Going to put one in asap.Looking at the 30K models in both Kohler and Generac.Will use LP fuel.Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.Trans switch will be included and 12 volt battery.Alum cover.Unit will be about 6 feet in the air on a sturdy built platform.Need at least a 100 gal LP stand up tank.Looking at Home Depot or Lowes to buy unit.Cost may be around $10K If you have any knowledge about whole house units i would appreciate any info.Getting way to old to carry gas and crank up the 13K i have now.
Call your power company or go online. They often have good deals for the whole house generators.
Marsha
22 Sea Hunt
I have a Kohler at our cabin and it works well. Will flat burn through some lp though
http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/
No shipping, no sales tax.
A 100 gallon tank won’t last two days running your whole house. You need a 1500 gallon tank and an automatic transfer switch and a disconnect.
You will not be able to place it adjacent to your house - there is a minimum clearance and you need to check that before building a platform.
If you don’t have access to natural gas, I would suggest a much smaller generator to power a few select circuits. Reel Tight is right - you will burn a tremendous amount of LP running your whole house and propane is only going up.
“Let’s be honest. If you read the New Testament, you wouldn’t be Catholic.”…SkinneeJ
Try pricing at your local City Electric Supply, problem with buying through big box is warranty issues.
Have you looked at Onan? They are the best…owned by Cummins so I’m a bit biased:smiley:
Iain Pelto
Sea Hunt Triton 160 w/ 90 ETEC “JB3”
Native Manta Ray 14
The more i read and hear the more i have to rethink this whole idea.May go with a diesel???
Stonoman
Stono,
First, I’m certainly no authority on generators but I did stay in a Holiday Inn once. Having said that I’ll be glad to share what little I know about them since you don’t seem to be getting much feed back from your posts.
I’ll start by saying be careful sizing the generator; I would suggest adding about 25% to the load you think you’ll need for it to carry. The 30KW unit you mention shouldn’t have a problem taking care of about 100 amps. We all have different needs and expectations but I would think that would be plenty large enough if you are going to use a manual transfer switch and turn off all nonessential breakers before you start the generator. I’m not as sure about the size of the unit you’re thinking about though if you use an automatic transfer switch because they pickup the load of everything that’s on at the time your power goes out; HVAC, HWH, dryer, stove, lights, outlets, etc. Using an automatic transfer switch would certainly be a lot more covenant but I would make sure it has some kind of load limiter that automatically sheds excessive loads and protects the unit… its something you may want to ask about before you size the unit.
Also, you might want to rethink mounting that generator 6’ off the ground. Have you thought about trailer mounting the unit so you can take it to be serviced? I did some research on generators several years ago and was told a good preventative maintenance plan plays a big part in being able to depend on them. From what I was told back then they need to crank and run monthly and the following PM program is what they were recommending to us.
EMERGENCY GENERATOR PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS
<b>Quarterly Maintenance </b> (4 Times A Year)
February, May, August, November
check coolant level
check fuel level and fuel condition
check anti-freeze mixture, add fluid and adjust mixture if needed
check cooling system hoses
check engine heater operation
check engine alternator charge rate
check and adjust all belt tensions
check engine an
Now that is input Thanks
Stonoman
Joe,
I work for HD Supply Power Solutions in Columbia and we are dealers for Eaton and Milbank generators. I would definitely contact one of your local electrical distributors ( HD has a branch in Charleston as well) as mentioned earlier and get referrals to an electrical contractor that specializes in generators. There are a lot of factors to take into consideration before laying down your hard earned cash and in this case it’s best to consult with an expert.
OK decided to get 4 Kerosene heaters 20,000 btu.This will take care of the heat.The 13,000K Generator will take care of the rest.Problem solved.Thanks for all the input.
Stonoman
quote:
Originally posted by Flat-OutStono,
The 30KW unit you mention shouldn’t have a problem taking care of about 100 amps.
If you have 100 Amp service panel, use a 8-12 kW GenSet. If you have a 200 Amp service panel, use a 15-20 kW GenSet (use the larger size if you have air conditioning or large well pump). If you have a 400 amp service panel, use a 30-50 kW GenSet.
A 30K gen set will run all you need Mr Stono, with no need to worry about what breakers to turn off during a transfer. I went through 60 gallons of gas this week. It’s expensive, but sure is nice to have hot water to wash your butt with.
Just heard the heaters are dangerous??
Stonoman
quote:
Originally posted by stonomanJust heard the heaters are dangerous??
Stonoman
If you bought the torpedo-type blower heaters, yes they can be dangerous. We use a fairly big one at work, and it will flat-out heat up a 6000 sq foot facility (I have no idea the BTU output).
Anything that burns kerosene can produce harmful levels of carbon monoxide.
Standard “upright” type kerosene heaters can be bad for flaring up. We used them a LOT when I was younger, and we had them flare up before, causing a huge soot-event. But it’s not all that common.
Saying “I am offended” is telling everyone else that you cannot control your own emotions, and thus you need everyone else to do it for you.
I got about 10 mails telling me to forget the heaters.I am back to a 30K Whole House set up.Friend has a buddy coming out to give me estimates and tell me what i need.May have it all in my next storm LOL
Stonoman
Generac 30kw burns about 3-4gal LP per hour -
100 gallon tank = 30 hours max.
LP can cost 3-4.5 per gallon.
You are looking at $300++ per day for basic comforts.
If we have a big hurricane - good luck getting refills.
If you were to lose power for say 5 days - 400 to 500 gallons of LP and around $1500.
Generac 30kw = 10k +/-, plus installtion, plus swiches and LP tank. Tank can be leased with a LP agreement, but they expect you to use some LP - and if you buy it elsewhere, they will repo the tank.
500 gallon LP tank cost $1,300 +/- plus installation.
Probably looking at 14-15k total installed cost, plus $1500 for first LP fill up.
I was going to say it, but wanted to see what the experts had to say.
My thoughts are unless you have a lot of medical needs at home and need power, or are a shelter or research facility that needs uninterrupted power during storms, I don’t see the payoff. For the once or twice in a blue moon we have these events, you could just fly to the keys for 4-5 days and have spare change and no maintenance or hassle.
I would place my energy on having a gas water heater that could work without power, or could be powered by a very small camping style generator, live with gas lanterns, and have a gas fireplace. You have heat, hot water, and lights.
“Banana Pants”
Indigo Bay 170
90 Johnson
Wilderness Ride 115
some plumbers dont like Kohler as they have too many kohler only parts (like toilet flappers!!!). dont know about their generators tho. I have a small Honda, like it
Working it out with good advice from some smart people.
Stonoman
some plumbers dont like Kohler as they have too many kohler only parts (like toilet flappers!!!). dont know about their generators tho. I have a small Honda, like it