Does anyone here have a portable generator to power their domestic appliances in the event of power cuts?
I’m toying with idea of buying one to use with extension leads (not connected to the consumer unit).
Maybe a duel fuel?
Any thoughts, do’s and don’ts?
Thanks,
If you do get one, consider an inverter generator which gives a much more stable output than the conventional type. They do cost more. I had a 1kVA unit until the alternator fan shattered causing a cascade of additional breakages destroying parts that were difficult to replace at reasonable cost. They are noisy! They need testing occasionally to ensure that they will actually start when needed. If you plan to run central heating it may be necessary to bond neutral to earth to ensure that flame sensors work properly. A large LiFeP battery with appropriate charger and inverter may be worth considering instead. John
Have been exposed to these in that past. some rules of thumb.
Their ratings are a lie. especially with kit that has a switch on surge. Get a bigger one Diesel costs more lasts longer and is more reliable. And uses less fuel Their frequency is only very notionally 50Hz.
Expect flickering lights and unusually limp wristed power tools.
But they will run computers and charge batteries OK
If using fuel with added/substituted ethanol consider also using a fuel stabiliser, especially if the fuel is going to remain in the tank for unused for any long period of time.
Modern fuels containing ethanol attract atmospheric moisture (hygroscopic), which can lead to phase separation, rust, and corroded engine parts.
Petrol can start breaking down, forming gum, varnish, and sticky deposits in as little 60 days.
A stabiliser is claimed to stop much of the above.
The stabiliser I use for over-wintering my lawn mower which runs on E10 unleaded petrol claims to keep the fuel stabilised for around 3 years.
I've thought about it. But the fumes and noise rule them out for me, living as I do in a semi-detached house in a fairly built up area.
Come the day/need, I'm hoping that the existing solar I have would give basic cover. And I might supplement what I've got with some shed solar and a portable power pack. But even combined it's not going to boil many kettles or provide much heating on dull days. Fingers crossed on the grid.
If you only have solar you won’t get any power during a power cut.
If you have solar and battery you *might* have off-grid power but only with the right kit. It’s not usually included.
Tim
Yup
Do you need to keep the CH running? (if so you may need to think through your earthing arrangements since many boilers will use flame rectification to detect "flame lit" if the mains supply is not referenced to the same earth that they are connected to).
Petrol is "easy" and available - ok for short outages. Diesel will be cheaper tun run (in theory - although the orange loon seems to be doing his best to make that not so). One that can run on natural gas or propane is probably better for longer run times.
If you want to be able to run a reasonably amount of household things, then look at 3kW or larger[1]. Definitely look for an inverter model - much better for anything electronic.
A small suitcase genny would be enough to charge some devices and keep the lights on.
[1] also consider some alternate electrical devices - for example, mine can do a bit over 3kW, but the kettle would use most of its output... so I have a 1.6kW travel kettle that we can use instead. That way we can keep background load things running without worrying that turning the kettle on might be too much for it!
Using Super unleaded can help as well - ISTR that Esso super is only notionally E5, and in reality normally has none.
Indeed - I do.
That may have been true at one time but since the end of 2023 now it's likely to be up to 5% ethanol
Google suggests it was E5 Synergy Supreme 99 that was ethanol free but only that supplied from the Fawley refinery, and only until September
2023 In other parts of the country it was 5% ethanol.
mine will automatically switch over to the battery if the "grid" fails. Happened once with work in the road. Goes ack, too.
I think those days are over, the youtube fuel bods who regularly test the different brands seem to show they all have ethanol in now, regardless of which refinery they come from.
The Hondas fix that problem
Not going to be viable when the power cut is due to a big storm like now or at night unless your solar system has a battery
But a camping gas system will do that fine
And a heated throw handles that fine
I have just bought a V2L adapter for my electric car. In theory, if it's charged 100%, that's over 60kWh to power the house. Maximum current is
13A, but as it will be through an extension lead I'll keep it down to 10, max. Still that's enough to power the central heating boiler.
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