Lost power

[hollback]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15120623#post15120623 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RokleM
Actually, you need to be careful with cigarette lighters and/or utility outlet in the vehicle, you MUST READ your manual to see what max draw is.

Luckily the inverter I have connects directly to the battery and not through a cigarette lighter outlet.

 

[sammie]

I have a large floor model Toshiba UPS that needs batteries if anyone is interested. It has both 110v and 220v outlets. I use one, a 30 amp model, that will keep large pumps running for about 8 hrs.

 

[jh2pizza]

I have a large floor model Toshiba UPS that needs batteries if anyone is interested. It has both 110v and 220v outlets. I use one, a 30 amp model, that will keep large pumps running for about 8 hrs.

Bring a friend or a very strong back. Its not light.

 

[szwab]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15120623#post15120623 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RokleM
Actually, you need to be careful with cigarette lighters and/or utility outlet in the vehicle, you MUST READ your manual to see what max draw is. Many of those are made for very low draw, and if you hook a 500-1000w inverter up, you can easily fry your wires. It's almost always best to hook straight to the battery with clamps.

Just with UPS's, generators, etc, it's best to look for an inverter that produces a true sine wave (if running any AC equipment which the fast majority of us are) to ensure it doesn't damage your pumps/powerheads.

+1

Couple of years ago had the car running in the driveway for 2 days powering my tank. Went and got a generator after that It's loud but the neighbors don't mind so much after I toss them an extention cord.

 

[RokleM]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15122526#post15122526 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hollback
Luckily the inverter I have connects directly to the battery and not through a cigarette lighter outlet.

Yup, that was more in reference to the questions about key in the ignition to get the cigarette live.

 

[hollback]

Got it Eric.

I'm really torn between spending a bunch on a portable generator or $2000 on a whole house standby unit. I see positives and negatives to both besides initial cost.

 

[szwab]

Battery clamps are a must. although mine weren't long enough to set the inverter in a good spot, had to improvise to keep the inverter dry and not sitting on top of the engine.

 

[szwab]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15125468#post15125468 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hollback
Got it Eric.

I'm really torn between spending a bunch on a portable generator or $2000 on a whole house standby unit. I see positives and negatives to both besides initial cost.

I'd go whole house if spending that much. unless you're neighborhood assoc. don't allow them. Which IMO is silly (sorry Eric )

 

[GW81]

anyone have advice on a good inverter that could run two tunze and a heater if needed?

 

[jiriki]

My inverter was designed for a laptop so it was good enough to run a few powerheads. I bought mine at Microcenter. It's really small.

I was about to hook up my refridgerator to my car with a 1500w inverter. Just as we were about to plug it in, the power to the house came back I believe the inverter was a cheap model from harbor freight (I'd look elsewhere for a higher quality unit). It was on loan to me at the time... it did have terminal clamps.




Whole house would be nice. Adds resale value to your home too. $2k sounds like a really good deal. Does that include the install cost?

 

[hollback]

No that's without installation but the unit is a Generac Guardian 12kw unit.

 

[MarineFishGuy]

Wow, that is a good deal. I was looking at a Generac 8kw and they wanted more than that plus install if I remember correctly.

I would not get a whole house unit that is less than 10Kw personally.
Especially when you consider many portable generators are 5-6kw.

 

[Norm R]

Love my Generac.

 

[jakano]

I was really considering getting a hole house unit then decided against it since I have only ever lost power at my house for a long period once and that was when hurricane Ike blew through. When the power was off for a couple of hours that day I realized it was going to be awhile since mine never fails so I ran to Lowes and bought a generator before the mad rush hit and they were all sold out. I have since never used it. It was only a 3250k unit but it ran my main return pump , a tunze, a heater, my fridge, and my deep freeze with no problem. Norm we live close does your power ever go out?

 

[Norm R]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15128894#post15128894 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jakano
Norm we live close does your power ever go out?

Ocaisionally...then I was down for 3+ days last September after the wind storm. If I had not had the Generac, I wouldn't be answering you right now because I'd be out of the hobby...

 

[jh2pizza]

If I had not had the Generac, I wouldn't be answering you right now because I'd be out of the hobby...

Come on. You would not get out of the hobby completely. Your into it too much. I could see you down sizing to a a nano. ( about a 300G nano)