backup generator specs... [RE-wrenches]

[Allan Sindelar]

Jim,
Let him buy his own unit, but encourage him to take your advice.

Honda, Yamaha and Subaru (Fuji Heavy Industries, also marketed under the
Makita and Baldor names) make them; there may be others.

I have not yet heard mention of straight-120AC Vs. 120/240 AC as an issue.
The inverter-generators output 120V AC, which is ideal for small systems.
The better contractor specials are switchable between the two. The cheaper
units put out their "rated output" only at 240V AC, and thus require a
balancing transformer, two inverrters, or an unbalanced load.

If you're customer is a jerk and won't listen (and I have seen evidence that
some folks from Texas are prone to not listening), see if he/she buys a
cheaper unit that has the neutral internally bonded to the frame (many do).
Then respectfully refuse to connect it to the PV power system because
connection can't be accomplished in compliance with the NEC without creating
a parallel ground path. The only way out is to put it in a separate
structure, away from the rest of the system, with its own ground rod and no
service receptacles from the system in proximity. Tell him you're concerned
about his safety and can't violate the Code in good conscience, sorry...

Allan at Positive Energy

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ezra Auerbach, DragonSun Consulting" <ezra at lasqueti.net>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Friday, January 12, 2007 12:35 PM
Subject: Re: backup generator specs... [RE-wrenches]


>
>
> I'd tell them to get one of those inverter/generators, I know Honda
> makes them and I believe a couple of other their competitors make
> them as well. I've been awed at how well the one I use regularly for
> battery charging works. Can't recommend them high enough.
>
>
> Ezra Auerbach
> DragonSun Consulting
> Lasqueti Island, B.C. V0R 2J0
>
> ezra at lincsat.com
> 250 333 8650
>
>
>
> On 12-Jan-07, at 8:21 AM, Jim Duncan wrote:
>
> >
> > A customer, building a small 1kW PV off-grid weekend home, insists
> > that
> > he can get a better deal on a backup generator than I and insists
> > that I
> > won't get to make that choice. So wanting to at least have some
> > oversight in what he buys, told him I would forward some technical
> > info
> > to him since all generators are not created equally inverter friendly.
> > Where can I find a list of specs, on the www, relating to the do's and
> > dont's of generator selection? Combing thru the archives of the
> > Wrenches
> > site was really slow and cumbersome and only turned up specific genset
> > related issues.
> > Come to think of it, I could use an update on the subject with so many
> > different brands currently on the market and the fact that I rarely do
> > off-grid installs.
> >
> > Thanks as always
> > Jim Duncan
> > North Texas Renewable Energy Inc
> > Fort Worth, Texas
> >
> >
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