What did you learn and what are you going to do different?

[ChrisL]

Wasn't complaining, just shocked when I realized it.
We were very fortunate to have only lost power.

[Takes Prizoners]

what the hell did you have running? lol.  I had a fridge and a freezer running total 1265 watts according to the labels.  Then a surge protector with a couple cell phones and laptops charging.  I maybe went through $50 of gas.  Used only 2 gallons a day but I only ran the gen for 1/2 day for the 1st 3 days and then 18-24hrs the last 3.

[Still Running]

I didnt think you were Chris.  I spent around $100 myself

[ChrisL]

Frig, chargers, 2 lamps, coffee maker, space heater.  
Burned 2 tanks a day @ 6 gallons per.  Specs said 11hrs per tank @ half load.  We averaged 10 to 11 hrs per tank.   It really only throttled up if the heater was on high or when we ran the kurig.
In all fairness, the gen tank is still full and there is a 5gal can full.  So I guess $220.

[Takes Prizoners]

heater and coffee maker alone are a ton of watts.

[BigAl13]

Yeah chris I wasnt under the impression you were complaining either, 

[ped579]

There is not much I would do any different except maybe pick up a generator to keep the fridge and freezer going.  We had the Igloo full of food and the ice is still frozen in them.  We had hurricane lamps running on Kerosene, and 2 cheap heaters running on LP gas (windows open slightly of course.  The temp in the house was a comfortable 70 deg.

Also running off the LP was the good old Coleman stove and the really old Coleman fuel stove that ran its tank off plus the Coleman lamps that put out tons of illumination.  All in all we spent 34 dollars in LP fuel with a tank full that is left over.  Plus I bought a 12' hose so the tanks were always out side and never in the house proper.  We piled on the blankets for sleeping and turned off the heaters while we slept.

We, stocked up can foods in the basement so there was never a want for food.  Wawa was always stocked and we always had milk and bread and of course tons of junk food.

The only thing we might do over the winter is to install a Franklin stove just because we have so much wood right now and it makes sense just so we do not have to run the LP heaters in the house again.

I guess being in Emergency management for so long one gets a bit over stocked with the Emergency Kit.  But, I am glad we are all okay and better days are coming.  Now to restock the kit and the fridge.

Paul

[paul-e]

Think I would like to pick up a generator for the future.

My question is, and, I have spoken to some who do it, and researched a little about it,
is it safe to back feed into your electric panel by wall sockets or 30 amp dryer plugs from a generator?

I know the correct answer is to have a switch installed. But if you shut off the main breaker so you don't back feed the line, is it safe?

[Takes Prizoners]

paul-e, i believe it is illegal to back feed with a suicide cord.  I'd like to have a transfer switch installed but I'll have to settle for cable city for now

[BigAl13]

paul-e, i believe it is illegal to back feed with a suicide cord.  I'd like to have a transfer switch installed but I'll have to settle for cable city for now

Correct it is illegal, opening the main breaker only protects the line man it still leaves you vulnerable, Paule you can do it but I wouldnt advise it. Its relatively inexpensive to have the outlet put in.
Also then your generator and house are protected.

[overbite]

Just figured out I spent $250 on generator gas for 6 days 

Chris glad that things worked out with that gen set, My 5500 Generac has a 7 gal. Tank at half load its rated at 10 Hours run time. with Sump pump Ref. Fridg. Furnace HW BB.  and some lights at my house, and about the same at My neighbor that was hooked up to it I less Cable TV I got 7-8 hours per tank. had 5 - 5 gal tanks plus the gen. tank when I started and Now have 25 Gal Left. after refill. got power back Sat. Eve and Cable. Cons. Hard starting a hot pull start Gen. had to wait 15 min. to restart. will sell this one and replace it with a Electric start one.

[Still Running]

You might want to think about the Electric start.
How many times do you use it and will the battery be dead when you need it.

[Takes Prizoners]

electric start = something that never works when you need it.  if you store it outside also, you're probably going to end up pullstarting in the freeze anyway.  I saw a gen with remote start like a car. lol

[overbite]

You might want to think about the Electric start.
How many times do you use it and will the battery be dead when you need it.

Thanks for the reply. My neighbor has same as me its Electric Start, last year. no problem. stored in garage  I have to check if it also has pull start also. with My Trolling Batteries I had and still have the charger, it has a trickle charge and maintenance feature in it. 
will have to explore it more. At my age its a Mule to pull start, Bill. Note never try to start under load.

[wimpy]

Transfer switch
UPS for computer
More Cash
At least one more 5 gal can (for a total of 5-25 gal/4gal-12hrs@50%load=3 days.

[overbite]

electric start = something that never works when you need it.  if you store it outside also, you're probably going to end up pullstarting in the freeze anyway.  I saw a gen with remote start like a car. lol

After some research The Generac 6500 Electric Start has a On board maintenance Charger. But surprised The engine is the same size the Gen. winding's are bigger and the Fuel tank is the same size 7.2 Gallons As my 5500 Generac Gen. Set At Electric Generator Direct. Ohio. There is a back order till DEC 7. Mine will be up for sale if I order it. and will post it in the for sale section or Members Only at a discount Bill

[overbite]

One Thing Have to have a Fire (Stove) Place installed 

[Hotrod]

We have had a Pellet stove for many years.  really came in handy with no electric. if it draws more that 300 watts I'd be surprised

Max temp is about 180 Deg..  so it can be placed anywhere.  Cost is about $4 a bag last about a day at low temp.  more than enough to heat our den..

[BigAl13]

Rod if you want to try and get a few more btus out of that you can burn corn 

[Hotrod]

   I never run is at max..  just low..