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Question of the Day: What's the most interesting small town you've visited in South Africa?
Power Generator
- Thread starter stefan9
- Start date
agentrfr
Executive Member
A 2.5kW (2.5kVA, but you aren't running any pool motors are you?) genny should do it. Realistically you'd only use maybe 1kW, but rather oversize than undersize to avoid damaging the genny.
Get a professional to install into DB board, and make sure it has an automatic breaker switch to disconnect you from the grid when power goes out and turn on the genny automatically, then have it shut down the genny when grid is back, and reconnect yourself to the grid.
Also be sure to get some low end UPSs for the TVs and computers, so that when power goes, the lag between the genny turning on, and the spike of switching the DB source doesn't harm the PCs and TV. Fridge/Freezer will be fine with spikes and lag.
Get a professional to install into DB board, and make sure it has an automatic breaker switch to disconnect you from the grid when power goes out and turn on the genny automatically, then have it shut down the genny when grid is back, and reconnect yourself to the grid.
Also be sure to get some low end UPSs for the TVs and computers, so that when power goes, the lag between the genny turning on, and the spike of switching the DB source doesn't harm the PCs and TV. Fridge/Freezer will be fine with spikes and lag.
Stokstert
Executive Member
Get a silent running one or you will be disappointed with your acquisition.
You get silent generators?
MrGray
Honorary Master
It depends on your needs. If you just need to stay running during the odd ~4hr power outage, an inverter is optimal as there is no noise, fuel, etc.
DominionZA
Executive Member
I have a 5kW and it powers almost my whole house. 2 large fridges, a few TV's, PC's, etc..
My servers are on a big Ups that keeps them running for about a day. And protects them from the power drops and spikes.
I have yet to get the genny hooked into my DB board but plan on it. For now I shut off the main switch then plug the genny into a wall socket. Sorted.
It is darned noisy, so it runs out in the bar where we hardly hear it. All my neighbours also have a genny, do no-one is disturbed when we fire it up.
My servers are on a big Ups that keeps them running for about a day. And protects them from the power drops and spikes.
I have yet to get the genny hooked into my DB board but plan on it. For now I shut off the main switch then plug the genny into a wall socket. Sorted.
It is darned noisy, so it runs out in the bar where we hardly hear it. All my neighbours also have a genny, do no-one is disturbed when we fire it up.
We have a fridge, tv and pc and 1.7kW is more than enough. Buying too large is just going to be a waste on petrol. Just switch off the geyser and the fridge/freezers can also go without elec for a few hours.
Same here. No need for an expensive solution that can't turn the generator on in any case.
Goobie
Expert Member
It will be OK. Switching power supplies in PCs are apparently very forgiving of bad power
HavocXphere
Honorary Master
You should put a UPS between the PC and genie if you can afford it.