Power insert blower during power outage?

[jetsam]

I appreciate the input Jetsam, I assume they make the same kit for NG? My only concern I need a system that will recognize that the power is out, and then turn itself on. I already have a back up pump mounted higher in the sump pit and a spare sitting next to the sump. I never realized how much it could run until we had a very rapid thaw one spring. I remember back in the day, you could tell if your power was out by calling your home number and if the answering machine picked up you had power

That's possibly out of scope for something you can put together yourself for cheap.

The rub here is that you need a device that both watches for the power to go down and locks out utility power, then starts the generator. If you made such a device, I have to imagine that it would draw wrath from any building inspector, even if it was well designed and implemented.

Happily, you can buy one off the shelf (it's called an automatic transfer switch), but they can be expensive, and if you want to avoid a lot of head scratching and hardware hacking, you may want to stick with single-manufacturer generator + ATS systems.

So yeah, for what you want, possibly best not to try to go as cheap as possible.

 

[Sodbuster]

That's possibly out of scope for something you can put together yourself for cheap.

The rub here is that you need a device that both watches for the power to go down and locks out utility power, then starts the generator. If you made such a device, I have to imagine that it would draw wrath from any building inspector, even if it was well designed and implemented.

Happily, you can buy one off the shelf (it's called an automatic transfer switch), but they can be expensive, and if you want to avoid a lot of head scratching and hardware hacking, you may want to stick with single-manufacturer generator + ATS systems.

So yeah, for what you want, possibly best not to try to go as cheap as possible.

Yes I know they are pricey, my buddy has one, a Generac i believe, he had it installed by an Electrician. He went to his basement and turned off his main. about 20-30 seconds later there was a loud snap and the ATS kicked on and then the generator started itself.

 

[UrbanBrnr]

As soon as I can afford it, I'm going to install a whole house generator. In the Spring or even Winter when we get a heavy rain or fast thaw, my sump pump runs every 15-20 seconds. I can't be without power for long. If I'm on vacation I can't relax because my daughter usually watches the house but works nights.

When you get the generator please tell us what brand/model you felt was best and bought.

 

[Sodbuster]

Will do, but it will be a while before I can afford it.

 

[begreen]

There are some ongoing threads on generators in the DIY forum here:

What size portable generator would I need?

What size portable generator would recommended to use with a Rinnai direct wall furnace ( natural gas) unit? Or would a kerosene heater work? The size of the building is 594 sq ft. Thank you

www.hearth.com

 

[pulldownclaw]

Bumping this thread up since we have an ice storm coming and possibility of losing power for several days. I have a Honda 2000w generator, but thinking about keeping the fridge going and my blower on my Hampton HI300. Seems like it's easy to overfire my insert without the blower unless I make small fires. Anyone know how much power those blowers pull? I've tried searching but can't find anything solid, thanks.

 

[EbS-P]

Bumping this thread up since we have an ice storm coming and possibility of losing power for several days. I have a Honda 2000w generator, but thinking about keeping the fridge going and my blower on my Hampton HI300. Seems like it's easy to overfire my insert without the blower unless I make small fires. Anyone know how much power those blowers pull? I've tried searching but can't find anything solid, thanks.

Less than 100w on medium is my best guess

 

[DuaeGuttae]

It's been discussed on the forum over the years, and I've done kill-a-watt measurements in that time to help answer the question.

My Lopi Revere insert used to use from about 27 to 78 watts depending on the fan speed.

My Enviro Kodiak Insert used to use from about 28 to 60 watts from the lowest to highest fan speed.

I just put the meter on our freestanding Blaze King Sirocco blower via a surge protector since I can't read the meter if it's plugged in behind the stove, and it reads from about nineteen 19 watts on low to 33 on the highest speed.

We're preparing for the same storm you are, and I'm very thankful to have a lovely supply of firewood under cover outside as well as a supply in our basement. I'm sure hoping we don't get the freezing rain; I'd much rather have snow. I would think your generator would barely notice your insert blower. It may be more powerful than any of the ones I've measured, but I think it would likely be in a similar range to the two insert I had. Keep safe and warm.

 

[pulldownclaw]

Thanks for the replies! Good to hear, appreciate the info. Yes, glad to have plenty of dry wood undercover, I know we'll be warm but beyond that who knows with 1/2" of ice on the power lines and trees. We just took down a giant oak that looked sickly because we knew this storm was coming. Should last a few winters once I get done chopping! Stay warm and safe-cheers.

 

[fao1989]

It's been discussed on the forum over the years, and I've done kill-a-watt measurements in that time to help answer the question.

My Lopi Revere insert used to use from about 27 to 78 watts depending on the fan speed.

My Enviro Kodiak Insert used to use from about 28 to 60 watts from the lowest to highest fan speed.

I just put the meter on our freestanding Blaze King Sirocco blower via a surge protector since I can't read the meter if it's plugged in behind the stove, and it reads from about nineteen 19 watts on low to 33 on the highest speed.

We're preparing for the same storm you are, and I'm very thankful to have a lovely supply of firewood under cover outside as well as a supply in our basement. I'm sure hoping we don't get the freezing rain; I'd much rather have snow. I would think your generator would barely notice your insert blower. It may be more powerful than any of the ones I've measured, but I think it would likely be in a similar range to the two insert I had. Keep safe and warm.

Bumping this thread up since we have an ice storm coming and possibility of losing power for several days. I have a Honda 2000w generator, but thinking about keeping the fridge going and my blower on my Hampton HI300. Seems like it's easy to overfire my insert without the blower unless I make small fires. Anyone know how much power those blowers pull? I've tried searching but can't find anything solid, thanks.

Pulldownclaw, thanks for resurrecting this tread just as I started cogitating ion this very question! Anyone else consider an ecoflow or jackery power bank? I think my BK A25 draws .5Amps and 30watts on its two fans, or 60W total. About the same as a light bulb. LLM AIs advises that a ECOFLOW DElta 2 max would run the fans about 24 hours. The plus is that the power bank comes with a so/so solar panel. Prolly8 hours to charge on a fair day. CON is you would need to 'anticipate' a potential problem and charge the bank in advance for immediate use. Vice a generator which is always ready.

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[reaperman1]

I’ve never had to use this yet. But I tested out my dual blower fan on my stove with a simple 100 watt power inverter and deep cycle battery from my boat. The inverter is one that would plug into a car cigarette lighter and provide up to 100 watts. The inverter easily ran the blower. I’ve tested the blower’s output at approx 30 watts on the low setting I generally use. I think I paid about $25 for the inverter a few yrs ago.

However I have a generator hookup for my home that’s powered by a Honda 6500 inverter if needed. My main concern when the power goes off is the ability to stay warm and run my well.