Subject: Re: ICE Storm by BillH on 2009/1/29 14:42:19
Quote:
ghoffman wrote: You don't really have to get fancy, mine is a pull start, 5500 watt noisy thing. I plug it into the 220 V, 50 Amp welder circuit in the garage. I trip the primary breaker to the street first. Then with the garage 220 V breaker off, I plug in the generator via a 6 foot, 8 gauge cable, then start it outside. Once it is running, I trip the breaker on in the garage and now the entire garage and house are up. All the appliances are now up (gas water heater, furnace, range), well pump, and with a house full of compact fluorescents, most of the house can be lit. We can't use the big TV, but hey, I can live watching a 12 inch screen!
Noisy? Yea, well. I bought my Generac 15 years ago for the track. It's 4000 w and does run my 110v mig. But, man, it's noisy at the track. One of the guys I pit with bought a Honda 4000w (so he could power the A/C in his trailer,sigh) and you can barely hear it run. But, mine cost $450 and the Honda is $1200.
It's interesting how you plug it in, Gary. Especially with the "Transfer Switches" costing $500+. I'll have to try it. I usually run 2 extension cords. One to the furnace and one upstairs for lights/tv/computer.
