Emergency Generator

[THAIPHUKET]

How strong should it be. 2 person household, house got 2 medium sized Aircon. Normal household appliances, LED lamps? Any recommendations regarding the generator itself?

[Crossy]

Are the A/Cs inverter type or conventional?

 

If we assume they are 18,000 BTU each then you are looking at something like a 6kVA genset if they are inverter, possibly double that (say 10kVA) if they are conventional (large startup surge). Could you survive on one A/C?

 

What's your preferred fuel? Petrol gensets are cheaper than diesel but burn a more expensive fuel.

 

I would certainly go for one of the "silent" types unless you are miles from anyone else, the open frame units are noisy! 

 

I'd also ensure they are electric start / stop so you can add an automatic transfer switch for seamless operation (going outside in the dark and the rain to start the beast gets old very rapidly). There are a lot of units on the market now that are "ATS ready" or come with an ATS ready to install.

 

Installation isn't rocket science but you'll need a sparks unless you are competent DIYing electrics.

 

 

[Swiss1960]

"Emergency" for me means keeping the fridge(s), few lights, wifi, water pump and security system running, but definitely no AC, pool pump, washing machine etc. That would reduce output needed and cost considerably 

[Crossy]

We like to continue life as normal when the PEA has decided that we don't actually need power.

 

So our baby 6kVA unit runs everything except the water heaters and big irrigation pumps. It even runs our two inverter A/Cs without blinking (12,000 and 24,000 BTU units).

 

[THAIPHUKET]

@Swiss 1960

as you i want quiet and operation. Yes we do do with one. Any solution how to provide for guest room cooling, Although in the rainy season less likely.

[brianthainess]

17 hours ago, Crossy said:

What's your preferred fuel? Petrol gensets are cheaper than diesel but burn a more expensive fuel.

But petrol is a lot quieter. My eclectic rarely goes off all day, normally 2-3 hours max, as long as i have a floor fan 50w, TV 50w, Internet, I can survive, with just a 500w inverter run from my car. I have isolated the electrics in one room with a simple on/off switch so i can run my electrics from the inverter. I also got the router moved into that room, at no cost from TOT. 

[yankyoakum]

Worth looking at LP gas/propane, both diesel and petrol can go bad and cause issues with starting and running and maintenance, LP does not have that problem and carburetor stays clean, also oil stays clean longer. Had a 20KW in USA run from natural gas, in 10 years had no issues, also had a 200 amp transfer panel. Still looking for one here 5 to 6 KW duel fuel but in Sattahip we have not had a lot of issues with power. Back up generator is on the wish list here...