Start Generator
I recently had a power outage in Houston, Texas after hurricane IKE. We were fortunate to have a generator and that made the house much more livable.
Our generator is a Briggs & Stratton model 030235. It has a 10 horsepower motor and is rated at 8500 starting watts and 5500 running watts. The cost was $650 on sale at Pep Boys and an extra heavy duty 25′ extension cord was included. It has a 5 gallon tank and usually ran about 10 hours with medium load. For me this was about the right size generator for a 2,000 square foot house. If I had a 3,000 sq ft house I would get a second small generator with about 3,500 starting watts and run a 3rd 10,000 portable air conditioner.
Here is what we ran on the generator:
2 Portable air conditioners (12,000 and 8,000) – Continuous Refrigerator – Continuous TV and DVD player Washer and Dryer Small Microwave Couple Lamps Cell Phone and Laptop Chargers
If you get a generator please read all instructions and take safety precautions. For example, turn the generator off and let it cool before adding fuel. It is also important not to run the generator in or near the house. My generator directions said not to run it in the rain or get it wet. A small storage shed away from the house is one possible solution for where to run it.
Here are a few other tips from my experience:
- Try to get a generator that includes a 25′ extension cord that is specially made for a generator. That is a big plus!
- Some generators are somewhat weather-resistant with items like rubber flaps to cover the sockets. I think that is a good feature.
- My generator started easily on the first pull every time. It may not be worth paying extra for “electric start”.
- Start the generator with nothing plugged in. Then start appliances one at a time, starting with the largest load. (Or whatever the directions say)
- Gas may be hard to find after a hurricane. Five 5 gallon cans could last 2 ½ days.
- Add fuel stabilizer if you store fuel in cans or in the generator.
- The oil gets dirty fast in generators. I changed the oil every 2 days of running with 10-30 full synthetic. (Put a couple bottles in the garage)
- Protect your generator from theft while running and in storage. A security cable connected to something permanent could help.
Article by Glenn Lamb
Lamb Insurance Agency, (Farmers, Foremost, Voyager, and Pacific Insurance) Auto, Home, Mobile Home, Life, and Business Insurance for Texas – Texas Windstorm Insurance
Also visit our insurance site at Low cost Houston Auto Insurance
How to Start Your Portable Generator – Pull Start
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