[lt230s]

Well, winds died down and no power loss so getting generator running was a good thing.
Add service note on the growing "to do" list.

 

[Hondo]

John - smart move getting the generator ready. Hopefully you've got a couple full cans of gasoline ready and heavy gauge wire extension cords just in case too. If you are running a couple high loads like refrigerators and freezers, you will be pulling some current and you don't want voltage drop in the extension cords if you can help it.

Here's a little generator info from my days in the electric power generation industry. Exercising is good not only for the engine but also for the generator. The internal copper windings of reliable generators are typically sealed with a vacuum impregnated epoxy that keeps moisture out of the windings but over time, cracks can occur and a little moisture can seep in. If a lot of moisture is present and the windings are heated quickly, that moisture turns to steam and can permanently damage the windings as it tries to escape. In critical standby generator applications in high humidity areas like basements of buildings, etc., space heater elements are added to the generator housing to keep moisture out.

When you add a small load during exercising you warm the windings of the generator slowly and drive out any moisture that might have gotten between the windings. It's usually not critical on a small unit like yours but every little bit helps keep moisture out.

One thing I like to do when I run my generator is to firmly ground it. I usually take a long metal rod, pry bar or long crowbar if I am desperate and drive it into the ground next to the generator and attach one end of a battery jumper cable to the generator frame grounding point and the other end of the same cable to the bar I drove into the ground. It ensures the generator is properly grounded. I also use an extension cord with a GFCI Ground Fault outlet whenever I can for added protection.

I hope you don't need your generator any time soon. Mike

I never knew moisture can get into the winging. After Sandy I purchased a Duramax 10k with 50 amp breaker with battery. The battery is in a pain in the butt spot to get to so I just pull started it. I usually start it up as needed and drain the fuel out run it dry. Is this good practice also should I use a grounding rod ?

 

[Mike_U]

Hondo- check your manual and see what it recommends for grounding and for storage with or without fuel. There are multiple theories.

Here’s how I view grounding- If I’m using a generator and if it is not connected to an earth ground, if I touch metal on the generator, my body becomes the ground circuit. Theoretically, there should not be voltage on the generator frame but if it has any type of internal short, I’d rather a ground rod take the current instead of my body. Also, if you are using a 3 prong extension cord and using a portable tool with a grounded plug, if the tool has a short to the metal case, the current will flow to the earth ground if you ground the generator. If you don’t ground the generator, your body will provide the path to ground for any electricity flowing through the metal handle of the tool.
As for gasoline fuel, draining fuel after use is a good practice in my opinion. I also use a fuel stabilizer just in case all the fuel doesn’t drain out of the carburetor. In my experience, using non ethanol fuel with stabilizer or engineered fuel in a can is a good way to avoid damage from ethanol fuel sitting in the carburetor for extended periods. However, even in the days before ethanol was added to gasoline, straight gasoline used to plug carburetors if it sat for extended periods so draining gas is a good idea in my experience.

 

[Hondo]

Hondo- check your manual and see what it recommends for grounding and for storage with or without fuel. There are multiple theories.

Here’s how I view grounding- If I’m using a generator and if it is not connected to an earth ground, if I touch metal on the generator, my body becomes the ground circuit. Theoretically, there should not be voltage on the generator frame but if it has any type of internal short, I’d rather a ground rod take the current instead of my body. Also, if you are using a 3 prong extension cord and using a portable tool with a grounded plug, if the tool has a short to the metal case, the current will flow to the earth ground if you ground the generator. If you don’t ground the generator, your body will provide the path to ground for any electricity flowing through the metal handle of the tool.
As for gasoline fuel, draining fuel after use is a good practice in my opinion. I also use a fuel stabilizer just in case all the fuel doesn’t drain out of the carburetor. In my experience, using non ethanol fuel with stabilizer or engineered fuel in a can is a good way to avoid damage from ethanol fuel sitting in the carburetor for extended periods. However, even in the days before ethanol was added to gasoline, straight gasoline used to plug carburetors if it sat for extended periods so draining gas is a good idea in my experience.

Thanks for your insight it makes sense to me. I don’t want to be the grounding rod!😫

 

[Sophia0110]

It's always a good idea to test your generator periodically to ensure that it's in good working order, especially before a storm or power outage. How powerful is it? during the blackout, is it enough to recharge the phone and cook food? I have Generac 7043 but want to smth bigger

 

[Hondo]

It's always a good idea to test your generator periodically to ensure that it's in good working order, especially before a storm or power outage. How powerful is it? during the blackout, is it enough to recharge the phone and cook food? I have Generac 7043 but want to smth bigger

Duramax 10k 50 amp portable powers all major appliances. Gotta check manual for grounding procedures.https://www.duromaxpower.com/products/duromax-xp10000e-10000-watt-18-hp-portable-gas-electric-start-generator-rv-home-standby

 

[lt230s]

Generac XT8000E. Also powers fridge, freezers, well pump, boiler. Unneeded circuits in garage, barn get turned off.