Backup Generator

[satturn]

Not sure about natural gas, but they make that accept propane tanks

has the same negative as gas- if there is no power it is hard to get them refilled. And there are a lot more gas stations than propane tank re fillers.

[joesmoe]

With a small portable generator, you should be able to power the essentials with a couple extension cords and enough gas for 24-48 hours. Very few power outages last longer than that, and some generators can run quite some time only a couple gallons of gas.

Alot of these are extremely noisy though.

[Saver2000]

With a small portable generator, you should be able to power the essentials with a couple extension cords and enough gas for 24-48 hours. Very few power outages last longer than that, and some generators can run quite some time only a couple gallons of gas.

Alot of these are extremely noisy though.

What do you call small? (How many watts?) And what do you call essential?

And btw I'm almost up to 48 hours. . .

[LeeW]

Anyone have nay ideas how to extend the life of a portable generator between fill ups? i want mine to last the whole shabos.

[Galitzyaner]

Message From FDNY Regarding Portable Generator Safety

 "Never use a generator indoors or in an attached garage. A portable generator is an internal combustion engine that creates Carbon Monoxide.
Be sure to place the generator outdoors where exhaust fumes will not enter into enclosed spaces. Only operate a generator in a well ventilated area protected from rain."

So if you can't keep a generator indoors, how is it supposed to be protected from the rain?
Outdoors, but can't get wet?  I'm lost!
The NYU hospital generator failed only due to the water..
So what's the magic trick here?
I don't know much about generators, please explain.

[Dan]

Yup, catch-22 indeed.

[Galitzyaner]

Yup, catch-22 indeed.

So then what's the point in people getting a generator?

Tweeted today by Newark mayor @CoryBooker

"Tragically, we just had 2 deaths due to Carbon Monoxide poisoning. A generator was placed too close to a home. Please Use Extreme Caution"!

[Dan]

It can survive rain, though not floods.

[Galitzyaner]

It can survive rain, though not floods.

In somewhere like NYC, if it's strong enough to knock out power, it ain't just "rain"!
Hence, does anybody see the purpose for an average household in NYC to have generator?

[mclovin]

In somewhere like NYC, if it's strong enough to knock out power, it ain't just "rain"!
Hence, does anybody see the purpose for an average household in NYC to have generator?

it actually barely rained in brooklyn during this storm.

[HelpMe]

Outdoors, but can't get wet?  I'm lost!

They just came out with these new things called sheds, tents and a canapy. I hope you were kidding.

[aussiebochur]

it actually barely rained in brooklyn during this storm.

And Brooklyn barely lost power...

[Saver2000]

In somewhere like NYC, if it's strong enough to knock out power, it ain't just "rain"!
Hence, does anybody see the purpose for an average household in NYC to have generator?

First of all, generally the storm last for very short.  Its the days after the storm that you need the generator.

Second of all,

They just came out with these new things called sheds, tents and a canapy. I hope you were kidding.

[Galitzyaner]

They just came out with these new things called sheds, tents and a canapy. I hope you were kidding.

You gotta be kidding me, did you not read the above discussion?

If a storm is that weak that it won't flood the generator, then it's not strong enough a storm to cause an outage in NYC.  Perhaps you live in some hickey town where every other rain shuts off the power... In NYC, it's only something strong a-la-Sandy that can cause widespread outage.  In such a case you can wave chow chow to your shed, canopy, tent, sleeping bag or what not to "protect" your generator.

As I side note, I guess you didn't read the link I posted above. In the precautions it states, and I repeat
"Never use a generator indoors or in an attached garage. A portable generator is an internal combustion engine that creates Carbon Monoxide.
 Be sure to place the generator outdoors where exhaust fumes will not enter into enclosed spaces. Only operate a generator in a well ventilated area protected from rain.

[Galitzyaner]

First of all, generally the storm last for very short.  Its the days after the storm that you need the generator.

So then for how long after your generator getting flooded will it work again (or will it, at all)??

The way I see the sense in what you are saying, would be that throughout the year one should store their generator in a high area indoors, and only when the storm is all over they should then take it outside to a protected area, and they would thereby have electricity for after the storm.

Now, thank you for answering my original question (I.e. whats the purpose of having one of these, answer -for the post storm outtage).

[Saver2000]

So then for how long after your generator getting flooded will it work again (or will it, at all)??

The way I see the sense in what you are saying, would be that throughout the year one should store their generator in a high area indoors, and only when the storm is all over they should then take it outside to a protected area, and they would thereby have electricity for after the storm.

Correct, if its portable.  If its built in generator (non-portable), you can wrap a tarp around it/over it, or you can do other types of protective measures for the duration of the stirm, and once the rain stops, you uncover it.

Now, thank you for answering my original question (I.e. whats the purpose of having one of these, answer -for the post storm outtage).

I'm not sure if you're joking or not.

[Galitzyaner]

Correct, if its portable.  If its built in generator (non-portable), you can wrap a tarp around it/over it, or you can do other types of protective measures for the duration of the stirm, and once the rain stops, you uncover it.
I'm not sure if you're joking or not.

I'm sure, putting a tarp on it in a superstorm like Sandy is really gonna help   especially if you live in a low-lying area

[Galitzyaner]

Generator on sale today $165 +free shipping.
http://lastcall.dailysteals.com/

[HelpMe]

You gotta be kidding me, did you not read the above discussion?

If a storm is that weak that it won't flood the generator, then it's not strong enough a storm to cause an outage in NYC.  Perhaps you live in some hickey town where every other rain shuts off the power... In NYC, it's only something strong a-la-Sandy that can cause widespread outage.  In such a case you can wave chow chow to your shed, canopy, tent, sleeping bag or what not to "protect" your generator.

As I side note, I guess you didn't read the link I posted above. In the precautions it states, and I repeat
"Never use a generator indoors or in an attached garage. A portable generator is an internal combustion engine that creates Carbon Monoxide.
 Be sure to place the generator outdoors where exhaust fumes will not enter into enclosed spaces. Only operate a generator in a well ventilated area protected from rain.

They are mostly used after the storm not during it. If you can't figure how to protect it after the storm you should not be using one in the first place. Your side note does not even deserve a response.

[Galitzyaner]

If you can't figure how to protect it after the storm you should not be using one in the first place.

Duh, I was discussing it getting ruined during the storm