Topic: Generator questions

[rdboes]

I'm looking to buy a small generator to power a fridge and chest freezer during an emergency.  What wattage would be adequate and any recommendations on where to buy for a good price?  Thx.

[scoob]

There's a pretty decent buyers guide here:
 http://www2.northerntool.com/generator-buyers-guide.htm
Scroll down a ways and there's a chart of appliances and typical loads.  Be mindful of the start-up loads.  Anything with a motor (and/or compressor) will pull more amps (or surge) when kicking on.
 
I just picked up a 4k, electric/remote start genny for $500 at Cabela's.  For another $200, I just added a tri-fuel kit (petrol, propane, methane) for the versatility.

[2big2fail]

   Good question for anyone pairing a generator to it's load to serve.  Everyday AC appliances are all designed to operate within the margins of the smallest typical circuit wich is 15 amps in residential.  The formula for calculating the load should be done in watts (we're in luck, most generators are too!) 
     The power, "watts", is determined by multiplying amps by voltage- 120v X 15a = 1800w.  As per manufacturer standards, they never exceed 80% of that total.  1800x.80=1440w, now, for simplicity, round up to 1500w.  Any appliance you can find does not exceed 1500w, or about 12,5 amps- 12.5a X 120v = 1500w.  Confused? It's pretty simple.
      For each appliance, add 1500 watts.  2 large appliances will run on a 3000 watt generator.  However, both at once will be running your generator at near maximum capacity, so, I would upscale the generator by another 1/3.  That would make it a 4500 watt for safe operation at continuous duty.  Don't worry about "start up" or inrush currents with appliances, it's unlikely they'll both put such a demand on the system that it would pose any problem.

[DarkHelmet]

If you're looking for something to power appliances for a few days during a weather emergency/localized natural disaster, then a small generator should do the trick. If you want an "economical" solar solution (i.e. not a $15,000+ complete solution) then check out the new Yeti 1250 "Solar Generator" from Goal Zero. They are supposed to be available in May.

http://www.goalzero.com/blog/2012/01/10/goalzeronewproduct/

Coupled with 4 - 30W Boulder solar panels you should be able to keep it charged with 10-12 hours of sunlight and it claims it will run a household refrigerator for 2-4 days and a chest freezer for 8+ days. It is certainly more expensive than a small generator, but you'll have less to worry about (breakdown, continuous fuel supply, etc.

- DH

[charlz]

Kinda light on hard specs and the wattage per panel is really low. Running the fridge 2-4 days is probably with an unrealistic amount of sunlight per day and the system is totally dead and unusable without a major recharge at the end of the 2-4 days. While it is nice to have it in a neat package you could build up a better system for less. Sites like rv.net are great sources of information on the reality of living with solar and batteries. What you need for system components, what is possible to run and for how long etc. Some RV’ers on there are living with just solar every day.

[avking]

Remember, you do not need to run a freezer 24/7 to keep things frozen. Store a couple 1 gallon water bottles in it, at all times. You really only need to provide power to a freezer, 4 to 6 hours a day, to keep food gtg.

[Grumblecakes]

Remember, you do not need to run a freezer 24/7 to keep things frozen. Store a couple 1 gallon water bottles in it, at all times. You really only need to provide power to a freezer, 4 to 6 hours a day, to keep food gtg.

not to stray to far off topic but i freeze 2liter bottles then pack them in the back of the fridge the will stay mostly frozen for several months and the help keep the fridge from running every time you open the door. Plus you have some water in case of an emergency.