Wish I would/could have got a water cooled unit. Cummins dealer is only a couple miles (if that) from my house but wouldn't respond when I called & emailed for a quote. Dealer I went with (only one that responded), could only source Generac air cooled units at the time so went with an 18kW air cooled Generac. I did dump the 5w/30 it came with & filled it with HPL HDEO CC 5w/40 in hopes of it holding up better considering the high summer temps in Sacramento.
What Standby Generator are you buying for your house?
- Thread starter SupremePossum
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Well I'll never win the Lottery, as I'll never throw my money away on a ticket. But we have had a back-up Generac for many years. It's nice in the middle of winter, or the hot days of summer, when the power goes out.
Solar with battery backup and automatic switching.
https://www.cummins.com/generators/v2203
I would probably get something like this. Kubota diesel power.
I would probably get something like this. Kubota diesel power.
That wouldn't work in my weather-- get weeks of fog, no sun. Even as a millionaire, I wouldn't be able to stand it having batteries just sitting there that need replacement every 5-10 years.
My off grid cabin does well with four regular old lead acid deep cycle batteries, 900 watts worth of panels, and a honda eu3000i to cover the difference.
If I went bigger, my setup would be louder and take more fuel. If I don't use liquid gas or diesel that means letting someone on my property to top off a tank. No thanks.
Most likely none, we dont lose power here. Never say never but maybe every 10 to 15 years or so. I thought about it but not worth it, more hassle to maintain then the return I would get from using it.
Owen Lucas
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Why did you go with this specific model? I am looking for a propane model and my research is indicating Kohler is more fuel efficient, which is important when using propane.
As per usual, a voice of reason; this is why I regularly visit BITOG.
Owen Lucas
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I hope he had you guys pick up more than one circuit board to have on hand!
If I had that kind of money there would be a power-house within the walled in property with multiple generators each with different fuel sources, each fire protected from the others, fire suppression systems, lightning protection, and security. And it all would be far from the main dwellings.
I worked for an electric company. I know a thing or two about electric power and also about lightning damage. It takes 23 ft. of dry rubber to stop a lightning bolt if it is a direct strong hit. But you can have equiptment isolated with a lot more than a simple switch. And you can shield equiptment, and provide more attractive paths for lightning. And there's something to be said for redundency.
Tru properly designed and installed lightning protection is a very expensive addition to any instillation. It might cost around as much as the generators.
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Also a fantastic redundant water purification system with security.
I worked for an electric company. I know a thing or two about electric power and also about lightning damage. It takes 23 ft. of dry rubber to stop a lightning bolt if it is a direct strong hit. But you can have equiptment isolated with a lot more than a simple switch. And you can shield equiptment, and provide more attractive paths for lightning. And there's something to be said for redundency.
Tru properly designed and installed lightning protection is a very expensive addition to any instillation. It might cost around as much as the generators.
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Also a fantastic redundant water purification system with security.
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Hi. Based on size of the load, desire for liquid cooling, sound level and, mostly, a recommendation by a friend who owns a commercial electrical company.
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CAT if I could break queue with the data banks 
Owen Lucas
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Very good criteria, which model number did you go with if you don't mind me asking? Liquid cooling is important to me too as we might be out of power for a few days and I don't want to burn up a new generator.
Specs, from order:
Kohler 24RCLA 24 KW Liquid Cooled Generator (88-amp natural Gas)
o Install on left side of home within 25’ of building
· Kohler RXT ASE-QS4 400-amp automatic service rated generator switch
o Located non exterior attached to home near meter socket
· Kohler Cold weather kit
· Kohler Disconnect push button switch (code item)
· Kohler supplied starter kit including 12vdc/55AH battery
Note that the genset is derated to 21kw for running on NG, but you'll get full rating.
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Standby on Propane with just enough capacity to run vital systems (heat, fridge, basic lights) with redundant plug for tri fuel portable not if but when the standby does not startup.
My poor neighbor lives in $3M+ home and standby twice not worked. I provided extension cord for him to run fridge and his network.
My poor neighbor lives in $3M+ home and standby twice not worked. I provided extension cord for him to run fridge and his network.
Our place in NH has a 14kw Kohler running off two 100 gallon propane tanks. It will run 4-5 days from those.
We looked at a lot of houses. Some had Generac, a few had B&S but more had Kohler. Automatic transfer switch so it comes on once the line power is off for 5-10 seconds, We shut it off in summer so it won’t run unless we are there and need it.
https://www.kohlerhomeenergy.rehlko.com/products/home+generators/14rca
Our place in Boston is wired for generator, we have a Briggs & Stratton Q6500 inverter we can wheel into place.
We looked at a lot of houses. Some had Generac, a few had B&S but more had Kohler. Automatic transfer switch so it comes on once the line power is off for 5-10 seconds, We shut it off in summer so it won’t run unless we are there and need it.
https://www.kohlerhomeenergy.rehlko.com/products/home+generators/14rca
We installed it on the far side of the garage so we can’t hear it. (Not where installed, just new pic).
Our place in Boston is wired for generator, we have a Briggs & Stratton Q6500 inverter we can wheel into place.
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I have resisted buying a generator because I could never justify spending thousands of dollars to protect a few hundred dollars of food, especially since I have never lost power for more than two days or lost any food. Beyond food we have a propane fireplace for heat, a propane range for cooking, and a hot tub full of water for washing and flushing toilets.
That said, I have now changed my mind. Our location is prone to ice storms, and the one in February knocked out power for five days, longer for some in our area. The inconvenience and frustration has trumped the financial analysis, so I plan to get a stand-by propane generator connected to our 500 gallon propane tank. Given the poor condition and hackability of our power grid along with increasing storm frequency I anticipate that power losses may be more common and severe in the future. Fortunately money is not an issue for me, and expenses that enhance my remaining years are easily justified.
I expect generator inventory is low at this time so I will call in a few dealers this summer and get their advice for brand and sizing.
That said, I have now changed my mind. Our location is prone to ice storms, and the one in February knocked out power for five days, longer for some in our area. The inconvenience and frustration has trumped the financial analysis, so I plan to get a stand-by propane generator connected to our 500 gallon propane tank. Given the poor condition and hackability of our power grid along with increasing storm frequency I anticipate that power losses may be more common and severe in the future. Fortunately money is not an issue for me, and expenses that enhance my remaining years are easily justified.
I expect generator inventory is low at this time so I will call in a few dealers this summer and get their advice for brand and sizing.
I went with the Kohler 14Kw and a 1000 gallon in-ground propane tank. Our hot water heater, stove and aux heat are all propane so we didn't need a monster generator.
