8 KW Generator Set

[Eugene]

Purchased a Generac 8KW operating 10 KW surge generator set to fully power son's house during power outages. 8 KW is a bit over kill, probably could have gotten by with 6 KW. Moving the 4 KW gen set from son's shop to the acreage to be used as a portable. But that's not the story.

1st generator set purchased was assembled at home and tested. 240 volt outlet worked, the 2 each 120 receptacles didn't work. Looked on line for a schematic. The Generac site had a link. Posted my question and the initial response was that "I'm a retired diesel mechanic with an associate degree and for $16-, I'll tell you the answer".

The bird. I have better credentials. I just want the schematic, and besides that the gen set has a 2 year residential warranty for parts and 1 year parts and labor.

Son, a licensed maintenance electrician, checked out the generator set with same results. Said not to remove the cover plate, just return the gen set to the dealer. Did that. Next gen set works perfectly.

[ctltmp]

Looks like your well prepared for come what may. There is something to be said for a man who is self sufficient.

[Eugene]

Number of years back, major ice storm, son was without commercial power for 14 days. Another time son was without power for 5 days.

The generator set will probably not get very much usage. But, when you have no commercial electricity, a stand by generator set is invaluable. Gotta keep the house from freezing up, pipes bursting, food spoiling.

The 4 KW gen set was marginal. We would unplug appliances and turn off lights before firing up the gen set. The slowly plug in one deep freeze at a time and then the side by side refrigerator/freezer. Didn't have enough output to power the electric kitchen range and other appliances.

[ctltmp]

I have a 4KW myself. Figure it will suffice if worse comes to worse. I recall my mother several years back with no power or heat for 4 or 5 days. She stayed through it with just some small propane heaters.