select home backup generator

[alternety]

I need to pick a generator for a residential backup. Poor power reliability in the area and things like freezer, well pump, water pressure pump, smart septic system, really need power continuity.

I need LP fueled, 12-15 KW, quiet, RELIABLE. Good sinewave and electrical noise levels. Preferably brushless. In other words, like the power gird (or at least like it ought to be).

I have spent a lot of time trying to find comparisons to no avail.

Generac is cheap and has significantly lower acoustic noise but I have found assorted comments about bad reliability. Kholer seems to be better reliability but rather loud in comparison to generac.

Does anyone have some relevant information to pick a manufacturer/unit?

 

[itsmoked]

I commend your choice of LP. That is THE most reliable as occationally used gasoline is a major reliability headache.

My suggestion is that you find a VERY quiet unit. Loud ones radically limit your running times due to neighbor torture and anger. A major help in this aspect is a couple of stout extension cords that you can toss over the fence to your neighbors. They usually turn a very deaf ear in your direction after that. (And think you are a godsend to boot.)

To wit: Look at packaged quieted versions. Ones that come in silenced enclosures. Have you checked with Costco? The very short time you actually run emergency generators can preclude most quality concerns. Just stay away form Coleman.

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[alternety]

I am on a five acre lot. Nasty extention cord length. Particularly where it crosses the road.

The Generac is 6 db quieter than the Kohler. But I question reliability. Last week the power was out for about 36 hours. It was tyhe wind. In a 100 year flood (which was being predicted a couple of weeks ago), it could be a long time indeed. I won't flood, but the space between me and the rest of the US will. It also needs to start; even if infrequently.

I am looking for someone with experience with generators or a good source of relative merits.

I did not check Costco. You remind me that I have seen them advertising generators. I will look.

 

[itsmoked]

waross does a lot of these he will no doubt have an opinion on good brands.

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[Mike2468]

I think that your question is: reliability of permanently installed vs portable generators.

A professional permanent unit, using LP and a proper transfer switch, is an excellent solution for several thousand dollars.

A gas powered portable unit is an excellent temporary solution for several hundred dollars.

The only question is: how much do you want to pay vs what do you get.

In our area, we get a major black-out about 1 day every 2-4 years. A "home-builder contractor grade, Honda portable gas generator" has worked flawlessly for me. And it is small enough that I loaned it to a few neighbors during the blackout to keep their sump pumps and refrigerators OK. Everyone was very happy.

 

[alternety]

What I am looking for is information to select the brand of the permanent LP fueled backup generator.

 

[waross]

Thanks for your confidence in me Keith.
Actually I seldom run into any thing but diesel sets. I have no knowledge of the brands of gas sets.
I remember seeing an installation years ago of a pair of Chev 350's converted to natural gas for generator service.
I understand that most gas sets (natural gas, butane or propane) are converted gasoline engines. I suspect there are probably some nice industrial gas engines based on propane forklift engines but I don't know for sure.
Some of the problems with gasoline motors on standby have to do with the evaporation of the gasoline in the carburetor when the engine sits for long periods of time.
#1 When the carburetor is dry, you have extended cranking times. Cranking an engine is not an efficient way to pump a dry carberetor full of gas in a hurry. Some sets may time out on the overcrank timer and lock-out.
#2 When the gasoline evaporates it may leave behind varnish like deposits which foul the jets.
#3 If the gasoline is damp it will leave behind free water when it evaporates. The water will take much longer to evaporate and will spend its time causing corrosion which will also foul the jets.
#4 On the older sets, the fuel tanks usually breathed and were prone to developing damp gas when sitting for long periods of time.
I suppose that with a fuel injected engine complete with an EPA approved vapour tight fuel cap these issues are much reduced.
These issues are avoided with gaseous fuel.
It is my understanding that gaseous fuel engines are much cleaner running than gasoline engines and the oil and internal engine parts stay cleaner, longer.
It looks like you are making good decisions so far.
I would check the brand or maker of the engine rather than the whole set. Small engine brands are a lot more recognizable than small gen-set brands and to me the engine is the most important part.
Lets hope someone with experience with specific brands posts in.
respectfully