Manual generator transfer switch - make recommendations?

What is the maximum running time of your generator on one full tank of fuel?

Z.

Generators.

1. Buy a good one that is reliable, not a cheap one that is a pain to start and run. Price should be the last criteria.

2.Think of security. Portable generators are very desirable to thieves.

3. Noise and/or vibration considerations.

4. Housing the beast. It needs to be kept out of the rain and allowed good air ventilation.

5. If petrol powered , petrol has a limited shelf life. ALWAYAS use fresh petrol, especially if the generator is not used for some months. Drain out the old petrol and fill the tank with new. Drain out the carburettor bowl if the generator is to be stored and not used for a year or so, otherwise the fuel system may gum up.

6. Keep spares such as fuel filters for the generator, and air filters if they are used and can not be cleaned.

7. Keep a fire extinguisher to hand near to the generator.

8. Instruct every user how to turn the beast off.

9. And sometimes they just refuse to start, especially when you need them most.

10. Generally 4 stroke engines are better than 2 stroke.

11. Change any lubricating oil as per the maker's instructions. Keep spare oil of the correct type.

12. Keep any spares to hand such as new spark plugs and a feeler gauge.

13. A generator with a 12 Volt  D.C. charging facility for lead acid batteries is good. A 12 Volt leisure battery with an inverter is a good option for some mains' equipment.

www.bing.com/.../search

Z.

It occurs to me that you could take the old-fashioned approach. Go to the supplier and have a look and a feel of the goods.

Or if online purchases are your thing, do what my daughter does when buying clothes. Get all three and send back what you don't want.

KISS - Keep it Simple Stupid. I fitted a transfer switch at our Consumer Unit for a 3 KVa generator, this switches from the mains supply to the generator. A procedure is written down before operating the transfer switch, to switch off all power MCB's and to keep all lighting and the gas heating MCB's ON. I also have a written procedure for starting the generator, choke position etc., I have a monthly run of the generator for about 10 mins, this is unloaded. I have a 12V battery start but don't use this as it needs to be kept charged. I sometimes have to take out the spark plug and heat it up on the gas ring. The 2 petrol container/s are kept filled as necessary.

Needs discipline with one "manager".

Jaymack    

This chap seems to be bent on doing what he wants... simply give him what type you thinks best and leave it there! I don't think this person is... "one for turning?" This should avoid any negative replies to, what I know, to be the best source of electrical information, anywhere! I'd certain listen to everyone... as I did when I was looking for information, regarding a generator, months' ago!

Tim, I was expecting a moderator to jump in but this is a form of advertising which is prohibited - "are there any to avoid, or go for quality wise. Or any others? "

Jaymack