Power Generator

[Infinitereef]

I did not have Power outages yet, but i am really considering getting a power generator. There are some threads going on this this morning, but really need feedback on what generators people is using and experience. Here are some link on what I am looking at, but please suggest more....

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...ctId=100508476

Does unit like this automatically start when power is down??

[yankeereefer]

This will not likely auto start when power is out.

You will have to manually start it. You will also likely have to run an extension cord from it or you may be able to have it wired so plugs into your house and runs a circuit.

[SlowCobra]

I believe you will only find large non-portable units that are self starting.

[BlackHawk77]

Anything portable is not going to automatically turn on when your power goes out. It also needs to be wired in to your distribution box if you dont want to run extension cords when you lose power.

[bignick]

Good luck finding a generator i have been looking around since yesterday afternoon and i can't find one anywhere.

[rickyb]

Some people are taking advantage of the shortage, lots available in craglist. http://chicago.craigslist.org/search...min&maxAsk=max

[jjjimmy]

You will need to find a LP or natural gas non-portable model to have automatic switching. You will also need an electrician to get permits and install it for you.

[aiko670]

I just waited in line for almost 3 hours at grainger for a 5500watt portable unit. My power has been out since 5pm yesterday and don't expect power until Monday......argh......
I'm running my tank my fridge and a fan. I hope I'm not overloading it....

[Edward Smith]

I finally had use for my portable (non-automatic) generator yesterday and it worked like a charm. Granted, it's not self starting, but mine doesn't need to be (except for vacations?). Bought it used off of ebay for about $75 for 2300 watts. I did have eletric cords running through a window but was able to power the tank pumps and my fridg. I spoke to a couple of my engineers at work and they told me how to "back feed" it into my house next time, although several precautions are necessary, it will make the process much better and easier next time.

[PSam]

That's a lot of people... if it includes you, hope your tanks are ok...

(Crain’s) — Commonwealth Edison Co. has restored power to 345,000 customers since Thursday’s storms first hit, but 232,000 customers remain without electricity, the utility reported.

The vast majority of those still without power as of noon — 142,000 — are in the northern suburbs, while 51,000 are in the city and 36,000 are in the south suburbs, the utility reported.

With a total of 577,000 customers affected, the storm is quickly approaching the worst weather event for the utility in the last decade: the damage inflicted by the November 1998 storm that interrupted service to 599,000 customers.

[yankeereefer]

I have a 5500 watt in storage back home in MS- Haven't lost power yet though (knocks on wood)- Yea, I'm kicking myself

My in-laws are coming next month and bringing it back to me.

[aiko670]

Well I only had to use it for a couple hours but it ran my tank my fridge, a fan and my TV

For my tank I ran two Reef flow Darts, my ASM G3, and one of my 3MH lamps....(400W). I'm pretty sure I could have fired the other two MH's(250watt) and been fine but I didn't want to push it....

I hope everyone's tank is doing well!!!
Adam

[Ladipyg]

When we started planning for our retirement home, we budgeted in for a very large, 50,000 watt propane powered, auto cross-over generator. The rural area we are moving to often goes without power for 3 weeks or more at a time. I know it's a big expense but we just figured it would be worth it.

[aiko670]

Originally posted by Ladipyg
When we started planning for our retirement home, we budgeted in for a very large, 50,000 watt propane powered, auto cross-over generator. The rural area we are moving to often goes without power for 3 weeks or more at a time. I know it's a big expense but we just figured it would be worth it.

dang...

[Ladari]

This is the one I am looking at. I am not always awake or home when the power goes out.

Link

[PSam]

Originally posted by Ladipyg
The rural area we are moving to often goes without power for 3 weeks or more at a time. I know it's a big expense but we just figured it would be worth it.

THREE WEEKS?

Where you going? Mariana trench ?!?!?!

[JRaquatics]

Anyone needs generators. Menards in Schererville IN just got 30 in. I think they are 5700 watters for I think $600.

[Ladipyg]

Very rural area, unpaved road to our place and it's the only road in or out, we're on a pennisula surrounded by water. Our idea of a traffic jam is we have to get out of the car and move our neighbors cows out of the way. Heavy traffic is if we pass a single car going in the other direction at any point in the 5 mile drive off the main road. So as a result we're last on the list to get our power back when something goes out.
I've been looking for a propane/wood burning stove for the kitchen...I just missed one on e-bay with six burners...it was a beauty...anyone here have one they are getting rid of...I can refurb myself.

Sorry of the Hijack...back to the subject

I think it does quality for tank of the month...who agrees???

[Infinitereef]

I think you would want a Auto switch over kind in case you are on vacation or you cannot come back in time.....Think about it, you pay more for the Auto switch, but you need not install a battery back up sump pump......so kind of break even.

Anyone know how much to pay an Electrician to do the installation??

Ladari, you link does not work.....

[Whaledriver]

https://www.apelectricshop.com/p-155...8-cir-ats.aspx

Everyone with a basement should get a small guardian type generator. period end of story!!!

PREVENT.............
Dead fish
Flooded Basement
Loss of food
Run a furnace in the winter.

This 7000 KW cost 1980 delivered!!!!!!!
Figure 500-1000 to install
You are now self insured and will get the money back when you sell.
The first time you use it it pays for itself
What price peace of mind????

I have one but didn't install it yet!!!!
Price of stupidity a few fish and a wet basement.
Neighbor with a generator, Priceless.

[Infinitereef]

I am looking at this one too. Do you need to place it outside the house close to the circuit Box or basically you can place it anyway outside the house??

[SlowCobra]

You can pretty much place it anywhere that you can run power lines underground back to the house. It will need to tap in to the circuit panel to backfeed the house when power is lost.

[DaveBien]

Just remember to have it installed so that you're NOT feeding it back into the CommEd circuit when that power is out, just the house.

[SlowCobra]

Sorry I should have been a little more clear on that. There is actually a switching device they use so that doesnt happen. I have a friend that works as an Underground Linesman for Com Ed he said he sees them all the time.

[cas]

I just closed on a house in Arlington Hts. on Thursday afternoon. Got to the new house at 3:00 p.m. and the power went out at 4:15 p.m.

I moved in Friday with no power. Fortunately I did not have a tank to move. Power came back on Saturday night at 8:30 p.m.

I will be buying a generator before I set up the tank. Two trees came down on the power lines one took out the primary line and the pole and transformer the other took out the secondary line to my block.