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1. What size generator do I need?
2. What is a manual transfer switch?
3. How do I connect a generator to my house?
4. Is a manual transfer switch necessary?
5. How much does it cost to install a manual transfer
switch?
6. Can I open my main disconnect breakers and connect
my generator to a receptacle?
7. Should I notify my utility company that I have
a generator?
8. What type of fuel is best?
9. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the
different fuel types?
10. Is a kit available to convert my portable generator
to propane?
11. How long will a generator run on a tank of fuel?
12. How long can the generator be continuously operated?
13. How often should I shut the generator down?
14. Does Onan offer a diesel fueled portable generator?
15. Does Onan have portable generators larger than
6,000 watts?
16. Why are Onan generators more expensive?
17. How loud are the portable generators?
18. Why are the Honda generators quieter?
19. Is it possible to make the Onan portable generator
quieter?
20. Does Onan offer a quieter muffler for their
portable generators?
21. Is it okay to add an additional muffler to my
portable generator?
22. Is it okay to extend the exhaust pipe on my
portable generator?
23. Is it possible to run my portable generator
in the garage?
24. Is it okay to build an enclosure around my portable
generator?
25. How does the Onan portable generator compare
to the lower cost generators in the home improvement stores?
26. Why is there such a price increase from the
portable generators to the home standby generators?
27. How large a pump can a portable generator start?
28. Can a portable generator be used with an automatic
start switch?
1. What size generator do I need?
This depends on the number and size of the loads that you want
to run at the same time. If a house uses natural gas (or propane)
for heat and hot water, a 4,000 to 6,000 watt generator can maintain
a high level of comfort (assuming natural gas or propane is available).
A house using an electric furnace and electric water heater may
need a generator in the 20,000 - 35,000-watt range. Generator
size can be estimated by determining the major loads to be supplied
and allowing some overhead for convenience appliances (television,
computer, etc). Some of the most common major loads are listed
below (these are average numbers and can vary): Furnace blower
motor (propane/natural gas heat): 1,500 - 2,000 watts Refrigerator/freezer
1,500 - 2,000 watts Well pump (1 horsepower) 3,500 - 5,000 watts
Water heater (electric) 4,000 - 5,000 watts By manually switching
loads off and on the owner can ensure that only one major load
is running at a time. This can allow a smaller generator to be
used.
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2. What is a manual transfer switch?
A manual transfer switch is a panel wired into the house electrical
distribution system that allows a generator to be used to supply
power. It prevents the generator from back feeding the utility
and reduces the potential for lineman injury.
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3. How do I connect a generator to my
house?
The simplest and lowest cost method is to run extension cords
from the generator to the loads to be supplied. If the generator
is to be connected to household wiring an approved method of isolating
the house electrical system from utility must be used. A manual
or automatic transfer switch can be wired into the distribution
system to allow the use of existing household wiring and receptacles.
A three position whole service disconnect (knife switch) can also
be used to isolate the house electrical system from utility.
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4. Is a manual transfer switch necessary?
No. However, if the generator is to be connected to the house
electrical system an approved means of isolating the house from
utility power is required. This is to prevent the generator from
back feeding utility and injuring the line workers that are trying
to restore power. Significant damage can result from the generator
being on line when utility power is restored.
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5. How much does it cost to install a
manual transfer switch?
This can vary depending on many factors. Typical installations
can start at $400 - $800 dollars for a surface mounted switch
located near the main distribution panel. Most transfer switches
come with clear documentation and can be installed by the owner
for the cost of a permit in a couple hours.
Some factors that can affect cost:
- Distance from the contractor: Travel time and mileage
costs money. The farther you are from the contractor the higher
the cost
- Type of transfer switch: Transfer switches come in
a variety of makes, models, and sizes. They can be surface mounted,
flush mounted, or designed for outdoor use.
- Type of installation: Surface mounted switches take
the less time to install than flush mounted switches, resulting
in a lower cost of installation.
- Distance from the main panel: Most manual transfer
switches are designed to be installed within a couple of feet
of the main panel. Additional materials and labor would be necessary
to install the switch away from the main panel and would raise
the installation cost.
- Remote generator receptacles: Most manual transfer
switches have a receptacle to allow the generator to be plugged
in to. In some cases it is more convenient to have the receptacle
located closer to where the generator will be located when it
is running.
- Load identification: In most cases the manual transfer
switch will not be supplying all of the circuits on the main panel.
The more time the electrical contractor spends identifying the
circuits to be connected the higher the installation cost.
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6. Can I open my main disconnect breakers
and connect my generator to a receptacle?
No. In concept this may seem like a good idea, but is not advisable
for the following reasons: The national electric code and most
city, state, and county ordinances require approved means of isolating
generator power from utility power. These requirements are designed
to protect the lives of both you and the utility workers and to
protect your equipment. The main disconnect breakers are not designed
to isolate power from two sources. Typically these breakers are
rated for 240 volts. If the generator and utility are out of phase,
the voltage differences between these sources can reach 480 volts.
The main disconnect breakers can fail without visible indication.
The breaker may feel like it is open but may be electrically connected
internally due to a spring or other failure. This can go unnoticed
until utility power returns. When both sources of power are available
it is possible to connect both sources together. Accidentally
operating the wrong breaker can have severe consequences. Approved
means of isolation usually require 3 position switches or breakers
that prevent connecting both sources of power.
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7. Should I notify my utility company
that I have a generator?
Yes. Most utilities maintain this type of information and make
it available to the line workers that will be working in the area.
Power restoration can be delayed while line workers check to see
if a generator is being properly used. Having this information
beforehand can reduce these delays.
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8. What type of fuel is best?
This depends on many factors - shelf life, cost, storage location,
availability, etc. See question #9 for more information on the
different fuels.
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9. What are the advantages and disadvantages
of the different fuel types?
Propane
Advantages:
- Long shelf life
- Clean burning
- Easily stored in both large tanks or in smaller 5 - 10 gallon
cylinders
- Obtainable during power outages - gas stations may be unable
to pump fuel during an area wide outage
- Home delivery available for larger tanks
Disadvantages:
Pressurized cylinder of flammable gas
Fuel system is more complicated (increased possibility of failure)
Larger tanks are not aesthetically pleasing (unsightly)
Fuel system plumbing results in higher installation cost
Natural Gas:
Advantages:
- Unlimited fuel source - refueling not necessary
- Clean burning
- Available during power outages
Disadvantages:
- May be unavailable during natural disasters (earthquakes, etc)
- Lower power output (30% less BTU's per unit than gasoline)
- Fuel system plumbing results in higher installation cost
- Not available in many areas
Diesel:
Advantages:
- Least flammable fuel source
- Easily obtained
- On site fuel delivery available
Disadvantages
- 18-24 month shelf life
- Installing large storage tanks raises cost of system
- May not be available during power outages
Gasoline:
Advantages:
- Common fuel source - easily obtained
- Increases portability of smaller generators
Disadvantages:
- Highly flammable
- Short shelf life (approximately 12 months)
- Storing large quantities is hazardous
- May not be available during power outages.
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10. Is a kit available to convert my
portable generator to propane?
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11. How long will a generator run on
a tank of fuel?
This depends on the size of the tank and amount of load on
the generator. Higher loads require more fuel. A 6000E portable
will run for 9 hours at rated load, a 5000E portable will run
for 11 hours at rated load, and a 4000E will run for 13 hours
at rated load. Many users average 10 - 15 hours on a 6000E under
normal usage. A conservative rule of thumb is 1 gallon of fuel
per hour for a 5,000-watt generator.
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12. How long can the generator be continuously
operated?
Unfortunately there is no set answer for this question. The
Onan portables are designed for long life, heavy-duty operation,
and long run times. Gasoline units should be shut down during
refueling to reduce the potential for starting a fire by spilling
gasoline on hot exhaust components. The oil level should be
checked and the unit inspected for signs of fatigue or abnormalities
(cracked receptacles, etc) before restarting. One of the advantages
of natural gas and large propane tanks is the longer run time
between refueling. However, the generator should still be periodically
shut down and the oil level checked and the unit physically
inspected. The Onan portables have low oil pressure protection,
but frequently checking the oil level will help spot excessive
oil consumption problems early.
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13. How often should I shut the generator
down?
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14. Does Onan offer a diesel fueled
portable generator?
No. Some of the most important features of a portable generator
are size and weight. Diesel engines typically weigh more and
are physically larger than their gasoline counterparts. Another
important factor is cost. Small air-cooled gasoline engines
are used in many more applications than small air-cooled diesel
engines. This helps to reduce the cost of the engine, lowering
the cost of the portable generator.
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15. Does Onan have portable generators
larger than 6,000 watts?
No. A 10,000-watt generator requires a larger engine than a
6,000-watt generator. In order to keep the size and weight of
a 10,000-watt generator at a manageable level it is necessary
to use the smallest engine and lightest components. This can
reduce the useable lifetime and reliability of the product.
Unlike other portable generator manufacturers, Onan produces
generators from 2,000 watts to several megawatts. If a customer
is looking for that level of power output it may be beneficial
to consider switching to a full fledged standby unit. If cost
is a driving factor, carefully reviewing the loads to be supplied
may show that a 6,000-watt unit is capable of doing the job
with some basic load management.
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16. Why are Onan generators more expensive?
The Onan portables are designed for heavy-duty commercial use,
where long life and reliability are very important. To meet
these objectives it is necessary to use only the best components,
which does raise the cost of the product. This also allows Onan
to provide the longest warranty available for portable generators
-3 years - and the option to purchase 2 years of additional
warranty at a reasonable cost of $75.00.
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17. How loud are the portable generators?
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18. Why are the Honda generators quieter?
Most portable generators use an air-cooled engine operating
at 3600 RPM with little or no noise attenuation features. Engines
of the same horsepower will produce roughly the same noise level.
Onan portable generators use a larger engine for a given wattage
than most other generator manufacturers. This increases the
life of the product, but does produce slightly more noise. Normally
this noise difference is negligible and the increased product
life is worth the trade off. There are portable generators with
sound attenuation features that are quieter than their non-attenuated
counterparts. These units are usually more expensive and may
tradeoff a lower noise level for other important features.
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19. Is it possible to make the Onan
portable generator quieter?
Installing panels around the generator to reduce noise levels
is not advisable. The engine is air cooled, and restricting
the access of cool air to the engine will reduce the life of
the engine. Placing a barrier between you and the noise can
deflect a majority of the high frequency noise and reduce noise
levels. A simple sand filled cinder block wall the height of
the generator can significantly reduce noise levels (taking
care not to reduce cooling airflow).
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20. Does Onan offer a quieter muffler
for their portable generators?
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21. Is it okay to add an additional
muffler to my portable generator?
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22. Is it okay to extend the exhaust
pipe on my portable generator?
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23. Is it possible to run my portable
generator in the garage?
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24. Is it okay to build an enclosure
around my portable generator?
Yes, as long as the generator is taken out of the enclosure
prior to operating it. Access to cooling air is vital to the
proper operation of the engine. Portable generators do not have
large cooling fans and are unable to circulate air in confined
spaces. They rely on the natural circulation of heat resulting
when the hot air rises away from the engine and is replaced
by cool air.
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25. How does the Onan portable generator
compare to the lower cost generators in the home improvement stores?
Onan portable generators are designed for continuous heavy-duty
commercial use where long life and reliable operation is vital.
This is accomplished by using proven manufacturing techniques
and top quality components. There are many corners that could
be cut that could reduce the cost of the unit, but there would
be a tradeoff in the life of the product. The Onan product is
backed by the largest service and parts network in the area.
Other manufacturers may require the product be sent back to
them for repair and repairs can take several weeks to perform.
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26. Why is there such a price increase
from the portable generators to the home standby generators?
The larger Onan home standby generators use liquid cooled engines
that require belts, hoses, pump, thermostats, etc. They are
mounted on steel frames and come with weather protective enclosures.
They have a more complex control system and have 2-wire auto
start capability. The warranty for the home standby generators
covers travel time and mileage.
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27. How large a pump can a portable
generator start?
When starting loads on a portable generator, the larger loads
should be started first. A 4,000-watt portable can easily start
a one horsepower pump. The 5,000-watt and 6,000 watt generators
are capable of starting up to a 3 horsepower pump.
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28. Can a portable generator be used
with an automatic start switch?
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