly, mine also starts the generator.

[wildman25]

Yeah, I bought one led light and have it outside- wanted to see how long it lasted before going to them because of the price. I don't really like the light mine gives out though- it just seems wrong for some reason. I'm sure they have evolved lately too, had it for @ 6-8 months.

I actually have a solar array out back to help with the changing batteries and such- it's hooked up to a grid-tie right now but can be switched over for dc quickly if needed. I live outside the concrete jungle myself, and between the solar, the genny, and the camping gear am ready for almost anything lol'ol

[freddydog1]

here is a ref table
Heating systems and Major appliances Household appliances
Electric heat 4,000-6,000 Fry pan 1,160
Pellet stove 600-1,000 Iron 1,100
Gas and oil heat fan 500 Toaster 1,100
Heating systems and Major appliances Lawn mower 1,000
Coffee maker 850
Range 12,000 Hair dryer 700
Hot water heater 4,500 Vacuum cleaner 700
Clothes dryer 4,350 Blender 290
Space heater 1,300 Blanket 170
Dishwasher 1,190 Stereo 160
Microwave 650 Sewing machine 100
Refrigerator 425 Radio 75
Washing machine 375 Crock pot 70
Color TV 115 Light bulb (60W) 60
Black and white TV 75 Clock 2





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