I have a large generator. I got it because society is desperately trying to collapse.
When I signed for the outlandish price, I accepted future bullshit as a done deal. It wasn’t “if“, it was “when“.
I don’t recommend expensive generators for everyone. Cheaper options come first. Buy some canned goods and stack firewood. A generator is next level.
The timing seemed appropriate. A year too early is better than a day late! I think I timed it right. We haven’t gone completely to shit but we’re trying. We sure haven’t pulled our collective head out of our ass! There’s no sign that America (or several other nations) will return to the state of reasoned and intelligent self governance. In particular, the election of 2020 resolved nothing and the election of 2022 won’t fix anything significant.
I initiated the purchase just as things drifted from conspiracy theory to fact. It went on-line as a vast and irrelevant portion of the populace went on a year long hissy fit over COVID. This had repercussions. Resilient people determined to maintain the civilization they inherited were always rare; now they’re endangered.
Back then there was talk of “return to normal”. That wasn’t going to happen. I expected social breakdown in cities. On cue, several cities devolved into riots and arson, as if it was planned. (I’ll leave that to the reader to assess.)
The riots of 2020 aren’t over. They’re part of the background. They’ll be an “unexpected” feature of life as long as one or both parties benefit from them. Nothing under the sun, Paris has been having riots every summer for as long as I can remember. America had enough riots in the late 1960s that everyone had a hangover that lasted clear to Reagan. Riots continue until people improve. Idiots acting like idiots in places that tolerate idiots will continue so long as they’re encouraged and financed.
What worries me more than riots was the “hunt down the unvaccinated” shitshow. So dark! It was not about vaccines any more than past madness has been about witches or Jews. Find an other and force them to be like us! A monster wired deep in the heart of evil!
I didn’t anticipate the speed of evil. Crowds went full Nuremberg faster than I’d planned! It flamed out for now but still lurks beneath the surface. Self destructive people lust for scapegoats and that way lies horror. Advanced peoples can and have completely lost their shit. Germany in 1938 wasn’t a backwater of clueless rubes, nor was Salem in 1692.
In the meantime, we experience new and improved forms of collapse on a 3-6 week cycle; double digit inflation, record gas prices, supply chains slowly giving out, and that perennial favorite of Boomers in both America and Europe, war with Russia. These things are not a sinking ship so much as society choosing to commit suicide.
Observe things as they are. If you think a generator will ease the transition, so be it.
My guess is the grid won’t “go down” so much as “suck more over time”. I don’t expect an EMP type “power’s off forever beginning some random Tuesday” event. However, there will come a time when “It’s the third outage this week and my beer keeps getting warm” will become a regular topic of conversation. Our power grid fades slowly, like a photograph in the sun. (Or like the rule of law.)
There are mile markers on the path. I remember the first time I saw empty shelves in grocery stores (in America). It was 2020. Less than 2 years have passed. Are you shocked when you see an empty shelf at a grocery store? Of course not. It’s “normal”.
The good news is there’s still food. I might have to go without my favorite flavor of Doritos but I’m not in a knife fight for a can of beans. Yet. Shit could get worse. For a while it will. But I’m not completely pessimistic about the long term.
It’s best to be thankful for what you had than bitch about the loss. The power grid has been surprisingly solid my whole life. What good fortune! Now times have changed and things are different. The grid was built by and for serious people. A grid run in a half assed manner by a half assed society will have longer and more frequent interruptions.
It’s tempting to shrug off incremental grid degradations as “one off” situations. Don’t. There’s a clear trend. California led the way. They’ve been having “rolling blackouts” since the early 2000’s; sometime before Enron croaked. (I’d never heard “rolling blackout” in America before that. I’d heard of “scheduled outages” in Ecuador. Same thing but CA’s grid started out vastly stronger so it can degrade a long time before it’s all that bad.)
Recently, forest fires became a reason to sue electric companies. Predictably, power companies got gun-shy during dry conditions. So CA has “brownouts” most summers. It’s not a “one off” event like a Florida hurricane. Will you be surprised when California (or Arizona) has power supply issues in August 2022? Why?
California isn’t the only sign of decline. In 2003 most of the Northeast went down. A city of eight million (New York) going dark for a few days isn’t Armageddon but it’s not a sign of Pax Romana. In 2021, Texas conked out for a week or two. A week is a very long time.
Deciding to buy a generator was easier than getting one installed. Through a comedy of errors, conflicting contractors, and endless compromises I wound up with “more” than I wanted. I wanted a crude diesel beast that I’d have to turn on myself. I imagined pressing a big green button to manually start it. Later I’d press a big red button to shut the thing down and go back to the restored grid. That was my plan.
Instead I got a sophisticated, LP powered, pain in the ass. It’s supposed to detect an outage, turn on, power the house with ample (actually excess) juice, detect when the grid comes back on, and gracefully shut itself down. The “decide to turn itself on and off” mechanism sucks! There’s just too many ways it can go wrong. Also, it’s installed by folks who are well meaning but probably shouldn’t be messing with things more complex than a lawn sprinkler. Don’t tell me I shoulda’ stuck with the buttons. I know. You can’t always get what you want.
On the other hand, the generator is pretty awesome when it works. Sometimes it doesn’t. The unreliability will be no big deal until it is a big deal.
I’ve spent years pussyfooting around with the genset company. I finally evolved from polite to um… not polite… and that did help. They’ve actually tried to work it out. I don’t doubt their intention. It’s just that they can’t muster the level of support a sophisticated machine needs. Tale of life right there!
It sorta works better now than it sorta worked before. I don’t trust it. My past history with the Acme parachute company isn’t confidence inspiring.
It was a windstorm when the real world test came. The lights flickered. Once, twice, third time. Then they were out. I assume the flickering was the nearest substation trying to decide if it was a temporary issue or the real deal.
It was very windy out. Can’t be too upset if a tree nailed the line. These things happen.
I waited. My desktop computer is on a UPS, it kept running, as did my monitor and some other gadgets. My wifi antenna stayed live, that’s on a UPS too.
It came to my mind. “If the damn generator doesn’t fire up I’m scooping it up in the bucket of my tractor and shoving it through the front door of the assholes who sold it.”
I waited. After about six seconds the generator decided it was “go time”. It turned over and fired.
I waited. The pause from ignition to actually generating power was about 30 seconds. The lights came on.
Nice! I guess I won’t have to killdozer the office that sold the generator; how awesome is that? I’m very happy!
It ran about 45 minutes and then the grid came back. Smoothly, without the slightest flutter in voltage, it switched back to the grid. (I have no way to know when the grid comes back. I have to trust the generator to sense it.) After a short cool down cycle the generator shut itself down. If it was a dog I’d give it a treat!
It was textbook perfect! I couldn’t have asked for a better demonstration. I didn’t lift a finger the whole time. It worked great!
WIN!
I like the thought of the automatic start/ transfer switch but at the time of many storms around these parts, did not have the scratch to lay out 3 grand.
I did get a hand pull start 7.5KW gasoline unit from Genrac which has worked flawlessly every time. Mind I do run the carb dry after every event, shutting off the fuel supply and it gets an oil change every year regardless. Also wired in a manual transfer switch that covers the essentials, freezer, kitchen, fridge, heater (only – A.C sucks too much power) and some key lights to keep the boss happy.
Just purchased an outrigger fuel tank that in theory, will drain into the main tank as the latter fuel level drops, so I could run for about 16 hours without having to re-fuel.
If things start to look iffy, then a multi fuel permanent unit is now financially possible, natural gas/gasoline seems to be a good option. We shall see. Tough to make the leap when it is used maybe once or twice every 3 or so years. Of course a SHTF event changes that, eh?
I think your simpler solution makes more sense than my overly complex setup.
If/When SHTF, a generator will last as long as the diesel you have and can successfully defend.. .then what?
A generator is just a tool. More or less a luxury item that might ease the situation during that awkward stage between “normal” and Mad Max. It’s not designed to overcome SHTF.
I have a generator, but it sucks. It’s supposedly a 5kW model. I bought it after Nov 2020, and used/broke-in/tested it during some blackouts during large wind-storms. The power is too dirty to use electronics: It runs the lights and well pump but can’t quite manage the refrigerator and dishwasher, and you can forget AC.
I have a nice 220V whole-house hookup and a breaker switch for it on my main panel, but will need something better to plug in. Dunno if I can afford seriously better at the moment, trying to pay down the mortgage fast and afford a new roof – why I tried to go consumer-grade to start with.
What model are you using?
I have a Briggs and Stratton fortress. It makes oodles of power but I don’t recommend it. It’s massive overkill for basic use, it’s too complex, and it hasn’t been reliable. It’s awesome for power outages here or there but it would suck in a SHTF situation if it had to run for say a week straight. Then again it was part of a “cheap energy” program. I signed a Faustian bargain with my power company to get cheaper power rates. To get this I agreed that they can drop me off the grid in high demand times. In order to qualify I had to have this sort of installation. The “payoff” is that I get cheaper grid power the 99% of the time when the grid isn’t in high demand.
I have an infinite dollar fantasy of installing a solar/lead-acid-battery system on the roof of my outbuilding and powering my workshop equipment and possibly my house. Problem is, I can’t find any (affordable) inverters that can handle motor induction kick all that well. I have an old-school rotary phase converter that actually converts 220V to pseudo-3-phase, and doesn’t even blink when a motor kicks on, whereas the fancy solid state modern ones tend to fry.
But that doesn’t get me from battery—> 220 in a way that won’t choke on a motor startup.
Of course, my current infintie dollar fantasy is getting a metal roof installed on my house. Or paying off the house. Or rescuing family from debt that’s going to destroy them. None of which will happen before the collapse, at the rate things are falling apart.
Automatic generator systems are great, when they work. Not so great when they don’t.
My very first day on the job as Chief Engineer of KGNC-AM & FM back in 1993 is a great example. Around 1 pm the AM transmitter went off the air. There was no response from the remote control system at the site. So I load myself into the company truck and head that way. Sure enough the power was out when I arrived 45 minutes later (located out in BFE, of course). The site had a 50KW diesel generator with an automatic changeover system, thanks to FEMA. All totally worthless because my predecessor failed to maintain the float charger and the starter battery that cranks the diesel engine.
Naturally it was a 24 volt system. My truck was a 12 volt. No jumping that setup.
Some idiot had gotten a piece of farm equipment into the power line a couple of miles upstream. I was extremely happy when power was finally restored.
To say the least, one of the first things I did that week was to service the batteries and fix the broken charger for the generator. Of course I checked over the rest of the equipment and manually ran the system after effecting repairs. I hate Murphy!
For me, the personal generator will end up leaving you in the dark during extended power outages (like Ragnorak for example). But until that happens, you and the household should enjoy shorter outages in comfort and safety. Especially when your daily medications require refrigeration for example.
We have a small low wattage dorm type FREEZER for freezing water bottles solid for a pair of small super insulated coolers. But have not chosen a generator yet. We noted that during the last hurricane that took out power for several days, the two neighbors in our neighborhood that had gas generators (noisy buzzy beasts when there is no outside background noise and everyone is outside because its too Gott Dang Hot to be inside) got a lot of notice from us who did not have power. Nothing happened – this time. But the lure of frozen Tater Tots may become irresistible to the hungry. Have those blackout curtains pre-installed, just in case.
I’m glad your thinking ahead is giving positive results.
That noise issue is huge when the normal background crap isn’t there. It’s seriously noticeable. I’ve debated building a genny shed that’s sound attenuated and adding a muffling system for the buzzbox genny I have. External fuel source if I can afford to fill it. I’m also looking at 12VDC LED lighting, RV/boat style water pump plumbed in parallel with the hardwired 220 VAC well pump and a converter/charger to keep stuff topped off. Wouldn’t need to run the genny so often….
I live in the middle of nowhere. I could have an idling bulldozer in my lawn and nobody would notice.
Also, my generator is about as loud as a lawnmower. Not perfect but not a big deal. From my property line nobody could hear it unless circumstances were very weird or they had a special microphone.
You can’t go wrong with the Honda EU2000i for occasional low wattage use. It’s fairly quiet, suitcase sized, sips fuel, and can be expanded. There are lots of parts available, and they run well and long. It will power a fridge or freezer, or both, charge phones, run laptops. Think of it as a single wall outlet, and you’ll be fine. There are cheaper copies by other manufacturers, but this is a case of getting what you pay for.
Do not buy from harbor freight unless you have no other option and know ye that it will not last. If you’re reading this and are one of the 10 guys that got great multi-year service from a HF gennie, congrats- you beat the odds. Doesn’t mean anyone reasonable would recommend one.
Generators, and frankly anything more complex than an ax or a tractor from 1920, is just a stop gap, transitional tool between modern life and mad max. SO WHAT? Use the tools available, don’t moan about how the tool won’t last. Maybe we won’t get all the way to Mad Max anyway. We will have power outages.
If you have something that absolutely must be kept cold, get a 12v car “cooler” or fridge, a small solar panel, and a battery. Like anything there are levels of price and quality for all those parts. Plenty of chinesium panels, charge controllers, and thermoelectric coolers on amazon. Classic name brands like Coleman are a good compromise for price vs longevity. On the other end, Dometic is the best for the money for battery powered coolers and freezers, anything made in Germany or Japan and aimed at sailors will probably outlast the china crap, and there is still a lot of used stuff available to get quality at a better price.
Congrats Curmudgeon on a successful stress test of a solid prep.
n
I have the ripoff of a Honda that you’re thinking about. A “powerhorse” generator that is 99% the same as a Honda EU2000 except cheaper (1/3 price) and vastly lower build quality. It works great (sorry!) but it’s definitely not bulletproof like a Honda. I love the size and clean power. Easy to use and pretty quiet. It’s no good for running a whole house but it is handy to run one big thing or a handful of small things.
I think we’re all on the same page that a generator isn’t as good as the grid but it’s nice to ease into situations instead of being flung into them. I suspect more people will have generators with time. I notice new businesses often install a generator on day one. Seems a bit third world but then again it is what it is.
I’m glad you got a setup that works for you.
I had a gasoline generator, but every time I needed it, I didn’t have any fresh gasoline on hand. After a 9 day power outage in Feb 2021, I decided to go to LP. Modern low-sulfur diesel goes bad, it just takes longer than gasoline.
I got a dual fuel generator with a 250 gallon tank. I got a Champion model 100891 9375/7500-Watt generator. It has electric start and a rope start backup. It is 220 volts, so I had it wired into the main panel for the house, using a circuit breaker and a safety interlock kit. You can’t do this with a 110 volt generator, even if you only want 110 volts, because only one phase will be connected. I learned that the hard way!
My generator is inside a shed, to protect it from the weather. The exhaust goes out through the shed wall, in a pipe that is wrapped with header wrap for safety. I can tell when the grid comes back up by checking to see if the digital electric meter is on. The freezer and refrigerator are plugged into surge protectors that handle low voltage as well as surges.
Links to my generator and components:
https://tinyurl.com/mked99wx
https://tinyurl.com/3v78um67
https://tinyurl.com/est6xzyx
https://tinyurl.com/2mm22hy9
https://tinyurl.com/2p8r42nd
https://tinyurl.com/57kfxfhj
Nice setup.
Occasionally check on pipes that are wrapped . Wife has a motorcycle with exhaust pipes wrapped to protect from contact burns. But when wrap was removed for repair access, corrosion had attacked the pipes, due to contact from wet wrap. So remove from time to time just to inspect and make sure its still good. You may already know this – this is just for benefit of others who don’t.
That does sound like a well thought out back-up power plan.
When we got to Tn. we found out about regularly/random power outages. We got a portable, 6500 watt Tractor Supply gen. on special. Used it occasionally until 3 years ago when a wind event put our part of the county into the dark ages for 9 days. What a frozen food saver! Also ran our 220 water pump. Food and hot showers define civilized life. I built a sound barrier behind a shed for it, couldn’t hear it passed 100 yards away.
You’re right about it merely easing the end of commercial power. Our inlaw’s got a system like yours, it has been an unreliable pain in the ass.
Nine days is a long time. You probably loved having the generator when that happened.
One thing I think most people don’t realize is that grid down (for nine days!) is a PITA and that’s true whether you have a generator or not. A generator is much better than no power but the grid is a whole lot better than any generator made.
True that. Ike had us on gennie for 14 days. We had my gas ‘construction’ gennie, 3500w of Generac running everything except the house appliances and A/C. We did run a small window unit. Unfortunately, the power from the construction grade gennies, even the good ones, is really poor quality. We ended up replacing the tv and modern fridge within a year of that. The power is so dirty, most UPSs won’t go into normal charge mode.
More recently ‘the big freeze’ had us on and off gennie power for a week? maybe a bit more. We used the trusty Generac at 220v to feed the house, and the MUCH quieter Honda EU3000i (big bro to the 2000) to run fans and electric heaters at night, and the same plus computer loads during the day.
It was all a bit kludge-y especially considering there is a Generac whole house natgas gennie sitting on its slab behind the garage, waiting to be connected… for 5 years. Just never got around to spending the money, when we’d had stable power thru multiple hurricanes for years….
—–
When the normal grid is down, all the time savers and modern conveniences are gone and you spend a lot of time and effort just trying to be ‘civilized’ and comfortable. Fresh drinking water, cooking fuel, hygiene, doing dishes, staying warm/cool… all those things that happen without thought are little miracles.
And the bastards are throwing it all away.
n
Somewhere on the YouTube, there’s a video of a low RPM Lister type diesel motor powering a 12kW generator. Neat homemade set up. Those Lister diesels sip fuel and use a thermal siphon for cooling water, which can provide warm water for showers or baths.
I really like Listers! There wasn’t a “plug and play” lister solution or I’d have gotten one. They’re much better at long duration operation and also very quiet.
IMHO, any generator will make enough noise to be noticeable in an urban / suburban area. But combine that with the notion that being a lone wolf in a ugly situation won’t work anywhere near as well as being part of a community of like-minded folks, and my advice is to use your generator to help support not just yourself, but your neighbors and those others you want to keep close to you. Even a small generator, like the Honda i2000s, will keep a bank of cell phones & laptops charged, keep a fridge cool so you can store meds and perishables for several households, and have a few lights on during hours of darkness. That will make you more friends and give your neighbors a reason to have your back, should any pushy “I’ll just take that” types come calling.
Yes, stockpile food and necessities for yourself and those you hold close. But if you can, get a bit extra that you plan on sharing, too.
I’m not in a urban/suburban area. I could make all the noise I want and nobody will notice or care. However, I did put in a switch so my farm pole light can be off. Most pole lights have no switch, just like a street light. If mine was the only pole light for miles that might be seen. I like turning off the pole light anyway to observe the sky without even a hint of light pollution. It’s beautiful.