Small generator for backup power

[Lineman]

Pardon me if this has been covered before ....

Snoredog suggested using a small (1000 watt) Honda generator as a backup power source. I think that is a good idea and not too far out of line costwise given the high cost of quality (AGM) batteries. That is if (like me) you need to run a heated humidifier with your CPAP.

AltPwrPuffer gave some actual numbers for powering his Respironics HH. His unit needs a low of 82 AH per night up to 216 AH per 8 hour night (the maximum?). Presently, AGM batteries cost about $3 per AH (12 volt) so 2 nights X 200 AH = 400 AH X 3 = $1200 plus the related equipment costs of a smart charger, an inverter and heavy wiring, fuses, switches, a box, etc. Pretty costly for just a CPAP backup and what if the power is out for several days (happens somewhere around here about once a year).

That's why I say a small (1000 watt) genset under $1000 looks very cost competative. Modern ones are very quiet (~60 DB), lightweight (less than 30 lbs) and efficient (runtimes up to 8 hrs) . The Honda EU100i is a great unit but there is another choice:

http://www.yamaha-propane-natural-gas-g ... 1000is.htm

The Yamaha EF1000is is smiliar to the Honda in many respects but this one from US Carburation is propane powered. That means no gas residue to gum up the carb/jets/fuel lines. Gas residue can be a real problem if you only use the genset once a year and don't drain the carb and tank after every use. With the propane Yamaha you don't have that problem and you don't need to store gasoline either. It will run up to 48 hours using the LP from your BBQ tank (20lb)! If you don't have a BBQ or don't want to keep an LP bottle, it will run on natural gas too! If you don't have natural gas where you live and don't want to keep LP or gasoline .... well there are always batteries.

[Guest]

I personally prefer Ed Begley Jr. on a bicycle behind a curtain.....

LOL,
Babs

[billbolton]

The Yamaha EF1000is is smiliar to the Honda in many respects but this one from US Carburation is propane powered. That means no gas residue to gum up the carb/jets/fuel lines.

Thanks Lineman, the petrol maintenance issues arising from very occasional use have been holding me back from going further with a backup generator, so I'll look into the propane options!

Cheers,

Bill

[Bearded_One]

Propane powered generators can usually be converted to natural gas f you have natural gas available.

[Dgrendahl]

[quote="Lineman"]Pardon me if this has been covered before ....

Snoredog suggested using a small (1000 watt) Honda generator as a backup power source. I think that is a good idea and not too far out of line costwise given the high cost of quality (AGM) batteries. That is if (like me) you need to run a heated humidifier with your CPAP.

AltPwrPuffer gave some actual numbers for powering his Respironics HH. His unit needs a low of 82 AH per night up to 216 AH per 8 hour night (the maximum?). Presently, AGM batteries cost about $3 per AH (12 volt) so 2 nights X 200 AH = 400 AH X 3 = $1200 plus the related equipment costs of a smart charger, an inverter and heavy wiring, fuses, switches, a box, etc. Pretty costly for just a CPAP backup and what if the power is out for several days (happens somewhere around here about once a year).

That's why I say a small (1000 watt) genset under $1000 looks very cost competative. Modern ones are very quiet (~60 DB), lightweight (less than 30 lbs) and efficient (runtimes up to 8 hrs) . The Honda EU100i is a great unit but there is another choice:

http://www.yamaha-propane-natural-gas-g ... 1000is.htm

The Yamaha EF1000is is smiliar to the Honda in many respects but this one from US Carburation is propane powered. That means no gas residue to gum up the carb/jets/fuel lines. Gas residue can be a real problem if you only use the genset once a year and don't drain the carb and tank after every use. With the propane Yamaha you don't have that problem and you don't need to store gasoline either. It will run up to 48 hours using the LP from your BBQ tank (20lb)! If you don't have a BBQ or don't want to keep an LP bottle, it will run on natural gas too! If you don't have natural gas where you live and don't want to keep LP or gasoline .... well there are always batteries.

[WNJ]

I have a Yamaha EF1000is (gasoline model) and it is very quiet. Altogether an excellent small generator.

However, if you are living in close quarters your neighbors may still object to the noise on quiet nights.

I use mine for recharging my deep-cycle batteries during the daytime, as needed. I run my CPAP directly from battery with DC cord. No inverter, humidifier used only as a passover. Perfectly silent during the nighttime.

Bill - My Yamaha often goes six months between uses. I use a gasoline stabilizer additive in the fuel and I have avoided problems related to bad fuel for the five years I’ve owned it. But it is used twice a year for fishing trips in the backcountry. If you would go for more than six months between uses, the propane model may be a better option.

Wayne

[6PtStar]

My Honda has a hose that runs from the bottom of the carberator. When you finish just put the hose in the gas can and turn a little screw in the bottom of the carberator and it will drain the tank and the carb back into the gas can. If you leave it runnig while you drain it the motor totally runs dry. By doing this it has always been easy to start a year later and the carb has never needed cleaning.

Jerry

[Lineman]

Altpwrpuffer's post with measured power useage for his CPAP and HH:

viewtopic.php?t=15914

Measured or theoretical max power requirements are well within the ratings of the Yamaha EF1000, with power leftover for lights, TV, etc.

I have heard this model genset running in a campground. I think I could run that all night long and not get any neighbors upset by the noise. I have an old Honda generator that is comparitively very noisy, I would never consider leaving that running all night (it won't run that long anyway).

Note: The Yamaha LP model is also capable of running on natural gas. If it were plumbed into the house gas supply it could be run forever (until something broke).

[wjkjr]

We lost power for a week last December due to an ice storm. I purchased a 2000W portable generator called the "Sportsman" by Buffalo tools. I ran it thru the ups off of one of my computers. Since my ups has a power conditioner, it supplies clean inverted power to the end devices like the honda and yamaha units. I ran my cpap nightly as well as a laptop, tv and compact fluorescent lamps and they worked great. I also have a 6500w generator I used to power critical loads like my aerobic system and fridge and freezer. But the beauty of the smaller 2000W unit is the economy. It will run for 9hrs on 1.3 gallons vs 9hrs on 6gal for the larger unit. The honda and yamaha units cost 5x as much but you can achieve the same results with the less expensive generators and a ups. The only other sacrifice is the noise. The "Sportsman" is really not bad but it is louder than a Honda....but so is every thing else.

[ColinP]

I like the look of the Yamaha. It looks pretty comparable to the Honda but costs about half. It looks like the propane version isn't available over here. On the other hand, my lawnmower and brush cutter manage without being used for six months at a time, so the generator should manage ok, but I do empty the tanks and run them dry when putting them away. I also put a little oil down the plug hole if it's going to be a long time before I use them again.

Colin