Power generator system.

[Ken Taylor]

"Arpit" <DONTSPAMMEF00Larpit@inzo.org> wrote in message
news:9kcud152mhci7k27hhcq38jm6bj6d8tsat@4ax.com...

On Thu, 21 Jul 2005 09:42:36 +1200, "Ken Taylor" <ken123@xtra.co.nz
wrote:

"Arpit" <DONTSPAMMEF00Larpit@inzo.org> wrote in message
news:96erd1tul8nj8f4129m87ducdu4grjhtii@4ax.com...
On Tue, 19 Jul 2005 13:42:09 +1000, "Richard Freeman"
bogoff@nospam.spam> wrote:


"Trevor Wilson" <trevor@SPAMBLOCKrageaudio.com.au> wrote in message
news:42db1f6b@news.comindico.com.au...
OK, looks like Sydney will suffer some blackouts this coming Summer.
I
figure I need to start looking for a suitable generator. I figure
I'll
limit myself to 4 stroke engines, for reasons of noise, maintenance,
pollution and fuel economy. The trick, I guess is to work out how big
a
device I need. 1kVA should be adequate to run the workshop and a TV
or
two. How big will I need to go to run the 'fridge as well? Maybe the
microwave. I guess the microwave won't require substantial start-up
capacity, but the 'fridge will. How well can generators cope with
motor
start-ups? Any thoughts, experiences and suggestions will be welcome.


A problem with 1 kva units is that they tend to be plasticy noisy and
a bit shoddy. We have some in our SES unit, but we basically NEVER use
em, primarily coz we normally run 1500 watt lights though.

The generators we use tend to be 3.5kva, 5kva an 9kva models with
-earth stake
-rcd
and I think, sieze protection.

YOu should look at getting a generator with all of the above, and
similarly sized, since it will be of better quality, allow start up
surges and weird power factors, and prevent bad damage if oil runs
out.
They are 2 stroke, and are a bit noisy, but it isnt really a problem
if you run thm away from the house like you are supposed to.

Also If you're getting a generator, pick up a dry chemical or co2
fire extinguisher to use with it.
A few Years ago - prob 6? after the Storms I ended up running a 5KVA
Honda
Genny I borrowed off my boss for several days (off and on mainly during
the
day to keep the fridge running) until we got the power Back. It was not
quiet however it was not to loud either and we hid it in the Garden
shed
which baffled a lot of the Sound.

-really dangerous mate. Its a fire hazard, and a suffocation hazard
when you go in there to refuel/turn it off.

Running a generator in a confined space is a big no-no
My wife even ran the Dryer off it as well as the Fridge etc and we
supplied
my parents place next door.
Of course at 5KVA it did not skip a beat and Fuel consumption was not
as
bad
as I expected.

oh hang on I was going to ask why you think we will have more blackouts
than
usual this summer ?

Regards
Richard Freeman



Running a diesel generator at too low a load (generally considered to be
about 30% of rating) can lead to coking and/or damage to the genset. Not
sure of petrol gen's, but if you intend to run this continuously for days
on
end then diesel is a better option (ratings notwithstanding).


Why is the latter comment the case?
Ken

A diesel will cope better with continual running if you're after longevity
(so I'm told by both dieso's and gen-set manufacturers, who clearly wouldn't
lead me astray . I've looked into gen-sets for remote installations
before and this is the conclusion drawn. Happy to hear from others.....

Lower power rating gen-sets seem to be petrol driven, but given that they
are aimed at a domestic market they probably won't be used for days on end
anyway. I guess hope that Sydney doesn't have to cope with weeks of blackout
like Auckland CBD, or even days at a time repeatedly.

Cheers.

Ken

 

[Terry Collins]

The Real Andy wrote:

We use one of the 1.1kva units for camping, usually runs for about
14hours straight - running a radio, two large bar fridges and 2-3
40watt bulbs. We leave it running around the clock, and only stop it
to top up the oil each morning.

Model number?

was it 4 stroke?