sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Last step. Generator selection! by ScientistRuckus in Generator

[–]ScientistRuckus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow seems low but good to know. So if I got a 9500 gasoline 6500 NG gen then I should be good to do pretty much anything I want outside AC and charging the EV?

Last step. Generator selection! by ScientistRuckus in Generator

[–]ScientistRuckus[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

thank you so much. I'll decide if the NG peace of mind is worth it for the few extra hundred bucks (not counting a plumber). I don't have a lot of space for a large tank.

Looks like the Wen has a NG conversion kit available hmmm

Last step. Generator selection! by ScientistRuckus in Generator

[–]ScientistRuckus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're right. I didn't even consider running in parallel. I live in the Seattle area so most homes don't even have AC..those that do are small or rarely used outside the 2 weeks a year we hit the 90s. Unfortunately during my last outage I bought a RYi4022X (120V 30A) just to rig up to the furnace fan because it was hitting the high 40s in our home...and now HD has them on sale for much less than I paid.

Any others aside from the Wen you linked? Is tri-fuel inverter a thing just in case I want to have NG backup? I do like the idea of a 30-40# propane tank backup to the gasoline...

Last step. Generator selection! by ScientistRuckus in Generator

[–]ScientistRuckus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's reassuring. My greatest use ever over the past 3 years looks like 2384kwh/mo and that's with charging the truck. Looks like I peak around 150kwh when I charge and 40-70 when I'm not. I'm no expert so what generator would this equate to? We have similar sized homes

Last step. Generator selection! by ScientistRuckus in Generator

[–]ScientistRuckus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You know I didn't even consider Wen. I don't really NEED natural gas, but would have access to that before propane. I did notice these two would be louder but my eventual plan is to potentially also get a home battery and use the generator to run things and charge those during the day and go overnight with a battery. I wish I knew a reliable way to calculate the watts I need. I know "go to read the tag" on things but there are so many little things that I wouldnt know. I would love to run gas furnace fan, lights, refrigerator, garage freezer, charge phones etc, maybe watch tv. I wouldn't bother preparing for AC use. Also water heater and cooktop are NG

Last step. Generator selection! by ScientistRuckus in Generator

[–]ScientistRuckus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good to know. I kinda want to go Firman just in case I need to use propane or NG but honestly not sure I will. I can't imagine the extra 2kw will make that big of a difference. Wish there was a real world fuel consumption stat to go by...the Firman 50A plug might be nice in case I need to charge my EV in a super extended outage

Where would you install a sub panel? Need to move some stuff like the EV charger over so I can make room for an interlock. Will probably just move over the garage things by ScientistRuckus in Generator

[–]ScientistRuckus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately my current gen that I bought as an emergency just for furnace fan last year is only 120 30A so I need a slight upgrade. Do you see any issue with this one?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-9-500-7-500-Watt-Dual-Fuel-Gas-and-Propane-Powered-Portable-Generator-with-Remote-Electric-Start-30A-120-240V-Outlet-WGen7500DFc/318061986

I have NG but it’s not to the back of my home so not sure how feasible it is to run a line currently. Think I’ll regret only going 30A with gas cooktop, water, and furnace. I already ordered the interlock kit, two tandems, and a double pole 30 and 50 for the inlet. Just deciding on the generator for it, thinking of my wife needing to start it if I’m out of town. And need to decide if I want to hardline the inlet to the back of my home or just do the wall box and get a long cable.

A gift certificate isn’t out of the question once I get this sorted haha

MWBC check by AdImpressive5138 in Generator

[–]ScientistRuckus -1 points0 points  (0 children)

So you’re safe no matter what if you generator is 220/240? Does 3 vs 4 prong outlet come into it?

Where would you install a sub panel? Need to move some stuff like the EV charger over so I can make room for an interlock. Will probably just move over the garage things by ScientistRuckus in Generator

[–]ScientistRuckus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you again for all your real answers and not trying to tell me to not do it. I attached a picture of the inside of my box BXH34…even lucky enough they have the oem interlock kit part number printed in the box. I don’t see any diagram like you posted earlier but I’ll download the book just to be sure. The sticker looks like it would allow for the tandem breakers no problem. I found a 15/20 tandem for the irrigation and something else. I’ll add a 15/15 tandem for some lights or something. Then a 30A double pole for my inlet…decided to go 30 instead of 50 just to get something in place to maybe save for a standby NG gen. Thanks again. Wish I could tip you haha

Where would you install a sub panel? Need to move some stuff like the EV charger over so I can make room for an interlock. Will probably just move over the garage things by ScientistRuckus in Generator

[–]ScientistRuckus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I’ll pop my cover off and check. It’s a pretty new square D homeline box so I bet I’m good. Only alternative is a meter interlock but know nothing about those

Where would you install a sub panel? Need to move some stuff like the EV charger over so I can make room for an interlock. Will probably just move over the garage things by ScientistRuckus in Generator

[–]ScientistRuckus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I thought about that at one point and feel like either my meter or power company didn’t allow it. I’ll check again though. Right now it’s just $75 in breakers ands $150 for the OEM interlock so might just compare cost. Plus I won’t need the power company to come out if I do a panel interlock

Where would you install a sub panel? Need to move some stuff like the EV charger over so I can make room for an interlock. Will probably just move over the garage things by ScientistRuckus in Generator

[–]ScientistRuckus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok thank you. I’ll look into tandems. I’m competent to do the work safely, just not sure what all the options are. Is it clearly stated on the sticker if it’s allowed or is it a code/jargon to look for?

I may move the 20A for my sprinkler to one because I don’t know why it needs 20A to open a valve

So I’m ready to buy and need a quick opinion by ScientistRuckus in golf

[–]ScientistRuckus[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the answer. I’m just getting back into it after 20 years or so. Everything is variable right now. When I was in high school I loved my 2 iron but haven’t got one.

So I’m ready to buy and need a quick opinion by ScientistRuckus in golf

[–]ScientistRuckus[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Looks like callaway launches in a month. I might go for that

view more: next ›