NFR Let's talk about generators

Non-fishing related
SurfnFish said:
losing NG is a very rare event, as the distribution center compressor pumps are backed up by diesel generators, so it would take a cascade event to lose NG pressure (spent decades managing facilities that included hospitals and data centers with extensive genset arrays.)
As it is, the smaller gensets are available as tri-power (NG, propane and gas) for pretty much the same cost.
Click to expand...
I agree very rae. Until a contractor doesn’t call in locates and digs up a high pressure feeder for a town. A farmer tills to deeply and hits a matked mainline. Those are the typical events that currently have happened in today’s world.
Or last fall/winter when the mainline feeding Washington state suddenly lost pressure and they had to think about rationing.
 
Fourbtgait said:
I agree very rae. Until a contractor doesn’t call in locates and digs up a high pressure feeder for a town. A farmer tills to deeply and hits a matked mainline. Those are the typical events that currently have happened in today’s world.
Or last fall/winter when the mainline feeding Washington state suddenly lost pressure and they had to think about rationing.
Click to expand...
x2 - stupidity seems to out balance rational every time, we're pretty much constantly reminded of this
 
We have had our Honda EU2000i Generator for 23 years. It is used mostly for camping related duties, but also when we occasionally lose power at home. We have natural gas heat and also a pellet stove so if we lose power the generator keeps the internet, computers, a few lamps, and pellet stove usable. If the power outage is overnight the generator powers the freezer, refrigerator, and pellet stove during that time.
The Honda generator has never required any mechanical repairs, only runs on non-ethanol gas, with the only maintenance of changing the oil and filter every couple years.
 
I will say how lucky I am to have lost power very few times since 1991 and maybe 2 incidents it was more than a day.
Grill dinner, enjoy some candlelight with the wife and appreciate life.
 
I have lived in a place that used to have a lot of power outages as the lines were run next to trees. Longest outage we had was probably 12 hours one Christmas. (we had a bunch of snow along with that so freezer had an easy time) Now that they put the lines up our road under ground the outages are much shorter because they affect more customers and get a higher priority. Lived here 26 years and never had an issue that needed a generator to keep things frozen if you left the freezer closed for that period. If it were me I would have the generator, and if it isn't a built in, just pull the plug and run the fridge and freezer for an hour a day to keep them cooled down. A transfer switch is a costly installation if that's all you need it for.
Camping lanterns are handy, (not white gas, preferably led), if your internet doesn't work for a day or two, I for one will try to understand if this site gets glitchy.:unsure:
 
We have lived in our house for over 25 years. When we first moved here it seemed power outages during the winter were normal. 2 to 3 a month, generally each lasting less than a day, during the winter for 4 to 5 months each year. Our kids were very young and it was harder on them than on my wife and myself. At that time we had 3 stand-alone wood burning stoves - one on each floor. Staying warm was not an issue. Cooking on them was a savior too. Plus the BBQ was great also.

Then in 2006 (?) we were without power for 10 days after the big storm. By day 3 it was tiring, by day 5 is was very old. By day 9 you could guess... We kept warm and almost ran out of wood. Did you know you can cook meatloaf in a BBQ? I didn't, tried it and it worked! Glad we had a pantry filled with dried food. Although rice and noodles for lunch and dinner got old in the last few days.

Each time power went out, I looked at generators. Just so expensive for our large house; and at that point; single income with 2 small kids, expensive house payment; we just could not afford it. Looking back, if I had to do it all over again, I would of opted for a propane powered generator. Happy kids and happy wife is worth it!

On a side note: gathering wood, cutting it into logs, splitting it, moving it, stacking it, and then bringing inside is just not fun anymore. Especially when 70+.

We still lose power. Twice in the last month for a total of 26 hours. But better than it used to be. Because a public school is nearby, it seems like getting the power back on is a priority by PSE nowadays.

My wife and I agree, if we were to lose power for what looked like an extended time, hotels sound great! Just keep the free-standing stove going to prevent pipes from freezing. 10 days in a hotel with restaurant food would be a lot less than installing a propane powered generator for our house ($25k+).
 
Gonna want to get into something with horsepower. Several groups at Les aschwab Tire Center were discussing the need for HORSEPOWER.

I always recommend ensuring horsepower in a generator. Get into something HORSEPOWER. Don't want to be caught low horsepower in a situation that calls for some serious push. Serious motor. Get into something with horsepower!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Zak
We installed a 24kw Generac with the automatic transfer switch this year (on propane). Living in Enumclaw we see our fair share of outages. We validated the cost because we also process all our own meats and have several chest freezers full of $$$$, plus time spent raising and butchering the animals.

Total cost was around 8k (4k for the generator purchased "used" but still brand new on pallet uninstalled - Generac's warranty starts when the generator goes online, 3k for 4 hours electrical work I could have done but needed permitted, and 1k for wiring and propane line). I did most of the install (trenching, electrical, propane hookup) and just hired out for the hookup to the meter.

This thing is very nice. It test runs every two weeks like clockwork and sends me a notification to my phone whenever there is an outage and it kicks on. It's ran 4-5 times this year but never more than 2-3 hours so far.
 
Modest_Man said:
We installed a 24kw Generac with the automatic transfer switch this year (on propane). Living in Enumclaw we see our fair share of outages. We validated the cost because we also process all our own meats and have several chest freezers full of $$$$, plus time spent raising and butchering the animals.

Total cost was around 8k (4k for the generator purchased "used" but still brand new on pallet uninstalled - Generac's warranty starts when the generator goes online, 3k for 4 hours electrical work I could have done but needed permitted, and 1k for wiring and propane line). I did most of the install (trenching, electrical, propane hookup) and just hired out for the hookup to the meter.

This thing is very nice. It test runs every two weeks like clockwork and sends me a notification to my phone whenever there is an outage and it kicks on. It's ran 4-5 times this year but never more than 2-3 hours so far.
Click to expand...
I really wish I could afford/justify one of those systems. It's what I really want, but several times over my budget at the moment. it's on the "some day" list though.
 
I technically could have done the work myself with a homeowners permit but PSE would have to come pull the meter, I would do the work, then we'd have to schedule to get the meter re-installed after inspection. I could schedule the inspection for the day I had the meter pulled and work done, but PSE would not tell me that the could get the meter back installed same day. It was a 3-4 day window that we would be without power. Couldn't do it. With a licensed electrician the pulling and re-installing of the meter it was only off for 4 hours.
 
When it comes to anything that runs on a small engine, If Honda makes one then get it. We use generators and water pumps constantly at my job. Hondas will start every time, no matter how long it's been sitting. If it doesn't start, it means it needs oil. I have an old 7K watt PowerBoss generator from Costco that's at least 10 years old now. It's got a Honda engine. Fired it up for the first time in about 6 months the other day just to make sure it still started and it fired on the second pull. Hondas are 100% worth the extra $ if you have it to spend. Reliability is priceless when you actually need a generator.
 
Evan B said:
I'm talking about spending like $1500 on a generator. Spending 10-20x that to have solar with battery backup is waaaaay beyond what I can swing for.

I am looking at a tri fuel model. Just need to see what it'd take to get a NG hookup in a spot I could use in case I go that route.
Click to expand...

I'm nearly 30 years into various versions of backup/emergency generator systems.
With the budget of ~$1500, and you having plumbed in NG, you will be well served by a tri-fuel generator, such as: https://firmanpowerequipment.com/products/t07571

And an Interlock switch so you can select any circuit to feed juice to while staying within the capacity limits of your generator.

IF you're concerned about the reliability of the Natural Gas, you can keep some tanks of LP on hand which your tri-fuel generator will run on without any modification.

Eventually, considering where you live and should you remain there, something like a whole-house, automatic, LP fueled, Generac 21kvw with its many benefits is likely in your future. I've never heard anyone complain about how much they spent on an emergency generator system....the first prolonged outage and the expense is forgotten.
 
Westfly Refugee said:
I'm nearly 30 years into various versions of backup/emergency generator systems.
With the budget of ~$1500, and you having plumbed in NG, you will be well served by a tri-fuel generator, such as: https://firmanpowerequipment.com/products/t07571

And an Interlock switch so you can select any circuit to feed juice to while staying within the capacity limits of your generator.

IF you're concerned about the reliability of the Natural Gas, you can keep some tanks of LP on hand which your tri-fuel generator will run on without any modification.

Eventually, considering where you live and should you remain there, something like a whole-house, automatic, LP fueled, Generac 21kvw with its many benefits is likely in your future. I've never heard anyone complain about how much they spent on an emergency generator system....the first prolonged outage and the expense is forgotten.
Click to expand...
I actually just bought a Firman tri-fuel through Costco yesterday. Decided I'd roll the dice on that one due to Costco's return policies and whatnots.
 
Evan B said:
We've procrastinated because really, we've only lost power for more than a few hours twice now. But both times were pretty rough. Had it not been so cold during this last ice storm event in early 2024 where we lost power for 4 days, I would have lost a significant pile of salmon, halibut and albacore meat. So it's starting to seem like we should get on this before we experience any true hardships.

SKIP TO HERE IF YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT MY LIFE OR MOTIVATIONS

After a bit of research, I'm having a hard time justifying spending more money on a Honda because these Harbor Freight Predators seem to be plenty adequate as backup power. Briggs & Stratton motors, twice as much juice for the money, and seem well reviewed.


I think that one should be enough for keeping a couple freezers cold and powering some home basics. We have a natural gas furnace, so I don't think heating should be much of an issue. But am happy to hear from people here smarter than me.

As far as hooking it in to my home power, is an interlock kit the way to go? I'd obviously get an electrician to do this part, but am just trying to get an idea for budge now.

GenCap Generator Interlock Kit Compatible with Square D QO or Homeline 150 and 200 AMP Panels, for Safe Usage of Portable Power During Outage, for Emergency in Snowstorm Thunderstorm Weather https://a.co/d/75vBzfN
Click to expand...
Hey can you put a 'Scroll down' line at the beginning from now on. I didn't see the 'Skip to here' part until after I read about your life and motivations.

So on generators, I know it's a time will tell decision. I'm on the west end of Cleveland and we had a real doozie this year. Widespread prolonged outages including 5 small tornadoes within a bike ride from home. My house lost power for the better part of a week, while the row across the street was unaffected. It was like that all over town - half of us were living in the apocalypse while the other half were living life as usual. I heard my section always loses power in the same spot along the greenbelt, but infrequently. 12 years since the last one.

Now, many around here have generators, but I have yet to envy any of them for buying and owning one. A coworker, for example, couldn't get his started from lack of use and had to borrow from a relative. Others have tied up enough $ for a seldom used asset that I can't justify the cost or space for one. Note also the immense line at every gas station for generator gas and ice (the ice was gone so gas only).

Being that 2 days is really the max for living in an outage, I drove 40 mins south and dropped $300 for a peaceful hotel stay until power was restored. The extra distance into a non-affected area was well worth it to get away from the other apocalypse refugees, as that crowd was getting a bit cranky.

On that schedule, I won't live long enough to crack the cost of a generator in hotel bills. But I imagine, around here, in the wrong kind of year I could change my tune real fast. Reminds me, I still have the damaged remains of our back fence and gate to replace. Better get on that.
 
Tim L said:
Hey can you put a 'Scroll down' line at the beginning from now on. I didn't see the 'Skip to here' part until after I read about your life and motivations.

So on generators, I know it's a time will tell decision. I'm on the west end of Cleveland and we had a real doozie this year. Widespread prolonged outages including 5 small tornadoes within a bike ride from home. My house lost power for the better part of a week, while the row across the street was unaffected. It was like that all over town - half of us were living in the apocalypse while the other half were living life as usual. I heard my section always loses power in the same spot along the greenbelt, but infrequently. 12 years since the last one.

Now, many around here have generators, but I have yet to envy any of them for buying and owning one. A coworker, for example, couldn't get his started from lack of use and had to borrow from a relative. Others have tied up enough $ for a seldom used asset that I can't justify the cost or space for one. Note also the immense line at every gas station for generator gas and ice (the ice was gone so gas only).

Being that 2 days is really the max for living in an outage, I drove 40 mins south and dropped $300 for a peaceful hotel stay until power was restored. The extra distance into a non-affected area was well worth it to get away from the other apocalypse refugees, as that crowd was getting a bit cranky.

On that schedule, I won't live long enough to crack the cost of a generator in hotel bills. But I imagine, around here, in the wrong kind of year I could change my tune real fast. Reminds me, I still have the damaged remains of our back fence and gate to replace. Better get on that.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, a hotel doesn't solve my freezers issue.
 
Evan B said:
Unfortunately, a hotel doesn't solve my freezers issue.
Click to expand...
That was the difference for us. We went straight out and filled 2 coolers with ice before it was gone. Plus my freezer holds Digiorno and ice cream, that's about it.
 
Tim L said:
That was the difference for us. We went straight out and filled 2 coolers with ice before it was gone. Plus my freezer holds Digiorno and ice cream, that's about it.
Click to expand...
I currently have 6 tuna trips, 3 halibut trips, and 9873498798473 salmon trips stored in my 21sq' chest freezer, plus our other garage freezer with other goodies. Market value wise, I have way more than a few generators in that freezer :ROFLMAO:
 
Evan B said:
Unfortunately, a hotel doesn't solve my freezers issue.
Click to expand...
Or take care of pets, or preserve my mental health with two little kids in a hotel room...or should I get two hotel rooms to help with that? Yeah, 40 miles outside of Seattle, rooms are at least $150/night. Maybe I would do that? IDK

My amazing wife convinced me to axe our abnormally large wood stove and hearth that co-opted a ton of space downstairs. I was hesitant because of emergencies and no way to heat the house without it. Our gas furnace crapped out this year so we now a have a heat pump. While that work was going on, we lived with a couple of those oil-filled radiant space heaters. Those things can really crank some heat out. My plan has been to pick up a quiet and reliable little Honda generator, probably just the 2200, which should power one of those 1500W space heaters and some other little stuff at a time. I figure it will be enough to keep us mostly comfortable at home in an emergency without sinking many thousands into the system. Plus, one of those little generators ought to be able to power a whole wall of JCM 800s. Not that I have one, but if I did, good to know I'd be set.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top