Thanks Gnole, thats what I was meaning even though I didn't know how to say it - meaning about the gas not being let in if the power isn't on.
I'm starting to think that this generator business is much harder to understand than I originally thought. Do electricians come out and set everything up for you if you had to have it connected into the mains? If thats the case, I might actually get my moms house set up like that and keep a portable one for my house.
As long as between the two houses we can have some lights, use the microwave, tv and gas hob, then that will be fine to start off with (and into the future too....)
Generators
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the-gnole
Re: Generators
It costs about £60 for the switch and then you need the tails from the meter re-routed into the changeover switch and back to the consumer unit, so you will probably be looking at at least £200 for a sparky in your neck of the woods, then the associated externals to plug the genny into.
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skippy
Re: Generators
Easy way to find out about the gas hob.....turn the power off at the electrickerty box and then see if you can boil a pan of water 
Feel free to think about what power requirement you will need then between us Im sure we can sort you out with a quick and dirty way of using it.
As time goes on you can then refine the system.
Just a thought
Skips
Feel free to think about what power requirement you will need then between us Im sure we can sort you out with a quick and dirty way of using it.
As time goes on you can then refine the system.
Just a thought
Skips
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skippy
Re: Generators
During the high winds last week we lost power. We have a 5kw petrol Honda. Its free standing and We ran two leads from it,one for next doors telly,one for us. Our lead powered our entertainment and charged some batteries. We heat with solid fuel. We have LED lighting(backup)showering was done with solar shower(filled with warm water from gas stoveor back up kelly kettle,butane or back yard volcano brickstove)
To conclude,I reckon the generator is good for short-term comfort(it kept things normal-ish for a good few hours,and helped our elderly neighbours)BUT long-term is not so good as it relies on ever-
More-expensive,volatile fuel. Here at chez Jansman we are looking evermore at low level solar,and a general "powerdown" learning to use less.
To conclude,I reckon the generator is good for short-term comfort(it kept things normal-ish for a good few hours,and helped our elderly neighbours)BUT long-term is not so good as it relies on ever-
More-expensive,volatile fuel. Here at chez Jansman we are looking evermore at low level solar,and a general "powerdown" learning to use less.
In three words I can sum up everything I have learned about life: It goes on.
Robert Frost.
Covid 19: After that level of weirdness ,any situation is certainly possible.
Me.
Robert Frost.
Covid 19: After that level of weirdness ,any situation is certainly possible.
Me.
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zef
Re: Generators
Here's a thought. Would it be possible to convert a petrol generator to wood gas? That might be a better long term answer to using petrol.....renewable as well.
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the-gnole
Re: Generators
You can use LPG in 4stroke generators, so probably possible to make one use woodgas.
But the long term solution is to learn to use less and have something that doesn't need any substance in it that needs replacing, even generators need oil to keep them working, once the sump oil is exhausted then you have another problem to solve.
But the long term solution is to learn to use less and have something that doesn't need any substance in it that needs replacing, even generators need oil to keep them working, once the sump oil is exhausted then you have another problem to solve.
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analog man
Re: Generators
I have a question for you fellows, Now I live in Canada, and I should say that I do have a reasonable inventory of, and am very experienced with power generation for back up, or full time off grid use.
I say that just so you understand my surprise as I read the posts on generators (alternators), and I dont think I have read a single mention of one of the finest systems built right in England.
I am refering to a Lister 6/1 (5/1) for the engine, and they were often fitted with a alternator in a package refered to as a startomatic.
Now I know these are not current production, but my understanding is that used units can be found over there without much difficulty. I could not find one when I was looking years back so i had to settle for a listeroid copy out of India....a poor immitation, but still better than any cheap gas engine. So my Question is why isnt that even being considered?
It can supply electical power, and hot water, the fuel use is little, it runs on diesel, but you can run it on propane or natural gas (fumigation method) without altering the engine. In fact I was reading about Ken Boak in England who converted his to run on wood gas.
Lots of options, and I have found that even a clutts like me can take one apart, and have it run again.
Anybody, why?
I say that just so you understand my surprise as I read the posts on generators (alternators), and I dont think I have read a single mention of one of the finest systems built right in England.
I am refering to a Lister 6/1 (5/1) for the engine, and they were often fitted with a alternator in a package refered to as a startomatic.
Now I know these are not current production, but my understanding is that used units can be found over there without much difficulty. I could not find one when I was looking years back so i had to settle for a listeroid copy out of India....a poor immitation, but still better than any cheap gas engine. So my Question is why isnt that even being considered?
It can supply electical power, and hot water, the fuel use is little, it runs on diesel, but you can run it on propane or natural gas (fumigation method) without altering the engine. In fact I was reading about Ken Boak in England who converted his to run on wood gas.
Lots of options, and I have found that even a clutts like me can take one apart, and have it run again.
Anybody, why?