Justin Time
DIY
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Like a host of UK residents recently (230% increase in genny sales apparently), I've just invested in a small (3500W) portable, dual fuel generator (floating neutral) I've had some extremely useful advice already from this forum, and plan to run an extension cable from the genny, into the house and power a few class 2 items. 16A 230v premium caravan hook up extension cable has been bought, and other high quality extension leads, plus a surge extension. The generator electrical system will be kept completely separate, independent, from the house's electrical system.
But, the big question. Where to site the genny when its running? Outside is fine, when the weather is equally fine. Over the summer I've spotted a lot of small portable generators at agricultural shows siting on the grass near catering vans, and such. One, a Honda, was actually placed in the back of a van with the door ajar! But with winter coming, rain, wind, snow etc. are assured and these are just the conditions when the mains, overhead cable electricity supply is likely to falter (we had 10 days without any electricity courtesy of storm Arwen last year) and blackouts are possible this winter according to reports, albeit as a worse case scenario. With the increased use of portable generators for home 'back-up' purposes, there must be a lot of people also pondering this question.
We do have a stone built, flagged floor, corrugated roof, out house, with a window and ventilation holes (previously used for animals). But the instructions with every generator I've looked at during my research strongly suggests placing the generator at least 20 feet away from buildings and in the open, clear of windows, etc, and to definitely avoid garages and sheds. 3 feet of space all around, at least, and at least 5 feet from flammable materials. I fully understand how carbon monoxide poisoning is an issue, and there are also potential fire risks from fuel ignition, plus the need to ensure these air-cooled engines have sufficient air flow to avoid over heating.
There are a few 'tent' like designs of generator cover which reputedly allow the generator to be running while still covered. They're relatively expensive, look flimsy, and I can't see they offer much in the way of protection from driving rain, and the few that do seem to offer better protection appear to block air flow, are flammable and certainly don't allow for 3 foot of separation around the generator.
Sorry this isn't directly an electrical question, but it is associated with the use of electrical equipment and safety.
Any suggestions or forumites' experiences shared will be gratefully considered.
But, the big question. Where to site the genny when its running? Outside is fine, when the weather is equally fine. Over the summer I've spotted a lot of small portable generators at agricultural shows siting on the grass near catering vans, and such. One, a Honda, was actually placed in the back of a van with the door ajar! But with winter coming, rain, wind, snow etc. are assured and these are just the conditions when the mains, overhead cable electricity supply is likely to falter (we had 10 days without any electricity courtesy of storm Arwen last year) and blackouts are possible this winter according to reports, albeit as a worse case scenario. With the increased use of portable generators for home 'back-up' purposes, there must be a lot of people also pondering this question.
We do have a stone built, flagged floor, corrugated roof, out house, with a window and ventilation holes (previously used for animals). But the instructions with every generator I've looked at during my research strongly suggests placing the generator at least 20 feet away from buildings and in the open, clear of windows, etc, and to definitely avoid garages and sheds. 3 feet of space all around, at least, and at least 5 feet from flammable materials. I fully understand how carbon monoxide poisoning is an issue, and there are also potential fire risks from fuel ignition, plus the need to ensure these air-cooled engines have sufficient air flow to avoid over heating.
There are a few 'tent' like designs of generator cover which reputedly allow the generator to be running while still covered. They're relatively expensive, look flimsy, and I can't see they offer much in the way of protection from driving rain, and the few that do seem to offer better protection appear to block air flow, are flammable and certainly don't allow for 3 foot of separation around the generator.
Sorry this isn't directly an electrical question, but it is associated with the use of electrical equipment and safety.
Any suggestions or forumites' experiences shared will be gratefully considered.