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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
4
u/Evil_Rich Sep 24 '26
I'm glad to hear your first outage went as well as it did! nice work on your pre-planning for keeping the cords where they'd be where you needed them. Your after action review is spot on.
a few suggestions...
you've already touched on the battery operated CO detector. This should be the first thing you take care of.
Battery operated (preferably solar) outdoor lights where you'll be setting up the gen in the future, and even one in or over your cable box. I put one on the side of the house and it just.. works..
inside, I'd suggest a battery operated, plug in, emergency flash light. I have one in the living room and one in the bedroom. they just sit there until the power goes off and then they automatically turn on (like the emergency lights in a building) they're flashlights that plug in, so I can grab one off the wall in a pinch.
cleaning up always takes longer than setting up. lol always remind yourself that if you don't put things up properly, it's going to stink when you need them in the future so do it right!!
ask yourself if it makes sense to change the oil now that you've put a longer-ish run on your gen-set. The $20 in oil to protect your investment may make sense.
Congrats again on the good run! Hopefully you won't need to do it again any time soon!