Posted: 1/22/2009 8:54:50 AM EDT
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I swear the SF used to have a tacked thread about generators and I swear it was written by Ops, but for some odd reason the archives won't let me search "pre-outdoors" section split (when SF was under General).
I was talking w/ a mod the other day and mentioned to him how we need another tacked thread about generators and maybe some other useful Survival info as it may alleviate some of the more "noobish" questions that seem to irritate some members. Anyways, I am no generator guru; I don't even own one, but I do remember some info and I'm hoping that I can kick-start a good thread that will benefit the SF and possibly get tacked if the mods deem it useful enough. Topics should include: Types of generators and fuel. Selecting a generator based on power requirements. Installing a transfer switch. Quieting a generator's exhaust. Generator maintenance. Again, I wish I was writing an all instructive tutorial myself, but i have limited knowledge and no practical experience save turning them on at job sites 
So I'm hoping the same members who posted pics and tutorials on these subjects before would be kind enough to maybe dig up these old threads and copy and paste or just share the knowledge anew w/ both myself and the newer generation of SF members 
Thanks in advance. I'll start w/ the little knowledge I have: Generators are marked in Watts (2000, 5500, etc...) and as such; adding up the wattage of the items you plan on running off of the genset should give you a rough idea of the size and wattage output of the generator needed, but it's not quite so simple. The number on the side of the generator is it's rated "peak" wattage; not what it was maximally tested to RUN AT all the time. So a 2000 watt genny, may be only capable of putting out 1700 watts continually. this is important because not only does the generator have a "peak" wattage, but may household appliance will "peak" under 'load'. When the electric motor in your refrigerator compressor initially kicks on (as it may do several times an hour) it draws extra wattage to get the motor cranking. This usually last a few seconds, but it's important to know because if you purchase a generator that puts out just enough to cover the running wattage of the appliances you want to power, w/o taking into account the spike in power used when the appliances turn on; you may find the generator unable to power the things you need it to. The idea is to run your genny under it's rating and still leave room for the spikes that occur when electric motors turn on. OK, thats all I got; please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. Speed |