Standby generators

[Nate77]

We have NG in NYC and I have a hookup outside the house which in my case isn't event relevant at this point. I even grill using charcoal! :)

Isn't LP stored in a cylinder outside? How much of a reserve would you have with LP? How low do you go before somebody shows up to refill?

The tank I have right now is 200gal, I can go bigger anytime I want. Its on autofill so I have no idea when they fill it up. Think they check it every month and fill as needes which isnt much. We use the stove maybe twice a week at most , usally everything goes on one of the grills or smoker.

 

[BZOFIQ]

Now the portable is the backup for the standby .....

Looks like you'll be more than prepared; Good for you!

It amazes me to see some people who spent many thousands on equipment and live stock and they have nothing as backup just in case.

 

[Brew12]

Oh OK, that's plenty I would believe. I see people using LP tanks upstate NY when I go camping, I always wondered how long they last.

Those wouldn't last long. This stock photo is smaller than the typical one you can find at rural residences. The one at my mom's lake cabin is about twice this size and lasts her 4 years or so, based on how much time she spends there during the winter.

 

[BZOFIQ]

.... We use the stove maybe twice a week at most , usally everything goes on one of the grills or smoker.

Sounds like another meat lover:) I too love stuff off of our grill, but we've realized we don't use the smoker as much as we had hoped for.

 

[ca1ore]

In more rural areas, having 5,000 gallon LP tanks on the property isn't unusual. Depending on usage they can be filled every few month to every few years.

I live in that third-world country known as Connecticut. City services ........ ;Dead. I had to have propane tanks installed with the generator and since my town frowns on anything buried, I have three ugly cylinders in the backyard. Will get me 7-10 days.

 

[BZOFIQ]

Those wouldn't last long. This stock photo is smaller than the typical one you can find at rural residences. The one at my mom's lake cabin is about twice this size and lasts her 4 years or so, based on how much time she spends there during the winter.

Oh no I didn't mean the portable ones people use with their grill, I mean the locals Upstate New York use something like 1/4 of what you've shown.

 

[BZOFIQ]

I live in that third-world country known as Connecticut. City services ........ ;Dead. I had to have propane tanks installed with the generator and since my town frowns on anything buried, I have three ugly cylinders in the backyard. Will get me 7-10 days.

LOL at CT being a third-world country. 7-10 days should be enough for most but the ugliest scenarios out there.

 

[Nate77]

Sounds like another meat lover:) I too love stuff off of our grill, but we've realized we don't use the smoker as much as we had hoped for.

I use my electric smoker more then my wood fired, as I can throw something in and don't have to hang around the house. Just load with chips and go.

 

[Brew12]

I use my electric smoker more then my wood fired, as I can throw something in and don't have to hang around the house. Just load with chips and go.

;Stop Just ;Stop

That's not smoking, that is baking with a twist. :p

 

[jasonrusso]

I have a 14Kw generac with the regular transfer switch (I have heard bad things about the Nexus "smart" switch). It is a 70 amp panel. You put a 70 amp breaker (230v) in your main panel to power up the generator subpanel (16 circuits). Everything you want on the generator needs to be transferred to the generator panel. Whatever is not essential (my garage heater, big microwave) stays off.

The electrical whip from the generator panel has all the wiring, it's easy. I did it myself in less than an hour.

 

[Javier Leon]

Since my last experience with an hurricane and dealing with two tanks on different locations (15 miles apart) Am remodeling my house and putting a generator for the entire house and also solar panels for the tank only. For the office tank am planing to put solar panels on the office roof also for the tank only and a fridge. Here in Florida we have to be ahead with preparations for the new hurricane season , I honestly don’t want it be on the same horrible situation again.

 

[Nate77]

Hmmm Haven't looked it to solar panels

 

[BZOFIQ]

I wish I had the space for solar panels. I am attached and my roof is of the exotic variety; between all the uneven angles, vents and skylights, there isn't much left for number of panels that would make sense.

 

[BZOFIQ]

;Stop Just ;Stop

That's not smoking, that is baking with a twist. :p

LOL, you're not kidding.

 

[BZOFIQ]

I use my electric smoker more then my wood fired, as I can throw something in and don't have to hang around the house. Just load with chips and go.

I use charcoal and have figured out a way to smoke without pretty much being there. I only have to be there for first 45 minutes or so to set the temps etc. I've left it behind for 4-8 hours when needed.

The reason we don't use it as much is that there is just too much cleanup.

 

[jasonrusso]

Since my last experience with an hurricane and dealing with two tanks on different locations (15 miles apart) Am remodeling my house and putting a generator for the entire house and also solar panels for the tank only. For the office tank am planing to put solar panels on the office roof also for the tank only and a fridge. Here in Florida we have to be ahead with preparations for the new hurricane season , I honestly don’t want it be on the same horrible situation again.

I have solar panels and the electric code makes the deenergize when the utility power goes out. This is because they feed back into the grid and could keep the lines energized.

If you don't have the panels feeding the grid it could work, but I would never rely on panels in an emergency. Also, the panels might trick the generator into thinking the power is back on.