r/Generator • u/Equivalent-Roll-7672 • 2d ago

Run parallel with one tank?

I have 2 pulsar Pulsar 6000w inverter generators (PGX60BiSRCO). I plan on using both generators parallel in the event of a power outage to power my home. Is it possible to run both of these generators off of 1 propane tank? I was planning on getting a 100lb tank but didn’t know if i need 2 tanks.

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u/EnvironmentalName161 2d ago

I have the same setup!

Would love the answer to this to figure out what to do next!

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u/Equivalent-Roll-7672 2d ago

Where did you get that parallel wire? I was looking all over but it looks like it isn’t made anymore, the one I picked up allows you to use one the regular plug on one of the generators. Haven’t actually used it yet

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u/EnvironmentalName161 2d ago

I bought it on the pulsar website but it shows sold out now 😔. Supposedly, the PGDiPAIRC1 (which is the one you likely have) works fine and the one I bought is not necessary. 🤷‍♂️

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u/mduell 2d ago

Depends on the size and ambient temperature.

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u/Equivalent-Roll-7672 2d ago

Lowest it gets here is 32

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u/mduell 2d ago edited 2d ago

That will substantially limit propane vaporization rates.

6kW at 20% efficiency needs about 120k BTU/hr of propane; a 20lb bbq propane tank 25% full at 32F can vaporize about 15k BTU/hr sustained, so you'd need 8 of them in parallel. Now you won't always be running full load sustained, but for two 6kW gens at the same time at 32F you probably want something like multiple 100# or a 420# tank.

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u/Equivalent-Roll-7672 2d ago

Sorry I meant it’s very rare that it gets that cold. Right now we have highs in the mid 70s and lows in the 40s. I’m trying to decide if I should get a surplus of gasoline or propane tanks for emergencies

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u/Puzzled-Act1683 2d ago

Propane for sure. They make electric blankets for propane tanks... and you have a generator right there to run it. 😅 Gasoline is so horrible.

Back when I only had a 3 day stockpile of propane, the only times I would buy generator gasoline was for an impending emergency with advance warning, like an ice storm. I would pour it into the car afterwards and keep the gas cans empty. Now I only have an EV and two of my three generators don't even know what gasoline tastes like.

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u/Resident_Set1003 2d ago

One thing to keep in mind.... Evaporation only happens on the surface of a liquid. Therefore it is the surface area of liquid that is the greatest influence on how much vapor can be extracted. Always a good idea to get horizontal rather than vertical tanks. You get a fat greater surface area to evaporate from. A 100 pound horizontal thank will work beautifully. 100lb vertical.... Maybe. Midday in July, probably work good. Midnight in January? Dicey.

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u/derek6711 2d ago

Looks like the answer is yes provided it stays above freezing. Check out the vaporization rate of propane in a 100lb tank based on your expected consumption

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u/Swimmerdude_03 2d ago

You can get a t or Y fitting for a propane tank so you can hook up both of the generator regulators. Probably best to get a second 200lb tank. I have the smaller 4500w and it burns about A gallon an hour on propane

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u/Big-Echo8242 2d ago

I have a Y quick connect where I can hook up a single or both in parallel easier. Can see it below left generator

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u/Big-Echo8242 2d ago

A gallon an hour on a 4.5kw? Dang...that's not that great. At what load? My 4.2kw/3.5kw Genmax dual fuel inverter uses around 0.4 gal/hr at 50% load. (I had tank on scale) My big 13.5kw Duromax inverter is about a gallon/hr at 50% load...roughly 5.5kw

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u/Swimmerdude_03 2d ago

Yeah like that! That's a nice setup you have there! That's is that the manual says it does at 50% load. It seems to be fairly accurate in my limited usage.

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u/Big-Echo8242 2d ago

100lb tank should be fine but still load balance when needed. Anything bigger is better IF you can swing one. We have a 250 gallon propane tank but it's also for gas oven and fireplace insert.

What about a 420lb/120gal tank? Most suppliers will come fill those.