Back-up power

[bj]

     I am almost afraid to post this after the last diary entry.  But,

it was fun.

     Just finished the back-up gen set.  It is a 12.5 HP Briggs, with

a direct coupled 5000 watt (peak) alt.  It gives me enough to run

everything except the welder.  I don't expect to have to use it often,

but nice to know it's there.  Especially when the power goes out,

and it is -40C.  Come to think about it, I guess I won't be welding

much at -40.

     I did add, for those of you that will think of it, a micro switch

on the main breaker.  Can't start the engine until the main is tripped.

Don't want to kill any linemen.

     Someday, with luck, I won't have a grid hookup, and I can remove

the switch.   Until then, this is just one more step.

        bj

[thirteen]

Does it have a cycle meter on the genset? If not I would suggest you barrow one to test and make sure it is close to 60.5 cycles. There has been several gensets recently sold around here that were good buys but they were all at 50 cycles not 60. Most of them are adjustable. Just a suggestion.  Sound like a good safty switch idea you'v used. I've seen three with just indicator lights that tells you there is grid power. And that you need to throw the main breaker. Best of luck getting off the grid. 5 yrs 22 days and off grid off work off to mountains I go.  

[bj]

    Thirteen--Have a WattMiser--and I suspect it is a bit off, but

measured grid, and set genset to same.  It reads 59.9 Hertz on grid,

so I set genset to same.  Need to do a bit of fine tuning on the

Governor on the Briggs, as it seems a bit dodgy on load changes.  Have

lots of experience with these, and should not be a problem.

     Glad you are off the Grid--Hopefully I can follow soon.

     In the meantime, Thanks.

     bj