Topic 'Re: Generator Time!!!' in forum 'Home Improvement' - dslreports.com

Re: Generator Time!!!

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 19:32:51 EDT

Daarken posted : My post was in reference to your remark about CO detectors.
I am fully aware of the "10 year" smoke detector, but in the past 18 years of working in the life safety industry, I have never seen one last beyond 6 or 7. Smoke detectors (not smoke alarms) last far longer then 10 years, and with proper cleaning will be trouble free.
CO detectors have been on the market for quite some time, but for the most part it is a fairley new technology. In 2008 when they 1st started to be produced at a consumer grade level, they only had a life span of 3 years or so. Now they max out at 7.
The CO detectors we sell and installed are manufactured by System Sensor. They have a complete resource page for any quesstions you might have about these devices. www.systemsensor.com
As for kiddie products,they have a broad line of detectors for many different types of applications. Thier warranty aslo varies with each model. The warranty ranges from 5 to 7 years. I do not have any in my home and nor would I recommend them. The type I have use and recommend are not purchased at your local box store or home improvement center.
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Re: Generator Time!!!

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 15:48:22 EDT

fifty nine posted :

said by Jackarino:

As some may know, I just picked up a 7500 Watt generator and when I first started it up I plugged in one lamp and it keep flickering. I let it run for 5+min and kept on flickering. I Tried different lamps, bulbs, etc. Thoughts?

That happens with CFLs on (non-inverter) generators. I've seen several of my neighbors with small portable generators have flickering CFLs.

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 21:41:31 EDT

Jackarino posted : Its one of those new light bulbs

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 20:21:53 EDT

Jack_in_VA posted :

said by Subaru:

could be

It probably will smooth out with a heavier load.

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 20:13:19 EDT

Subaru posted : could be

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 20:09:42 EDT

Jack_in_VA posted :

said by Subaru:

what was the lamp? CFL? being 7500W a small lamp is hardly a load, however I noticed most CFL's will flicker with on a generator, I did not have the right meter with me but I guess it's the AC cycle and if it's not a inverter generator that would be the case as well, but it's nothing to cry over.

I use CFL's and they don't flicker but it could be the design of the alternator.

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 19:52:45 EDT

Subaru posted :

said by dennismurphy:

said by Subaru:

Instead of cfl's, I took the LED bulbs out of the hanging light in the kitchen and used them in a torch lamp during the outage. They were stead, bright, and drew very little wattage. I'm sold on the Philips LED bulbs - just have to get the cost down a bit ...

They here at HD not just philips they really expanded the LED section a bit, I haven't looked at them but I will be soon because I want to replace the recessed light with an LED because the current Cree recessed light I have is a bit too big.
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Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 19:49:28 EDT

dennismurphy posted :

said by Subaru:

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 19:32:50 EDT

Subaru posted : what was the lamp? CFL? being 7500W a small lamp is hardly a load, however I noticed most CFL's will flicker with on a generator, I did not have the right meter with me but I guess it's the AC cycle and if it's not a inverter generator that would be the case as well, but it's nothing to cry over.

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 18:57:33 EDT

Jackarino posted : As some may know, I just picked up a 7500 Watt generator and when I first started it up I plugged in one lamp and it keep flickering. I let it run for 5+min and kept on flickering. I Tried different lamps, bulbs, etc. Thoughts?
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Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 16:23:00 EDT

fifty nine posted : The ones we had that came with the house were going off, false alarm in the middle of the night, no smoke to trip them off.

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 14:53:26 EDT

cowboyro posted :

said by LazMan:

Carbon Monoxide Alarms should be replaced every 5-7 years.

That makes sense as there is an ongoing chemical reaction. Furthermore, once a CO detector goes off it should be replaced.

said by LazMan:

Smoke Alarms should be replaced every 10 years.

With optical sensors I'd agree. LEDs dim in time and the photo sensor may be unable to detect the smoke.
Ionization sensors - makes no sense. The half-life of the Americium used is over 400 years. Furthermore if for some reason the flux of particles decreases (dust, smoke, reduction in activity) the alarm goes off. At most it will be more sensitive and maybe give false positives.

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 13:19:45 EDT

LazMan posted : About which part? The co's having a life of 7 years? Or smokes at 10?

Either way, you want to explain it to me, as well as the manufacturer?

I will add a caveat - 7/10 years, or as per the manufacturer's instructions; whichever comes first...

------

Edit - supporting links:

»www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pyff···arm.html

How Long Should Your Smoke Alarm Last?

Smoke alarms have a useful life of about ten years. At that age they should be replaced, even if they seem to be working. This will assure that the alarm will be working when you need it.

»www.kiddecanada.com/utcfs/Templa···,00.html

Smoke Alarms
Kidde offers a wide range of smoke alarms to suit your needs. Two different technologies exist to detect smoke: ionization and photoelectric.

Own both types for complete protection. Dual sensor alarms are also available. Smoke alarms do wear out, replace your alarm every 10 years.

»www.firstalert.com/

DID YOU KNOW?

Carbon Monoxide Alarms should be replaced every 5-7 years.

Smoke Alarms should be replaced every 10 years.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends replacement to ensure the most effective protection and prevent nuissance alarms.

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 13:08:38 EDT

Daarken posted : Your absolutely incorrect on that statement.
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Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 12:22:14 EDT

Toadman posted :

said by Coma:

said by IowaCowboy:

If you are fortunate to have a generator, make sure you lock it down with a heavy duty cable and lock.

I have mine locked up in my shop and today I got all the makings of a suicide cord.

:)

I have a friend down in Kentucky that a few years ago they went through a good 4 day power outtage, and there were reports of Generator theft. What they were doing was taking a lawn mower, and starting up the lawn mower, and then shutting off the generator, so it didn't wake up the occupant. He ended up putting the gen back in the garage at night (not running) and always said that if someone was that interested during the day they could always say hi to his .38
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Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 12:06:15 EDT

MaynardKrebs posted :

said by alkizmo:

Dig a 4x4x4 hole, make a mold, pour concrete with a steel plate embedded inside, with a u-bolt coming out.

Heck you can build the concrete block to be an elevated pad for the generator as well.

Man, you really wimp out ;)

Me, I'd center the generator on the pad and cast three u-bolts on either side of the generator and run two hardened chains through each u-bolt before attaching the chains to the generator.

I'd also cast a conduit into the concrete for a contact switch which leads to a relay and battery-powered sirens - one indoors and one outdoors. Lift the generator (or some sort of cover installed that forces a would-be thief to move it first) and the siren goes off - the relay latches and prevents the sirens from being turned off by depressing the contact switch.

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 10:39:59 EDT

fifty nine posted : I think the law in NYC says 7 years, and I think a lot of detectors will chirp when it's time to replace.

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 09:16:57 EDT

LazMan posted :

said by Daarken:

Carbon Monoxide detectors only last up to 3 to 4 years, 5 years max. before failure.

End of life on most CO's is 7 years; most smoke detectors (both ionizing and photo-electric) is 10... Not to say replacing earlier is a bad idea - but the standard is 7.

Re: Generator Time!!!

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 13:54:35 EDT

alkizmo posted : Dig a 4x4x4 hole, make a mold, pour concrete with a steel plate embedded inside, with a u-bolt coming out.

Heck you can build the concrete block to be an elevated pad for the generator as well.

Re: Generator Time!!!

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 08:42:02 EDT

Subaru posted : I would be scared crazy to ride with someone with that setup!

Now as far as locking a generator down how do you lock one down if you don't have an anchor point?

a perfect point would of been the side of the house, this fat 4" pipe comes out but it's just a 90 degree bend and then that's it, I'm not sure if it's a vent or what.

Re: Generator Time!!!

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 18:13:34 EDT

IowaCowboy posted :

said by sk1939:

said by fifty nine:

Go ahead, hit a bump while smoking, it will be a load of fun.

He'd be lucky if he made it to the burn unit at Mass General Hospital. It be more likely that he'd be killed instantly.

That would cause instant third degree burns over 100 percent of his body. Many burn victims that sustain third degree burns on any part of their body have to endure lifelong disability because they never fully recover.

I used to watch Rescue 911 as a kid and burn victims never fully recover. Same on Medical reality shows. They are disfigured and live with lifelong pain that put them on a lifetime of being attached to morphine pumps.

Re: Generator Time!!!

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 18:07:25 EDT

Coma posted :

said by IowaCowboy:

If you are fortunate to have a generator, make sure you lock it down with a heavy duty cable and lock.

I have mine locked up in my shop and today I got all the makings of a suicide cord.

:)

--
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Re: Generator Time!!!

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 18:01:43 EDT

IowaCowboy posted : I just googled "generator theft" and there are tons of news reports of generators being stolen in the disaster zone.

If you are fortunate to have a generator, make sure you lock it down with a heavy duty cable and lock.

As for the gas in the orange buckets, not only is the gas in illegal containers but you need a CDL with hazmat and tank endorsement and the vehicle has to be placarded to transport that amount. I know in Massachusetts, I can carry up to four grill size propane tanks on a regular license. You cannot bring hazmat into the tunnels in Boston either (and I am sure NY/NJ have similar regulations).

Re: Generator Time!!!

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 20:13:16 EDT

Subaru posted : lol yeah I had the same thought

Re: Generator Time!!!

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 20:09:41 EDT

Jack_in_VA posted : A little after the fact I'd say. :D

Re: Generator Time!!!

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 20:02:13 EDT

Subaru posted : The state of CT today placed notices on all electronic roadway signs on the highway saying Gas only in approved containers only, as well as some fuel pumps, 2 people got busted in two different towns by state police trying to use those orange home depot buckets for fuel.

The lines are pretty much all gone but all it takes is fuel vapors..

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 19:19:51 EDT

Subaru posted : Depends on how long it's out for.. bad storm then I stay with her since she is up in age, normal thunderstorm not really.

More the reason why I'm going to get another generator.

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 18:55:12 EDT

alkizmo posted :

said by Subaru:

I was staying at my family member's house and she lost power I keep my generator over at her house for her to use and in the agreement I get to keep it stored.

Ok so when you lose power at your apartment, you go to stay at her place?

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 17:34:24 EDT

Subaru posted :

said by alkizmo:

said by Subaru:

Finally got power back at my apartment

Wait, you live in an apartment? Where did you place your generator?

I was staying at my family member's house and she lost power I keep my generator over at her house for her to use and in the agreement I get to keep it stored.
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LG is NOT Lifes Good It's Lucky Goldstar!

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 17:31:06 EDT

alkizmo posted :

said by Subaru:

Finally got power back at my apartment

Wait, you live in an apartment? Where did you place your generator?

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 17:29:02 EDT

Subaru posted : Finally got power back at my apartment

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 16:46:03 EDT

Coma posted :
I have a couple of internal combustion engines around here that I am sure would suffice for testing purposes.

--
November is National Epilepsy Month

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 16:27:29 EDT

leibold posted : Manufacturer claim on mine is 10 years but I have read a number of reports of carbon monoxide detectors failing prematurely (or even being DOA).
Beware that no CO detector that I'm aware off tests the actual sensor when you push the test button (it tests everything else). Some CO detectors can be tested with harmless test sprays because their sensor is sensitive to multiple chemicals (with the downside of possible false alerts) but it is important to match the correct test spray to the specific model of CO detector. Better CO detectors that are only sensitive to CO must be tested with a CO spray using a tent applicator (or a bag) to maintain a low CO concentration around the sensor for a sufficiently long time (several minutes) to trigger the alert.
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Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 15:23:59 EDT

Subaru posted : Should do what I was going to do in my other thread before my friend got power.. it was for something in a pinch.

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 14:41:30 EDT

alkizmo posted :

said by nyrrule27:

if i disconnect the wires from the emergency switch and cut the end off an extention cord is that the safe and correct way to get power to the boiler

Extension cord? Don't use christmas lights extension cords (You know what I mean).
Safe? Not really
Correct? Certainly not
Will it work? Yes

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 14:39:15 EDT

nyrrule27 posted : i know this has been answered somewhere in all these generator posts but to hook up a boiler to a generator. correct me if im wrong but if i disconnect the wires from the emergency switch and cut the end off an extention cord is that the safe and correct way to get power to the boiler

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 14:37:47 EDT

Coma posted :

said by Daarken:

Carbon Monoxide detectors only last up to 3 to 4 years, 5 years max. before failure.

Thanks for the heads up, I'll test it first and if it's defective just purchase another.

--
November is National Epilepsy Month

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 13:53:28 EDT

Subaru posted :

said by fifty nine:

Police arrest a man for "gas hoarding"

»www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/loca···.html?dr

Actually he was arrested for improper transport of gasoline.

I got a PM from Jack_In_VA telling me he used whatever was best available... and a few other stuff he says which still does not change the fact he is not transporting it in the correct manner. :uhh:

Glad they caught him.
--
It's NOT Ni-kon It's NE-KON!

LG is NOT Lifes Good It's Lucky Goldstar!

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 13:46:29 EDT

alkizmo posted :

said by sk1939:

Go ahead, hit a bump while smoking, it will be a load of fun.

BUT THE BUCKETS SAY "ALL-PURPOSE"!!!!!

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 13:24:47 EDT

sk1939 posted :

said by fifty nine:

Go ahead, hit a bump while smoking, it will be a load of fun.

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 13:22:54 EDT

alkizmo posted :

said by dennismurphy:

Have you checked whether it's one of the recalled units?

Yeah, but my unit isn't part of the recall.
Thanks for being vigilent.

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 13:21:31 EDT

fifty nine posted : Police arrest a man for "gas hoarding"

»www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/loca···.html?dr

Actually he was arrested for improper transport of gasoline.

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 13:16:09 EDT

dennismurphy posted :

said by alkizmo:

Hey now there! I bought a Champion 3000W last year.
I'm not desperate, I'm just cheap :p

Have you checked whether it's one of the recalled units?

»www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-575···re-risk/

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 12:58:11 EDT

Subaru posted : Generac is cheap? I would not of thought of them like that..

most of them have 0.5 gal fuel tanks at least from what I saw maybe the max of 1 gallon. I'm not sure which market they go for.. like the Generac 800W what point is that? why not just do 1,000W

Last Honda generator I ran I don't think it was a inverter, maybe 5-6 years ago it ran out of fuel with loads attached and had to get fuel, wish I could remember the model.
--
It's NOT Ni-kon It's NE-KON!

LG is NOT Lifes Good It's Lucky Goldstar!

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 12:57:35 EDT

alkizmo posted :

said by fifty nine:

Typically their buyers are those desperate for a generator before a disaster hits...

Hey now there! I bought a Champion 3000W last year.
I'm not desperate, I'm just cheap :p

A well maintained clone from a non-no-brand manufacturer can do the job nicely, it just won't get as many run time hours. The issue is whether you'd ever get to the max run time on a clone, and what is the cost to replace it for another clone vs. brand name.

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 12:54:42 EDT

Anonuser posted : The EQ Generator I posted pictures of is a Honda Clone, only in a 2 stroke format, the next size up from the one I have, which is approx 2000 watt, is a honda clone as well, in a 4 stroke format.

Just about every no-name 4 stroke and 2 stroke generator, has been cloned from some sort of Honda. Honda's the best, and you pay the price, a clone can be good, not the best, but for 1/6th the price, my clones (and the cloned scooters I sell as well), are GREAT.
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Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 12:53:47 EDT

fifty nine posted :

said by Subaru:

said by alkizmo:

said by fifty nine:

On Eco-throttle I can basically go 14-15 hours on a tank of gas (4 gallons).

All inverter generators tend to be very economical on fuel when running well below their capacity.
They don't have to stay at a minimum RPM (3600) to maintain 60hz.

14-15 hours on 4 gallons .... for what load? My generator (non inverter) can do 12 hours on 4 hallons with a 1500W load.

I'm shocked interver generators have not been cloned yet, can't be that hard?

They have. There are quite a few of them. Champion and Generac now make inverter generators.

But truth be told it isn't going to fit the target market. Inverter generators aren't cheap. Chinese generator mfgs priority is cheap above everything else. Typically their buyers are those desperate for a generator before a disaster hits...

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 12:48:26 EDT

alkizmo posted :

said by Subaru:

I'm shocked interver generators have not been cloned yet, can't be that hard?

Who says they havent?
»www.championpowerequipment.com/p···verters/

Champion generators are clones AFAIK (no name brand engines made in China).

I didn't search any deeper for other clone brands, but I'm pretty sure clones exist.

Re: Generator Time!!!

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 12:28:08 EDT

sk1939 posted : Hard enough I guess, or at least not cost effective enough to justify the R&D/Production costs.