Nat gas powered generator

[Jsf721]

I was really considering a built in unit but now I am thinking about a temporary nat gas unit. The kind I can hook up and run myself. Have a generator plug installed and a manual transfer switch.

My main concern is safety. Looks Like all the units are converted gasoline units. Is this safe to convert. I ran a 17,500 watt generac last hurricane but jumped the meter and I know it was bad but it worked out. Looking to do it right.

The codes on a built in unit a tough on a property like mine. Small and built out. If I go 5 feet from property line and 7 feet from the house I am in the middle of something on each side.

Can anyone with experience help me get educated on the subject. Looking to make a purchase shortly.

Thanks as always.

 

[theoldwizard1]

... Looks Like all the units are converted gasoline units. Is this safe to convert.

The base engine on permanently installed or portable generators all started out life as gasoline engines. A quality conversion is safe. There are after market kits to convert portable generator to natural gas or propane. There are natural gas quick connect hoses available.

I am strong believer in breaker box interlock system. Much easier/cheaper to install. It does require "common sense" to operate.

A portable generator and an interlock system are the cheapest, SAFE way to provide emergency power to your house. It might not run the A/C, electric water heater or electric stove of dryer (although you can upsize the generator and run at least 1 of those), it will run everything else in the house.

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

I wouldn't be too concerned about a NG generator that was originally designed to be a gasoline engine. After all ... there is NOT much difference between an NG engine and gasoline engine. Especially if you buy one built in Wisconsin from either Kohler or Generac. You can't go wrong with a Wisconsin built product.

 

[JoeFin]

No Fuel maintenance which is great

But I highly suggest you install a separate regulator to run the gen set rather then out there screwing with it trying to get it to start

 

[kbs2244]

The problem with a NG unit in an emergency situation, like a hurricane, is that you are still depending on an infrastructure supply, not an independent, local to the unit supply.
The electric goes off because the wires go down.
But the NG can stop because of breaks in the pipes, or just the local fire department turning it off because they are afraid of breaks in the pipes.

If you don’t want to have gasoline around I would suggest propane.
I don’t know how common it is on LI but it will give you the cleaner running generator, and safer storage option, than a gas install.
And it will give you an independent source of fuel.

And, yes, they are safe.
There are thousands of them installed.

 

[Jsf721]

Thank you for the info guys. Very much appreciated. I was on gasoline last huricane and I m not sure if it was televised but the lines were many hours long. I literally spent every night hunting for gas.

Will a nat gas generator run on propane with out a conversion other than hooking it up to propane.

Also can these generators stay out in the elements running? I plan to have it in a shed for storage but I was going to chain it to the basketball pole when in use. Loads were stolen last storm and my neighbor woke to a cold house and a lawn mower where his generator was!

Just planning ahead.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Will a nat gas generator run on propane with out a conversion other than hooking it up to propane.

I general, no. There are some conversion kits that are "tri fuel". Google is your friend.

Also can these generators stay out in the elements running? I plan to have it in a shed for storage but I was going to chain it to the basketball pole when in use.

I would not leave my generator out in a rain or snow storm. I have a 2 car detached garage with plenty of ventilation so that is where mines stays for both storage and running.

If a thief wants it, nothing short of a human with a fire arm is going to stop him. Even the biggest chain are subject to bolt cutters. Maybe others have a good suggestion. Kryptonite makes the best bicycle chain with locks.