Installation of a generator for a house.

PG:

Tomgunn:

Hello PG, thanks... I hope all will go well, with my move!


Basically I'd like a generator that would run the lighting / fridges / heating system so, not much wattage, really.


There are no dependents i.e; life saving requirements.


Hastings is where I'm going, (looking at two on this coming Sunday), so the power supply would / should be ok??


I live in Worcester Park, Surrey and I've had a few power cuts, over the years.


Cheers PG!! 




 

Tom,
From Simon’s advice, it looks like that your set will not have to run frequently but if you remain a cynic (like me) the “Just Generator” web site is comprehensive and has a power consumption calculator. I think that their consumption figures are pessimistic and a 3kW set would supply all of your requirements. My 5/5.5kWpk set will supply all base loads plus one of the heavier loads such as microwave, oven, grill, washing machine [not electric shower]. If you had knowledge of the duty cycle, say the washing machine, then you may be able to run more than one of the larger loads concurrently.
I had a preference for an AVR, to supply more voltage sensitive loads such as a PC and an electric start (easier for the Wife to start or for me when I get older). These features tend to be on the larger range of machine which confirmed my selection of the 5kW set.
Having established that your machine is unlikely to run often or as a base load set and that there are no special requirements, it looks like a manual changeover, open frame, petrol driven set would meet the requirements.   Don’t forget the wheel kit.
If noise is going to be a problem then you can find silenced sets on the Just Generator web site – at a premium cost!!
As previously noted, petrol has a limited life when kept in a partially ventilated tank. A few months according to google sources. I keep my machine empty of fuel and store the petrol in a full, proprietary, fuel container(s) with a tight-fitting top. Apparently, this gives a life of 6months or more. The older petrol goes in the car, with no apparent problems. I just have to charge the battery and turn the engine over occasionally. Keep a torch handy for fuelling the set and operating the changeover switch in the dark. Also, a piece of “rubber” tubing to drain the tank.
You probably know that the installation is notifiable to Building Control and that the DNO will want a few forms filled out (UKPN wanted some forms completed and provided a letter of acceptance). The DNOs don’t seem to be too interested and didn’t want to witness final testing. Neither they or the Meter Operator were interested in pulling the cut-out the seals are still awaiting replacement.
Regards

 

Hello PG, thanks for more info!! Just looked at the 'Just Generator' website... that's the place to go to and just what I needed!


They do a 5.5 kW generator... like yours. I guess? 5.5 kW AVR Generator. 


Have to find out what a 'wheel kit' is BUT, haha, I guess it's, (duh), a set of wheels for the generator??? Hahaha, I'm stupid, I know!


'DNO?????' Mmmmmm?


Great advice, as per usual!


THANKS!


Regards...


Tom




 

PG:

Tomgunn:

Hello PG, thanks... I hope all will go well, with my move!


Basically I'd like a generator that would run the lighting / fridges / heating system so, not much wattage, really.


There are no dependents i.e; life saving requirements.


Hastings is where I'm going, (looking at two on this coming Sunday), so the power supply would / should be ok??


I live in Worcester Park, Surrey and I've had a few power cuts, over the years.


Cheers PG!! 




 

Tom,
From Simon’s advice, it looks like that your set will not have to run frequently but if you remain a cynic (like me) the “Just Generator” web site is comprehensive and has a power consumption calculator. I think that their consumption figures are pessimistic and a 3kW set would supply all of your requirements. My 5/5.5kWpk set will supply all base loads plus one of the heavier loads such as microwave, oven, grill, washing machine [not electric shower]. If you had knowledge of the duty cycle, say the washing machine, then you may be able to run more than one of the larger loads concurrently.
I had a preference for an AVR, to supply more voltage sensitive loads such as a PC and an electric start (easier for the Wife to start or for me when I get older). These features tend to be on the larger range of machine which confirmed my selection of the 5kW set.
Having established that your machine is unlikely to run often or as a base load set and that there are no special requirements, it looks like a manual changeover, open frame, petrol driven set would meet the requirements.   Don’t forget the wheel kit.
If noise is going to be a problem then you can find silenced sets on the Just Generator web site – at a premium cost!!
As previously noted, petrol has a limited life when kept in a partially ventilated tank. A few months according to google sources. I keep my machine empty of fuel and store the petrol in a full, proprietary, fuel container(s) with a tight-fitting top. Apparently, this gives a life of 6months or more. The older petrol goes in the car, with no apparent problems. I just have to charge the battery and turn the engine over occasionally. Keep a torch handy for fuelling the set and operating the changeover switch in the dark. Also, a piece of “rubber” tubing to drain the tank.
You probably know that the installation is notifiable to Building Control and that the DNO will want a few forms filled out (UKPN wanted some forms completed and provided a letter of acceptance). The DNOs don’t seem to be too interested and didn’t want to witness final testing. Neither they or the Meter Operator were interested in pulling the cut-out the seals are still awaiting replacement.
Regards

 

Hello PG, thanks for more info!! Just looked at the 'Just Generator' website... that's the place to go to and just what I needed!


They do a 5.5 kW generator... like yours. I guess? 5.5 kW AVR Generator. 


Have to find out what a 'wheel kit' is BUT, haha, I guess it's, (duh), a set of wheels for the generator??? Hahaha, I'm stupid, I know!


'DNO?????' Mmmmmm?


Great advice, as per usual!


THANKS!


Regards...


Tom