Generator for my pellet stove

BIGISLANDHIKERS said:

Will my Quad Mt Vernon AE work ok on this generator?

http://www.amazon.com/Sportsman-GEN4000LP-4000-Watt-Portable-Generator/dp/B004BKI0UW

Thanks
BIH

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I run mine on a similar Generac 4000 XL generator and have no problems running the stove and lots of other things in the house at the same time.
http://www.generac-portables.com/service_support/previous_models/detail.cfm?id=Endeca.400347136

should be alright from the specs

Cheap generators are ok in a pinch, but they are hard on sensative electronics (aka control boards). Most cheap generators are meant to power "resistive" loads such as lights, heaters, etc. Electronics usually don't "pop" from dirty power, but it does impact their overall life... Since backup power isn't used extensively, you'll probably not have any problems, but, as they always say - "everything has a price"...

Here are some power curve graphs and descriptions. While this is a bit Honda-centric, it's still relevant.

http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/products/generators/content.aspx?asset=gg_choose

BIGISLANDHIKERS said:

Another issue I was wondering about is if propane gen will work on really cold nights?

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How cold is "really cold"? Below -20F?
How much gas pressure do you need provided to gas carb (after pressure regulator, of course)?

See http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/propane-vapor-pressure-d_1020.html for pressure/temp curve for pure propane.

Having dealt with emergency generators propane-fueled from same tank as an institutional kitchen in SW CT, ambient temps were not an issue, for example.

I'd go with the Generac over the Sportsman for the smoother power. The Honda is the best if it is in the budget. Don't try to run computers of any kind off of a generator you will regret it.

I just recently purchased a large portable generator (7250/8250 watts) that is suppose to be "electronics friendly". It boasts a less than 5% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) and of course rated right at 60 hertz, but after initial startup I put my Kill-A-Watt EZ on her and she was cranking out 66.1 to 66.3 hertz which is potentially an electronics killer for sure. I had to reduce the speed via the governor until I got it right at 59.9 to 60.1 hertz.

I'm glad I checked!

Did you test that under load?

On the well pump, I was surprised my 5 kw genny wouldn't start up the well pump at 400'. It takes a lot of amps to start it up. The 7.5 kw one did the trick. I'd try to measure the startup current first before going out and buying a genny.

Yes I did. I ran my cord to my Gentran manual transfer switch and turned on the 5 circuits attached and the meter still read the same hertz.

we have friends in new jersey who are looking for a generator that will run off of their natural gas supply they have for their furnace.

i'm hoping for some recommendations from folks here to get me started so i can help them research this.

thanks.

Wow, I have a kill-a-watt meter somewhere in the house, but I never realized it also measured line frequency.

I'm going to try digging it out tonight and do some testing.

I have a mid 90's multiquip 6000 generator. It has a Honda motor. It has been very reliable for years. I have not had to use it on the pellet stove yet. But it powers pretty much everything in the house, including TV and other electrical items. So after reading all the debating on here I wanted to find out what the THD is on mine. After searching the internet I can't find a thing, just that it is a very stable 60hertz. Does anyone know where I could find out the THD for this model?

lbcynya said:

Cheap generators are ok in a pinch, but they are hard on sensative electronics (aka control boards). Most cheap generators are meant to power "resistive" loads such as lights, heaters, etc. Electronics usually don't "pop" from dirty power, but it does impact their overall life...

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Complete myth.

Your modern electronics do not run on 120v directly. Your DVD player, computer, lcd television, etc, etc (your sensitive electronics) are powered by a switching mode power supply which is designed to accept a wide range of input voltages and frequencies.

Run a surge suppressor or a line conditioner inline and you'll be just fine.

The only advantage to the smaller inverter generators is for a given load rating they do not require as big an engine, thus they are also lighter, quieter and more fuel efficient.

sorry, off-topic.

bigdaddyste said:

I have a mid 90's multiquip 6000 generator. It has a Honda motor. It has been very reliable for years. I have not had to use it on the pellet stove yet. But it powers pretty much everything in the house, including TV and other electrical items. So after reading all the debating on here I wanted to find out what the THD is on mine. After searching the internet I can't find a thing, just that it is a very stable 60hertz. Does anyone know where I could find out the THD for this model?

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Find someone with an oscilloscope and measure it.

76brian said:

lbcynya said:

Cheap generators are ok in a pinch, but they are hard on sensative electronics (aka control boards). Most cheap generators are meant to power "resistive" loads such as lights, heaters, etc. Electronics usually don't "pop" from dirty power, but it does impact their overall life...

Click to expand...

Your modern electronics do not run on 120v directly. Your DVD player, computer, lcd television, etc, etc (your sensitive electronics) are powered by a switching mode power supply which is designed to accept a wide range of input voltages and frequencies[/b].

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Does the circuit board on a pellet stove have the same capability?

DMZX said:

Does the circuit board on a pellet stove have the same capability?

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There will be a switching power supply to run the electronics, yes. The electronics don't run at 120v. There is a transformer to step down the voltage, a rectifier to convert it from AC to DC, and a voltage regulator as well.

The quality of the components in these supplies are anyones guess though, so I have no idea on their specs. I can say that when the time comes I have to use a generator on my stove, I won't be worried too much about it.

76brian said:

I can say that when the time comes I have to use a generator on my stove, I won't be worried too much about it.

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I don't own a generator and can't speak first hand, is this the same issue in reference to using 'pure sine wave' generators w/pellets stoves? Because if it is, there are countless threads spanning years here of members trying to power their pellet stoves with the cheaper, 'non-sine wave' generators and running into real problems with fans not running correctly, etc. I've always assumed that when the time comes, I would be spending the extra dough for a pure-sine genny so as to avoid any potentional problems running it w/the pellet stove.

I need to power all the essential items I'm my house and the PS is just one of them. I'm confident a line conditioner between the Generac portable (w/ voltage regulation) and the PS will work just fine and not harm the $200 circuit board.

What kind of line conditioner do you use or should be used.
Ed

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938811&pf_rd_i=507846 Something like this maybe?? Been thinking about getting one of these for my 10yr old 5KW Generac to use on my P38.

Thanks for the information.

Ed