Generators -- kinda OT

[naprestsleep]

So I have been amassing backup/spares for most of the critical components on my tank and the biggest issue I still have to deal with is a secondary power source. I have a UPS connected to my MP40w's which should give me a few hours of flow. What I would like to do is get a generator to have as backup for the tank and some of the house.

Needs powder:
Tank -- 2 mp40w, 500w heater, Reeflo Dart (under 200watts) skimmer (75ish watts, I forgot what it was).
Furnace (95% efficient gas furnace, I know there are code issues with running a furnace off an extension cord)
Refrig (older Kenmore unit)
Microwave
a bunch of CFL bulbs
Maybe a TV or laptop if TW cable was up

Can someone recommend a size to look at and maybe a brand(or engine brand). At the fire department we use Honda generators, I like them but don't think I can afford one.

If I have enough cash for this project I do plan to have an electrician add me a sub panel and transfer switch, but for now I plan on extension cords.

Thanks -- Joe

 

[dadoftwins]

tractor supply has some great deals ,thats where i bought mine. as for the watts im not really sure but sounds like a 5500 or 6500 watt would work for your needs

 

[Jacwil]

I got a 5500 last yr and when we lost power it handled all my tank needs...oh wait ya mean I should have worried about the house "stuff" too?

 

[block head]

i borrowed my parents portable last year. less than ideal, but it got the job done. was able to run the fridge,nano ,space heater, and a couple other odds and ends.

 

[rjmayes34]

I'd get the biggest you can afford because the more juice the more ya can run. Get a double male end extension cord and plug it the generator and In an outlet in your home, what ever curcits are on the same side of circut you plugged into(in your breaker box) will have power. Then you only need the 1 power cord. Hope your furnace, fridge, and tank circurs are on the same side if not nevermind.

 

[reefman5511]

Couple things you don't want to run off the generator:
1. high efficiency furnace
2. computer
3. good TV
Generators don't put out a steady current & a spike could fry most of the above.

 

[rjmayes34]

Reefman has a good point and i'd recomend getting a surge protecter for the above mentioned anyways. Hate to fry anything cause of a spkie. It can happen as often with a generator as with the grid so I'd say get a surge protector regardless.

 

[Srixon]

I have a whole house surge protector........came with the place so I power up the whole house through the panel

 

[naprestsleep]

I have wanted to add a whole house surge when I do finally add a sub panel, right now my panel pretty full.

 

[pascal32]

I use a 2200 sustained Kipor - it's quiet (none of the really cheap generators are) so it can run all night. Refrigerators draw a ton of power, leave the doors closed and all is well. if its less than 12 hours the house will be fine, tell the girls to get sweaters. if longer I would splice into the furnace (80%) and run it.

The thing is that a power failure is inconvenient - good time for the fireplace, board games and just the necessities

 

[spinoleo]

if you get a quality generator honda or craftsman they have good voltage regulators and you can power your whole house on a 5500w w/6500 surge even tvs or furnaces 95%-80%.with a generator you will not get the surge its the low voltage cheep generators make.the power coming into your house from the power company's on the 120/240v can very at anytime + or - 10%

 

[Usernametaken]

All you really need to run are your sump return and a heater/chiller.
Keep it at that and look at a Honda.
Efficient, quiet and they run forever. Nothing beats a Honda stationary engine for lifecycle.