Generator

Hank70SS · #1 05-13-2015, 07:36 AM

They're supposed to be here bright and early tomorrow to install the standby generator. We had a new, larger gas meter installed back in January so that's all set. Code says they can't be installed within 5' of a window or door so picking a spot to install it wasn't easy. Maybe on the driveway next to the fireplace chimney or out in the middle of the lawn. No other spot next to the house that isn't too close to a door or window.

We have raised deck off the main floor of the house with stairs going down do a deck with the gazebo and hot tub. Decided the area between the 2 decks was a good spot. Not sitting out in the middle of the lawn and that area was always a pain to mow. I lined it with some 6x6 timbers and ripped out all the grass. Once it's installed I'll fill it with white marble stone, no maintenance.

We decided it was time to bite the bullet and get one. Going out in the winter to fire up the small gen is no fun and can't run the AC with it in the summer. When power is out we don't even have water. Have to make sure you always have gas to run it. Shut everything down, turn it off and refuel a couple of times a day.

The installer said he could mount the transfer switch in the basement. That's nice, don't need any more metal cans hanging on the back of the house right where the deck is. I can see our neighbors gen from here and it's a mess with gas meter, electric meter, conduit and transfer switch hanging off their back wall. Installer told me to call Generac and mention their TV add. So I get a 5 year parts and labor warranty instead of 2 years parts and labor and 3 years parts only. Also get a free wireless monitor.

Now just watch, power won't go out again for years.

RBeckman · #2 05-13-2015, 07:51 AM

We have been debating installing one as well but when they quote came back at 7K I figured it is worth gassing up the portable a couple times a day. I have it wired to run our well, furnace and all lights.

shadowgray396 · #3 05-13-2015, 08:05 AM

Should make it nice when the power does go out. Around here power goes out maybe once a year for an hour.

Hank70SS · #4 05-13-2015, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RBeckman

We have been debating installing one as well but when they quote came back at 7K I figured it is worth gassing up the portable a couple times a day. I have it wired to run our well, furnace and all lights.

Ours is wired up so I can run anything, except AC and hot tub, gen can't handle that. Still it's a pain, it's not like you can use everything you want at the same time. Plus I'm not as young as you Ric and I checked it out. Looks like I'm going to keep getting older, that sucks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadowgray396

Should make it nice when the power does go out. Around here power goes out maybe once a year for an hour.

We've had more than one time when the power is out for a day or 2 or 3. A portable just doesn't cut then, especially in the winter. It sucks but this area is prone to outages. All you have to do is walk around and see how many houses have standby gens. If I walk out the back door I can see at least 3 of them. So after almost 14 years I gave in.

Hank70SS · #5 08-03-2015, 09:50 AM

Well finally got to test the generator. Power went out around 2:30 AM during a storm. It's doing what it's supposed to. Last estimate for repair was 11:30 PM tomorrow.

shadowgray396 · #6 08-04-2015, 08:49 AM

Looks like it's going to pay for itself. I bet it will be on a lot more this winter.

Hank70SS · #7 08-05-2015, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadowgray396

Looks like it's going to pay for itself. I bet it will be on a lot more this winter.

I hope not, it's nice to have but not cheap to run. Power was restored around 2:30 PM on Monday. The sudden quiet was a relief. Ours is not that loud but our neighbors, wow. I walk out the back door, ours is 20' away, theirs is close to 100' away and all I hear is theirs. Of course the dummies have the exhaust aimed at our house instead of towards the side street.

RBeckman · #8 08-05-2015, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hank70SS

I hope not, it's nice to have but not cheap to run. Power was restored around 2:30 PM on Monday. The sudden quiet was a relief. Ours is not that loud but our neighbors, wow. I walk out the back door, ours is 20' away, theirs is close to 100' away and all I hear is theirs. Of course the dummies have the exhaust aimed at our house instead of towards the side street.

Are they running open exhaust? Maybe try to talk them into putting a Cherry Bomb Glass pack on it.

shadowgray396 · #9 08-05-2015, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RBeckman

Are they running open exhaust? Maybe try to talk them into putting a Cherry Bomb Glass pack on it.

They sound really good once the inside has burned out of them. lol

Hank70SS · #10 08-05-2015, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RBeckman

Are they running open exhaust? Maybe try to talk them into putting a Cherry Bomb Glass pack on it.

I think they have electric remote controlled cutouts. I guess I'll have to talk to them about that. They're cool when you want to show off a little but after a few hours it gets a little old.

I was thinking of recruiting some help to turn it 90* one day when they're out of town. Doubt they'd even notice for a few months if ever.