Re: Generator for power outages?
 

Also if the power is out, it is likely raining outside and plugging in electrical cords in the rain and running an electrical generator in a downpour is likely not a great idea. :eek:

Re: Generator for power outages?
 

That's kind of my point. Which do you prefer, the risk of electrocution or of CO poisoning? :lol:

Re: Generator for power outages?
 

I'm not sure I see the problems you're warning about. Keeping the generator dry yet ventilated seems easy enough with the proper initial set-up.

And how long is an "excessively long" power cord? ;) Our house isn't so large.

I'd certainly do my best not to allow rain to fall on the generator itself, but that would seem easy enough if one kept it well tucked away from the weather on a covered porch or patio, or even in the garage....

Re: Generator for power outages?
 

The problems come from running relatively high power through power cords for prolonged periods of time, and especially when using "splitters" or power strips. They can over heat, making a fire risk. If you go down the "extension cord route" be sure to use a heavy duty cord. I have one myself, for large power tools, and it is much heavier than a regular power cord.
But a covered porch or patio is what you referred to above really the risk of CO poisoning, plus the fire risk of having a running gasoline-powered engine close to the house. Sure, all these risks are arguably small, but when there is a major power outage you often hear of some catastrophe resulting from poor generating safety awareness. :(

Re: Generator for power outages?
 

I'm puzzled by this... I said this in my previous post, here in Point #3:

Hmmm..I'll repeat what I said in my previous post, point #1.

A covered porch or patio isn't really a risk, IMO, as long as it's open enough to fresh air yet covered enough (roofed) to prevent rain or snow getting in. I've seen family and neighbours here who manage to run generators fairly successfully. All are aware of risks, and none have had major problems with a variety of set-ups

So then how (and where) do you set up your portable generator to ensure safety for your family?

Re: Generator for power outages?
 

Like me, you are prepared to take an indepent line on some of the risks, and I broadly agree with your assessment. The typicall advice is that a covered porch has mulitple risk issues, it appears that you and I both disagree to some degree with that view.
Considering the risks and circumstances at the time, the only time I ever set it up, it was outside but near the garage.

Re: Generator for power outages?
 

OK, I'm not going to mince words here. That just f#cking stupid and dangerous.
ALWAYS use a transfer switch, period.

Back feeding your house electrical supply through a dryer outlet means the dryer plug you rigged has live pins exposed if the cord comes out. It means you have potentially unprotected (no breaker) outlets on your house circuit. Even if you want to put your family lives at risk, then what about utility workers? You just fed 240v to the grid. Any utility worker out trying to restore power might reasonably think a line they disconnected would not have voltage on it.

Re: Generator for power outages?
 

We have a transfer switch at home as we have a large unit and I thought this was the only option.
However a board certified electrician who is also a power lineman told me if the generator could not power the whole house it was possible to connect to specific circuit breakers on the main panel.
I agree 100% any type of home rigged electrical hook is just plain dangerous.
In Virginia more people are usually killed after a hurricane due to misuse of generators and chain saws

Re: Generator for power outages?
 

I suppose it all depends on the type of covered porch or patio (or carport, etc.) one has.... This should not be an "enclosed" space--which would indeed seem a risky place to put a generator. But I would think a solid-floored and solid-roofed yet unwalled structure such as a decent-sized porch could work.

However, I'm interested in hearing all opinions. Some outbuildings would be too small and too enclosed to provide proper space & ventilation.

Re: Generator for power outages?
 

If the gasoline engine has a way to vent the exhaust through a duct, then an enclosed area can be used if a venting system to the outside is in place.

Re: Generator for power outages?
 

Access to fresh air coming inwards to where the engine is located is more critical to avoiding CO production. That said, venting the exhaust fumes outwards is also highly desirable. :)

Re: Generator for power outages?
 

Fuel oil furnaces are often in garages, basements, or sometimes even closets and enough fresh air can be sucked in through the cracks to make any danger virtually non existent but without that exhaust, the danger rises significantly.

Re: Generator for power outages?
 

Personally I think a carport would fine with the exhaust pointing away from the house.

Re: Generator for power outages?
 

I would say so. Back when we had our old one we ran it in the shed, just left the door open.

Re: Generator for power outages?
 

I use a transfer switch with my portable generator. It is essentially an electrical sub panel, rated for my generator. Installation is simple, if not laborious. You transfer all the circuits you intend to run with the generator to the new sub panel. When running on the generator, I throw a large switch that isolates the incoming line and transfers the sub panel to the generator input (which is mounted outside my home). Switching back moves all the breakers on the sub panel back to the main breaker feed. After adding the transfer switch, I was left with a sparsely populated main panel, and all the previous circuits moved to the new sub panel.

The switch is attached to two large breakers, one is the mains supply and one is the generator input. Closing one breaker opens the other, and vice versa. These large breakers in turn feed my sub panel. The panel includes amp meters for each 110v input, to help balance the load. You want roughly half of the load on each 110v leg of the sub panel to prevent stress on the generator.