Cheap Power Backup

[Willow]

i have been a bit paranoid about power outages in the last year. my current system is kinda lame so i found this generator, it's perfect! 1200 watt's and is tiny. the price (299.00) was basically the same as a deep cycle battery backup so it's pretty affordable.

anyway thought i would share for anyone looking for a deal.

http://www.johnhaisell.com/reef/canreef/gen.jpg

http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortments/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=140847439 6669870&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474396670271&bmUID=1142280842273&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524443288410&assortment=primary&fromSearch=true

[fkshiu]

I've been thinking about a secondary power source myself especially since I know my electricity will be intermittent during home renovations.

Anyone ever heard of using a "power pack" as opposed to a gas generator or a UPS?

http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortments/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444327 1702&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=2534374303517494&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=2534374303517530&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=1408474396670121&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396670121&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474396670271&bmUID=1142282803965

[GMGQ]

Interesting find. So how does it run when it's on? Does it start up like a lawn mower?

And I assume you have to be home to plug in whatever you want to power? It's not plugged in in-line, and come on automatically when the power cuts out?

[TheReefGeek]

Does this have to be run outside because of fumes?

[Willow]

Interesting find. So how does it run when it's on? Does it start up like a lawn mower?

And I assume you have to be home to plug in whatever you want to power? It's not plugged in in-line, and come on automatically when the power cuts out?

it's a 4 stroke engine, takes unleaded and has a rip cord. runs for around 6 hours on a tank of gas. yes you must be there to start it when the power goes out.

[Willow]

Does this have to be run outside because of fumes?

umm yeah, carbon dioxide tends to kill people in confined areas.

[TheReefGeek]

Anyone running a generator that will kick in automatically when the power goes out?

[Delphinus]

I kinda doubt it, although it would be an interesting DIY project. First, wait until a neighbour starts to work on his '57 Chevy. Wait for him to have a bathroom break but hopefully he leaves the hood open (offer beer to help speed the process along). Then, while he's inside, quickly remove the starter, install the starter on your generator and away you go!

Disclaimer: I'm not 100% certain a starter motor from a '57 Chevy is the only option.

[mark]

It's a rather easy DIY to have autostart if the generator already has a electric (battery starter) just using contactors and relays. The only real caution is having 'break before make' contactor for supplying load to ensure you don't tie the generator and utility together (transfer switch function).

[TheReefGeek]

Can you describe a bit more what you mean by

tie the generator and utility together

[mr_alberta]

Have you fired it up? How loud is it? Hmm, I wonder if I can convert it to natural gas...I get a free NG hookup on my balcony for my apartment :lol:

[mark]

Can you describe a bit more what you mean by

You won't be able to match phase so can't have the generator supplying to the same point as utility at the same time (think shorting 240v).

[Delphinus]

It depends on how you're running the generator, but, say, if your house is cutoff from power, you can use a generator to power your household outlets (e.g., fridge, etc.). The only problem with that is you need to be isolated from your upstream electrical provider (ie., have your main breaker off).

[mark]

It depends on how you're running the generator, but, say, if your house is cutoff from power, you can use a generator to power your household outlets (e.g., fridge, etc.). The only problem with that is you need to be isolated from your upstream electrical provider (ie., have your main breaker off).

Device to transfer load and isolate is done through a 'transfer switch' (common search-able term), can be manual or automated (no need to touch breakers). A automated transfer switch is not beyond the DIY (though thinking my wife would probably be concerned if I said "look what I did").

[Willow]

or for 10k cheaper you could drag your ass out to the porch and start the generator and haul the extention cord inside.

[Willow]

Have you fired it up? How loud is it? Hmm, I wonder if I can convert it to natural gas...I get a free NG hookup on my balcony for my apartment :lol:

nope, have to get some oil. will let you know.

[StirCrazy]

I've been thinking about a secondary power source myself especially since I know my electricity will be intermittent during home renovations.

Anyone ever heard of using a "power pack" as opposed to a gas generator or a UPS?

http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortments/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444327 1702&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=2534374303517494&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=2534374303517530&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=1408474396670121&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396670121&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474396670271&bmUID=1142282803965

that will only last about 6 hours with a 1amp draw.. not worth the money in my opinion.

Steve

[StirCrazy]

or for 10k cheaper you could drag your ass out to the porch and start the generator and haul the extention cord inside.

naa, for 4K you can get a 7KW natural gas generator with transfer switch.. probably cost another 500.00 to have it installed.

Steve

[Paverdude]

I have a 7500 watt that starts whenever the power goes out (happens lots in the country)

[TheReefGeek]

Paverdude, any more details for us?

or for 10k cheaper you could drag your ass out to the porch and start the generator and haul the extention cord inside.

That is if you are home when it happens. I would eventually like a backup so I know my reef stays alive when I am gone for two weeks. Or even a weekend. Without water circulation and heaters for a weekend you are screwed.

[Paverdude]

It's a big Deisol unit inside a out bulding i had it installed

when a power failure is detedted it disconects my house from the grid and fires up, when it sences the power is back on it shuts down and reconects to the grid

[Xtasia]

It's a rather easy DIY to have autostart if the generator already has a electric (battery starter) just using contactors and relays. The only real caution is having 'break before make' contactor for supplying load to ensure you don't tie the generator and utility together (transfer switch function).


oy. :cry: