Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
Powers already out here and who knows how long this is gonna last. Does anybody in this area still have generators for sale?
Generator availability
- Thread starter Gary Majchrzak
- Start date
davidpesce
New member
Nothing is left. Called everywhere. There is a Honda place that has some professional ones for $2k+
Debby supply in ER has a waiting list for their shipment tomorrow. Although they aren't sure if the truck will make it.
Debby supply in ER has a waiting list for their shipment tomorrow. Although they aren't sure if the truck will make it.
BigAl2007
Active member
I don't know how your "Local Hardware stores" up there work but here we do a lot of "networking" and help each other out. If we have something they need a couple of hours down the road we'll barter around and find a way to help each other out. I'm not talking about Lowe's and Home Depot more about your Ace, Pro, TrueValue type of stores.
If you can't find a generator ask around for Power Inverter. It's not as good as a generator but might help some "essential" devices until you can go another route.
Good luck and STAY SAFE!!
If you can't find a generator ask around for Power Inverter. It's not as good as a generator but might help some "essential" devices until you can go another route.
Good luck and STAY SAFE!!
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
Thanks for the offers and advice. Power is back on now but I needed a generator like 10 years ago. Time to do my homework.
EllieSuz
Premium Member
Everything okay in the tank? How did you keep the water moving? I've been worrying about Junior's Reef. I'm relieved you're going to buy a generator. Our little generator ran for 7 1/2 hours and ran my aquarium, the furnace, the fridge and a lamp. It just came back on and everything seems good.
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
knock on wood
knock on wood
everything is fine so far. Thanks.
I keep water moving via a Vortech battery backup. I can also plop some (car inverter powered) MJ's and a heater into the aquarium if need be.
The problem I've always encountered with generators: you have to be there at the house to fire it up UNLESS you get an "automatic-on" unit.
I've always wanted a "whole house / automatic on" generator.
It sure is nice to dream!
knock on wood
everything is fine so far. Thanks.
I keep water moving via a Vortech battery backup. I can also plop some (car inverter powered) MJ's and a heater into the aquarium if need be.
The problem I've always encountered with generators: you have to be there at the house to fire it up UNLESS you get an "automatic-on" unit.
I've always wanted a "whole house / automatic on" generator.
It sure is nice to dream!
AmherstReef
New member
Good to hear everything is ok Gary
Conesus_Kid
Premium Member
Gary, when you pull the trigger on a generator, I also highly recommend installing a manual transfer switch like this:
Although pricey, it's much safer than a "dead man's" cord run through a dryer outlet.
I have this model and it runs my well, my furnace, hot water heater, fridge, and living room outlets. (If I didn't have a well, it would free up two of the circuits!)
If you're comfortable working with electricity, it is a DIY job. I installed it myself years ago when I purchased my generator. Expect to drop ~$250 for a similar switch.
Although pricey, it's much safer than a "dead man's" cord run through a dryer outlet.
I have this model and it runs my well, my furnace, hot water heater, fridge, and living room outlets. (If I didn't have a well, it would free up two of the circuits!)
If you're comfortable working with electricity, it is a DIY job. I installed it myself years ago when I purchased my generator. Expect to drop ~$250 for a similar switch.
Sophie10
Member
I have exactly this transfer switch and exterior outlet. I had an electrician install and 10 years ago it ran about $500 installed. If you don't need the 220V, which I don't, you can have 6 breakers covered. We have a wood stove so I don't need the furnace. Painfully simple to use and can cover most of your house essentials if set up right.
Get it Gary, I got the generator and manual transfer switch above installed almost 10 years ago, and, never needed it yet!! We've been fortunate to have only short power outages. I got as far once to walk out to the garage to run the generator, and I saw a neighbors light on.
Get one, especially for the incredible beauty and value in your tank! (and cold beer!) Glad you made it through. It's worth it for the peace or mind!
Cheers,
David
davidpesce
New member
Does anyone have experience with a solar setup?
Conesus_Kid
Premium Member
For emergency power situations or for whole house use? I know that those small trickle charger panels can't keep up with minimal light use in a camper in upstate NY. We just don't get enough intense light to make pv cost effective here.
Lavoisier
Premium Member
You may want to start with a look at the Generac 7000 watt. Consumer Reports list it as a "Best Buy." If you are handy with electricity and gas hook up it is quite reasonable. If not you are looking at 3k professional installation.
davidpesce
New member
That was my initial thought as well. But apparently untrue. PV is a viable alternative even further north into Canada. If you drive through Maine and Vermont you'll see a ton as well (which prompted me to research it again).
Continued on new thread.
RandyO
Active member
Gary, when you pull the trigger on a generator, I also highly recommend installing a manual transfer switch like this:
Although pricey, it's much safer than a "dead man's" cord run through a dryer outlet.
I have this model and it runs my well, my furnace, hot water heater, fridge, and living room outlets. (If I didn't have a well, it would free up two of the circuits!)
If you're comfortable working with electricity, it is a DIY job. I installed it myself years ago when I purchased my generator. Expect to drop ~$250 for a similar switch.
I've got a similar setup for my generator. Worked wonders during the October storm a few years back. Ran the entire house for 7 days.
BigAl2007
Active member
That's a GREAT unit. We've sold a few of them through my company here in North Carolina. We sold 5 of them to the local ski area for some of their smaller applications and they have nothing but great things to say about them. Plus in terms of "House Generators" they aren't nearly as expensive as you might think but unless you're good with "Electrons" you'll need to pay an electrician to come install it. Factor that and the cost/work of setting the unit is a flat, safe and preferably "protected" location into your total budget.
The 7Kw unit wont run a whole home completely but it will allow you to run some of your essentials to get you through some tough times. Be sure to spend some time and get one that's appropriately sized for your needs.
Depending on the size of the home and what utilities it uses a 5500W can run a small home quite well and with some power to spare. You need to decide if you want to spend the money for being able to act like power never went out or to provide the essentials until power returns. Once above 5500W the price can increase quickly. I just purchased the "Vintage" Line of manual transfer switches from Gen-Trans. Very similar to the units posted. Safe and relatively inexpensive. Portable generators are not meant to be run 24/7 either. I have been running mine late afternoon and evening but have it off during the day.
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