X10 Living - Generators

After a disaster, a generator's roar is like music to the ears...

Investing in a generator is a significant expense that should be carefully considered, especially when preparing for emergencies. While not everyone may have the financial resources to purchase a generator outright, it can be a crucial priority for those living in areas prone to power outages or natural disasters. A reliable power source can ensure the safety and comfort of your household during unforeseen events. For those unable to afford a generator, networking with a like-minded community can be a valuable alternative. Coming together and sharing resources in times of crisis can provide mutual support and enhance overall peace of mind. By prioritizing emergency preparedness and making community connections, you can create a more secure environment for everyone involved.

Consider using a dual fuel generator that can also run on propane or natural gas. These fuels tend to cause less contamination of the engine oil compared to gasoline, leading to longer oil life. More importantly, dual fuel offers more options for running your generator, which woud be hugely beneficial if there is a gas shortage.

Choosing A Generator

When choosing the size of your generator, it's essential to consider which appliances you plan to run during an outage. Start by listing all the devices and systems you intend to power, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, heaters, lights, and electronics. Each appliance has a specific wattage requirement, and adding these up will give you an estimate of your total power needs. Keep in mind that some appliances have higher starting wattages compared to their running wattages. This information is crucial because selecting a generator that can't handle the load will result in inefficient operation and potential damage to both the generator and your appliances. By understanding your power requirements, you can choose a generator that ensures reliable and safe operation during emergencies.

Below is a list of items to consider, that you could potentially run from a generator, taking power loads into consideration.

Generator Safety

Proper Ventilation

- Always operate your generator outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
- Keep it away from windows, doors, and vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Consider Position

- Placement should be logical, taking into consideration where you will be running your extension cords.
- Consider noise and security after SAFETY.
- Keep the generator dry and protected from rain and moisture to prevent electrical hazards.
- Operate the generator on a dry surface under an open, canopy-like structure.

Avoid Overloading

- Do not overload the generator by connecting more appliances than it can handle.
- Check the generator’s wattage rating and match it with your power needs.

Fuel Storage and Handling

- Store fuel in approved containers, away from living areas.
- Turn off the generator and let it cool before refueling to avoid fire hazards.

Extension Cords

- Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords with sufficient power capacity.
- Ensure cords are free of cuts and damage and have three-prong plugs for grounding.

Regular Maintenance

- Perform regular maintenance as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Scroll for maintenance tips.
- Check and change the oil, air filters, and spark plugs as needed.

Proper Installation

- If connecting the generator to your home’s electrical system, ensure it is installed by a qualified electrician.
- Use a transfer switch to prevent backfeeding, which can be dangerous to utility workers and damage your generator.

Safe Operation

- Never operate the generator in enclosed spaces such as garages or basements.
- Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and safety instructions.

Shutting Down Safely

- Turn off and unplug all appliances before shutting down the generator.
- Allow the generator to cool before moving or storing it.

Emergency Preparedness

- Keep a working carbon monoxide detector in your home when using a generator.
- Have a fire extinguisher nearby and ensure everyone knows how to use it.

Noise Levels

- Generators can be very loud, especially some of the heavier duty, commercial models. Consider wearing ear protection when working around your generator.
- Be mindful of pets around your generator. The noise and vibrations will scare your pets.

By following these safety tips, you can ensure the safe and effective operation of your generator, protecting both your home and your loved ones.

Maintaining A Generator

Maintaining a generator properly ensures it runs efficiently and lasts longer. If you have been through a power outage for any period of time, especially in a warmer and/or humid climate, you will know that it can be miserable. Regular maintenance, and following these tips, ensures your generator remains reliable and efficient.

Synthetic Oil

Switching to synthetic oil can double the oil change interval (e.g., from 50 hours to 100 hours). However, the oil change process is quick and straightforward, typically taking about 10 minutes. You will need a wrench, a drain pan, a measuring cup, oil, and a funnel.

Break-In Period

Only switch to synthetic oil after the generator has been broken in according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Synthetic oil can be too slippery for proper break-in.

Oil Specifications

Always use oil that meets the manufacturer's recommended weight and specifications, such as API SL.

Oil Level Check

For continuous use, check the oil level after every 1-2 refills or every 24-48 hours. This is crucial as generators tend to burn oil more as they age. Keeping the oil level full is essential since the oil lubricates and helps regulate engine temperature.

Magnetic Drain Plug and Dipstick

Installing a magnetic drain plug and dipstick can help capture metal debris, providing minimal filtration, which is better than none. This is an inexpensive but not essential addition.

Regular Operation

Run the generator with loads for 20 minutes to an hour every six months to keep it lubricated and minimize moisture buildup. This helps reduce the formation of corrosive agents in the oil.

Other Maintenance Items

Remember to maintain other components like air filters and spark plugs according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Before storing your generator, if it still has gas in the fuel tank, be sure to add a stabilizer, such as STA-BIL, to the fuel. Then turn the gas lever to the off position and run the generator until it stops, to rid any lingering gas from the carburetor. The ethanol in gas will jam things up.

You could also opt to use what is known as "recreational fuel", if you can find it, which is old school fuel without ethanol that is used for boats and other vehicles that may be sat for a time.

Security

Consider securing your generator with a chain and lock to prevent theft.

Thoughts from Lynda... July 15th 2024

Having successfully used my Generac 6,500 watt beast (Jenny) after Hurricane Beryl, I would like to share a few nuggets of my personal experience.

I had wanted a generator for many years, having gone two weeks without power after Hurricane Ike, and I don't even know how long after being flooded from Hurricane Harvey. I bought Jenny a few years back and she stayed in the box until a few weeks before Beryl, following a nagging gut feeling that I needed to get ready for hurricane season. We had also been through some freak storms in Texas, weeks earlier.

She was put together by my son, and initially placed under the porch on the front deck a couple of weeks before Beryl. When the power went out - BEFORE Beryl had reached this area - I calmly studied the manual, added the oil, turned the fuel to "ON", put the choke on, and after realizing she needed to be switched into the "ON" position on the front panel, she fired right up! Boy, did I feel accomplished.

Jenny came with a large, long extension cord with three outlets. This ran through a front window and across the living room. I blocked up gaps in the window with paper towel. I ran additional extension cords from these three outlets to my refrigerator, the office, and a charging station. I was able to power my PC and Starlink in the office to access the Internet. The charging station comprised a multi outlet setup for phones, flashlights, handheld ham radio, and a couple of chargers for my Milwaukee batteries, which were used for a portable fan.

While I was still learning about starting and running loads, and not sure how long gas would be in supply, I was careful to not run Jenny too much, alterating the fridge and the other appliances. I quickly learned that Jenny was a hoss, and was more than capable of running everything. We would just switch out heavy load items, such as unplugging the fridge if we used the toaster or microwave.

On day 2, a very good friend bought and installed a window AC unit for the living area. Heat and humidity have always been unbearable for me. We also moved Jenny to the back of the house, where the kitchen is, which was much quieter and allowed for a direct connection to the fridge

She had no issue running the AC unit, fridge/freezer, Starlink and computers, lamps, box fan, Arlo security cameras, and a few chargers. She was a little thirsty with her 7.2 gallon tank lasting around 12 hours on a full load. Using premium gas, this can get quite spendy! But... I was cool and comfortable. Thank God!

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