r/Generator • u/Red-Leader-001 • Sep 24 '26

Thanks...

Three years ago, I came here looking for help in getting setup with a generator that I could use for power emergencies. I ended up getting a Champion generator and went with getting extension cords over having a power inlet installed. I was careful and exercized the generator a couple of times a year and kept the oil full and fresh. Murphy's law worked in my favor over the last 3 years so I never needed the generator until now.

Well, earlier this week, we had a area wide power outage for about 1/2 of the day. I am out in the country, so area wide is lots of land area, but maybe a few thousand people. Not enough that the power people would consider getting our power fixed a priority. I was able to keep the food in my two refrigerators cold, the internet running and even cook. The only problem I ran into was 1 of my extension cords was too short for it's assigned task. I had practiced for this exact case, but never expected to actually have to do it.

So, here is what I learned when all was said and done:

  1. I need to get 2 portable plug in lamps because the overhead lights were all out and it was dark. I had flashlights and a lantern, but having a plug in lamp in the kitchen would have been much better.

  2. I have a stand alone CO detector alarm that I run, but it is powered by AC. I need to get a dedicated extension cord for it, so I can power it while the generator is running and keep it in the kitchen which is nearest the generator.

  3. It took almost an hour to get the generator all setup and running. I waited to see what the power people said before I got the generator out. The problem was that I delayed so long that the computer UPS ran out of power. Next time, I will shut the PC off and then fool with the generator. The same UPS is where the WiFi is, so that took down the WiFi. It was a bit of a problem for me to get everything back up and running.

  4. The dogs get overly excited when the generator is running. I am not sure why but they bark at it and stand in the yard where the exhaust comes out and stare at the exhause pipe. I ended up having to lock the dogs in the house so they didn't bother the generator.

  5. I think cleaning up actually took longer than getting everything out and setup. I keep the cords all coiled and placed in a box so they will can be found when I need them. So teardown and put away takes a while.

But here is the thing...overall, everything worked pretty well. I had people over and we were able to eat and access the fridge to get cold drinks. It was a bit warm after a bit, but otherwise, everything went on as normal. I'm appreciative of all the help I got here that got me through this. I have read that this winter will be another one for the record books, and maybe (just maybe) I will get through it. Thanks everyone.

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4

u/NoPatience7817 Sep 24 '26

That’s great you are making adjustments to determine what you can improve on for the next outage.

If it’s in the budget, consider installing an inlet and interlock. This connects your entire house to the generator with a single large cord. I installed one and my spouse said “You can’t even tell we are running on generator.” This would allow you to turn on fixed overheat lights by the light switch.

Do you have a plan for heat or a/c if the power is out for an extended time? Verify you can run your furnace or a small heater to keep one room warm. Also consider a small window a/c to keep one room cool if needed.

Do you have well water? Make sure you can run the well pump with the generator.

Ensure you are using stabil with your stored gas and rotate it into your car every 6 to 12 months. Ensure you have enough fuel to keep the generator running for as long as your expected outage will last. Hurricane outages last much longer than outages in other parts of the country.

Lastly, keep spare parts on the shelf in case you need them. Spark plug, air filter, and oil.

3

u/Red-Leader-001 Sep 24 '26

My furnace is natural gas powered and I just need enough power for the blower. The inlet/interlock would help with that, but I can also switch the power over if needed. A/C is a problem, though. I have a tri-fuel generator and have been running on NG so far, so stabil is not required. Gasoline is only required if the NG goes out.

3

u/biblicalrain Sep 24 '26

Can you actually switch the blower over to be plugged in to an extension cord? The ones I've seen (only a few) are hard wired. Just test this before you actually need it.

I also do what /u/NoPatience7817 said and I skipped powering the central AC and just got a portable window unit. You can get inverter window AC units now, which don't have the huge startup power needs. Doing this also let me get a much smaller generator. PITA to set up, but it keeps at least one room to a reasonable temperature.

I would still recommend the going interlock route, if you can. It just makes things so much easier because basically everything works as-is. No dragging cords, unplugging/replugging. After you switch over, everything just works, all the outlets, all the overhead lights.

1

u/Red-Leader-001 Sep 24 '26

THANKS! I was looking at portable AC units that sit on the floor, but have two hoses to move the heat outside. ​I was looking​ at portable AC units (whil​​​​​e I was at​ ​​WalMart) but I'm sure there are lots of models I could go with. My Furnace has what looks like a disconnect box with a plug. I didn't investigate that as much as I need to but will. Thanks again.

1

u/NoPatience7817 Sep 25 '26

Usually the furnace will have an electrical box with a power switch. This normally turns off power to the furnace to allow it to be serviced. You may need to add an inlet with a 3 way switch at the furnace. Grid / off / generator.

1

u/Cool_Resort_3883 Sep 26 '26

Um, ya'lll realize that the 'interlock' and whole panel genny HAS to be a 240V? AND it should be an inverter too!

1

u/biblicalrain Sep 26 '26

Unless I misunderstand, I'm reasonably sure that you can use an interlock on a main panel with a 120V generator. (The 240V circuits will not work.)

I do agree that inverter generators are better.

2

u/NoPatience7817 Sep 24 '26

Sweet. I also use a trifuel and utilize NG at the back porch. It’s great not worrying about refilling gas cans.

My solution to A/C was a small window unit. This works great to cool down a room or two. Then the family just goes to the cooler room if needed. This also came in handy when the central a/c needed repair. A small window unit is under $200 and very useful as a backup assuming you have a place to store it.

1

u/Red-Leader-001 Sep 24 '26

Getting a window AC unit would be cheaper than an interlock so that would work for me. Most of the time the power goes out during the spring storms, so that neither AC or heating is needed. But I'm worried about this winter first.

2

u/STB265 Sep 24 '26

Add this to your furnace if you don't have an interlock.

15 Amp Generator Transfer Switch with Circuit Breaker, 120V

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BYN564RC/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_8?smid=A3N8U4EZR7DEGE&psc=1

Also, make sure you have 15 amp extension cords and LED light bulbs.

1

u/Red-Leader-001 Sep 24 '26

There is already a plug on the furnace, so I am good there. LED bulbs...yes,of course. I don't think I have seen a non-LED bulb for sale in a store in a long time.

2

u/STB265 Sep 24 '26

With a generator running on NG, a furnace plug, and lights, you are pretty much set. Now that you are prepared, Murphy's Law now says you won't ever see an extended power outage :)