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Diesel generators

SCSG-G4

PSVB 3003
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Don't know about them working or not. Whether they can power a home or not depends on what the load requirements of the home are (in amps at the rated voltage), and if there is the proper interlocks to the commercial power that flows into the house. If the generator is big enough for the peak load, then probably yes. If the peak load exceeds the capacity of the generator, it will either stall it out or fry the generator controls, depending on how it is built - either way it won't be supplying power for a while afterwards.
 

jatonka

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Ephratah, New York
Those gensets won't run in your area, too many wind generators setting up destructive EMF, loses pulse to the capacitive inductant digeradoos, makes big trouble. Let someone south east of you buy them. :p
 

doghead

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John, I had no idea you were an electrical engineer!
 

gumboo

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Most of the generators are 3 phase. If running appliances on these generators, you have to get, or make distribution boxes and try to use the same amount of electricity from each phase.
 

mastrb

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You can pick up a used 3 phase panel board. Talk to a electrician that does industrial work, odds are he is tossed out a few
 

LanceRobson

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Nearly all smaller generators (30 kW or smaller) have "reconnection switches" to allow you to switch a set from single to three phase. Usually the switch is under a fastened cover to keep morons from turning them while the generator is running and from turning them at all if they are not supposed to.

Some sets are rated to run at full load all the time (power factor, or PF, 1.0) many are rated at 80% output (PF 0.8)

Add up all the loads that start automatically (well pump, furnace, refrigeration etc.) and add about 30-50% to that to cover starting loads and misc. uses and you'll be in the ball park for the best size for long term use.

You can get by with a smaller set if you are willing and able to manage the loads individually.

Lastly, NYS law and the electric codes require a double throw transfer switc to lawfully and safely hook your service to the generator. the only other legal way to use a generator is to connect the loads to the generator directly.

The diesel sets currently being disposed of are relatively heavy duty but are being released, in part, due to a comparatively poor history of reliability. By that I mean, if you really, really need to have a back up generator and there is great risk to life, limb or property, you might want a new commercial set.

Lance
 
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