Ordered our Standby Generator

 
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ShawnTRD
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Post by ShawnTRD » Sun. Aug. 29, 2021 9:20 am

Do you have a standby generator? Can I see your setup?

Went with a Cummins RS20ACE - 20kW Quiet Connect™ Series Extreme Cold Weather Home Standby Generator System (200A Service Disconnect). No idea when it will come in. They (electricgeneratorsdirect) says "Backordered Estimated Availability October 08, 2021" and my order says "Expected To Ship: 2022-01-11". But now I need to see about a propane tank and and make a pad where I want it. I'm thinking I should run the power lines I need so when it comes in it should be a easy hookup because who knows how the weather will be when it comes in.

Went with the 20kW just so that I have no problems with code to make sure I didn't overload a 10kW or even a 13kW. This one should be allowed to direct to my electric panel and run everything I have.


 
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McGiever
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Post by McGiever » Sun. Aug. 29, 2021 3:40 pm

Bet you have never had anywhere near 200 amp load on that panel. Trust me, I am a journeyman electrician and I have also had amp meters on my service panel for 30 years. You’d be surprised how small the loads add up to.

I don’t have anything gas or propane so total electric…I live like a king with power outages with a 10kW generator.

 
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ShawnTRD
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Post by ShawnTRD » Sun. Aug. 29, 2021 4:21 pm

McGiever wrote:
Sun. Aug. 29, 2021 3:40 pm
Bet you have never had anywhere near 200 amp load on that panel.
Yeah the generator only puts out 83 amp. I think it just has more to do with code.

 
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Post by creek44 » Sun. Aug. 29, 2021 4:23 pm

I second what McGiever says. I have a 7kW diesel 1800 rpm. Purrs like a kitten and just sips fuel. No worries. Runs all I need to run when I need it. Just not all at once.
Not total electric here. Coal heat with propane back up. Propane deliveries in winter can be an issue at times in this area in my experience which could present a problem with an extended outage.

 
grumpy
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Post by grumpy » Sun. Aug. 29, 2021 8:59 pm

Cut your neighbors in for a small fee with that much power.

 
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Post by grumpy » Sun. Aug. 29, 2021 8:59 pm

ShawnTRD wrote:
Sun. Aug. 29, 2021 4:21 pm
Yeah the generator only puts out 83 amp. I think it just has more to do with code.
83 x 2

 
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McGiever
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Post by McGiever » Mon. Aug. 30, 2021 5:55 am

ShawnTRD wrote:
Sun. Aug. 29, 2021 4:21 pm
Yeah the generator only puts out 83 amp. I think it just has more to do with code.
Code is not forcing you into 200amp. Simply downsize your main breaker and all will be fine.


 
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Post by HandFire » Mon. Aug. 30, 2021 6:29 pm

Watch your clearances with any dwelling openings when pouring your pad. You're going to have to know where the exhaust is if your going to meet minimum CO clearances. Get ahold of the installer manual to get an idea of what you might see when it shows up but I wouldn't do anything except a pad at most. Unless your really concerned with keeping it tight to the house, leave yourself plenty of work room all the way round.

 
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Post by grumpy » Mon. Aug. 30, 2021 8:00 pm

ShawnTRD wrote:
Sun. Aug. 29, 2021 9:20 am
Do you have a standby generator? Can I see your setup?

Went with a Cummins RS20ACE - 20kW Quiet Connect™ Series Extreme Cold Weather Home Standby Generator System (200A Service Disconnect). No idea when it will come in. They (electricgeneratorsdirect) says "Backordered Estimated Availability October 08, 2021" and my order says "Expected To Ship: 2022-01-11". But now I need to see about a propane tank and and make a pad where I want it. I'm thinking I should run the power lines I need so when it comes in it should be a easy hookup because who knows how the weather will be when it comes in.

Went with the 20kW just so that I have no problems with code to make sure I didn't overload a 10kW or even a 13kW. This one should be allowed to direct to my electric panel and run everything I have.
Why did you go Propane ?

 
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ShawnTRD
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Post by ShawnTRD » Mon. Aug. 30, 2021 8:08 pm

HandFire wrote:
Mon. Aug. 30, 2021 6:29 pm
Watch your clearances with any dwelling openings when pouring your pad.
Yeah I need 18" behind it. I will probably go a little more. Like 24"-30". The other 3 sides will be wide open.

 
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ShawnTRD
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Post by ShawnTRD » Mon. Aug. 30, 2021 8:08 pm

grumpy wrote:
Mon. Aug. 30, 2021 8:00 pm
Why did you go Propane ?
We don't have natural gas here.

 
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ShawnTRD
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Post by ShawnTRD » Mon. Aug. 30, 2021 8:11 pm

McGiever wrote:
Mon. Aug. 30, 2021 5:55 am
Code is not forcing you into 200amp. Simply downsize your main breaker and all will be fine.

That should be fun.

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Post by grumpy » Mon. Aug. 30, 2021 8:29 pm

ShawnTRD wrote:
Mon. Aug. 30, 2021 8:08 pm
We don't have natural gas here.
Don't want gas or diesel ?

 
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Post by grumpy » Mon. Aug. 30, 2021 8:32 pm

Nothing wrong with 200 amp switch, its next up from 100, I have 200 but mine is old school..

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ShawnTRD
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Posts: 513
Joined: Tue. Feb. 04, 2014 1:04 am
Location: Spencer, NY
Stoker Coal Boiler: Keystoker KA6 (New in April 2014)
Coal Size/Type: Anthracite Rice
Other Heating: Weil Mclain WGO-2 (Net 75k BTU)

Post by ShawnTRD » Mon. Aug. 30, 2021 8:50 pm

grumpy wrote:
Mon. Aug. 30, 2021 8:29 pm
Don't want gas or diesel ?
The idea of a standby generator is that it's ready to go whenever the power goes out. 10pm at night when I'm at work. Then the wife still has power, heat and hot water. Middle of a thunder storm or blizzard. I'm still sitting here in my boxer shorts with electricity.


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