Posted on 11/14/2015 4:14:47 AM PST by Mean Daddy
I do the same thing. If you open the main there is no problem.
Here’s what I did.
8kw portable Generac.
Tri Fuel kit from US Carberation.
10 pole transfer switch from ProTran.
1 inch natural gas line installed professionally.
This rig uses natural gas as fuel. It runs from the gas meter to the generator. The Tri fuel kit converts the generator from gasoline to natural gas.
The transfer switch hooks to the breaker box and eliminates the need for extension cords.
My total cost was around $1,800 or so. I can run my entire home including the furnace and central air.
I wrote a thread on the process a couple of years ago. I’ll see if I can dig it up and ping you to it.
L
Consumer Reports did a story where a 250 lb. propane tank would last 2-3 months I believe. I would be happy to scan the article and sent it to anyone via *.PDF. It will be early next week. Send me your email via private mail. Thank you.
Anyone looking to buy a generator should check out the auctions for military surplus diesel generators. They are far better units than the cheapo, air cooled gensets on the market and they can be had a reasonable prices. Most have low hours and are far more reliable than the homeowner grade generators.
I find that fuel usage figure difficult to accept.
I have the manual for my genset (7.5 KW Kohler using a K662 multi-fuel engine) right in front of me, and its fuel use under ideal conditions is as follows:
Full Load Gasoline, 1.475 usg/hour
Full Load Natural Gas, 140 cubic ft/ hour
Full Load Propane, 47 Cubic feet per hour
Even at 1/4 load (which burns about half or more fuel as compared to full load, btw), I would use more fuel than 250 lbs in a week, let alone 2-3 months.
If they are a four-pole alternator ~1800 is about right. Have seen Caterpillar gensets turning ~1200rpm with a 6-pole setup.
A pair of 140kw G.E. driven by 8-71 Detroit at 1800rpm went past 40,000 with regular oil and fuel servicing as only engine maintenance.
This also would be a contender for longevity:
Roughly 50 gallon gasoline equivalent?
bfl
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