Power cuts (slightly on topic) annoying

[Richard Burns]

Do you find that it is more annoying having a power cut when you are an electrician? I have just had a 1 minute power cut and found it irritating that with all this capability available ( I mean the forum, not me, of course!:thinking that I can't do anything!

 

[trev]

About 18 months ago the lights flickered for a few minutes then went off, I looked out the window and the whole street was down. Twas lashing down with snow and I couldn't do a damn thing, we ended up with a 360 digger outside our bedroom window till about 3 am and they hooked a genny up till they got the juice back on.
Frustrating

 

[HandySparks]

I know what you mean. Every time a power cut happens, I resurrect thoughts of fitting a big inverter to the van and a changeover switch and 16A fixed plug to the CU tails. But after it's over I can always think of better things to spend my money on.

 

[Richard Burns]

I know what you mean. Every time a power cut happens, I resurrect thoughts of fitting a big inverter to the van and a changeover switch and 16A fixed plug to the CU tails. But after it's over I can always think of better things to spend my money on.

Like the idea, would hate to see it practice when the children go to have a shower!

 

[Darkwood]

Folk Handles.... is all you need

 

[HandySparks]

Like the idea, would hate to see it practice when the children go to have a shower!

Yes, you'd have to have strict control of the load, although in my case it's a pumped shower, so would probably be OK. Really for central heating supply, fridge, freezer, a few low energy lights. And maybe a couple of PCs and broadband router to stop the kids getting too grumpy if it goes on more than an hour or so!

 

[i=p/u]

remember to bond your genny to metal washing line pole

 

[Richard Burns]

Yeah control of load a key there, especially as it could blow the inverter, which would be a bit expensive.
Most of a house could probably be run on about 2/3kW so long as there is no electric heating involved.
I keep thinking of getting a 2kw generator and then think I could spend the money better, and think of the electricity savings you make whilst the power is off!

 

[Mark_Burgess]

I get my genny out, flick the main switch off and connect using the widow maker lead!!

 

[JD6400]

I get my genny out, flick the main switch off and connect using the widow maker lead!![

I do exactly the same thing , one day i will get around to connecting one of the 3 change overs that are just sitting in me shed!

 

[Guest111]

sometimes I use a genny just to annoy the neighbours during a power cut,they,re all in the dark and I,ve got tv and lights.

 

[Mark_Burgess]

sometimes I use a genny just to annoy the neighbours during a power cut,they,re all in the dark and I,ve got tv and lights.

Thats what I did when we had one during a snow period, had the central heating on, TV, a couple of lights and gas oven on for hot water (electric ignition).
I did take a couple of flasks of hot water to my immediate neighbours that are in their 70's, then filled their hot water bottles. They declined the offer to come round as it was late and bed time.

 

[Guest111]

Thats what I did when we had one during a snow period, had the central heating on, TV, a couple of lights and gas oven on for hot water (electric ignition).
I did take a couple of flasks of hot water to my immediate neighbours that are in their 70's, then filled their hot water bottles. They declined the offer to come round as it was late and bed time.

I loaned a neighbour some white road lamps during a power cut as I didnt want him using candles with young kids in the house,cheeky sod asked where i pinched them from.

 

[mogga]

Commercialy I have done the genny straight into the c.u (Pulled DNO fuses first)for my local pubto keep gas on vent fans and the most important things of all TVs going whenm they had a power cut anhour before an Old firn game a couple of years ago kept me in beer for a good few nights that one did
Personaly I wouldnt go as far as changeover ect but do have some long extension leads kicking around and a genny available quickly should it be needed
my Sis n law stays in the wilds ( regular cuts of 2-3 days last time was 5 days ) her man keeps threatening to get a 5kw genny n change over fitted BUT has never got further than "looking" Im not offering any advice as he never listens to me but prefers to listen to Jimmy who has been there done it Jimmy is a farmer