[Shotimes] Backup Power

[David Rosicke]

I have been down this route.  I used to have a UPS on every computer and the A/V system  Well, total power consumtion to maintain these UPS' was almost 300 Watts!  I'm currently wiring these same locations to ONE 2200Va UPS with a small breaker panel.   The 2200 uses only 80 watts to maintain and can handle the entire load.
   
  I also tried to wire a UPS to maintain the boiler and Well pump.  I gave up when I saw the size, plus the battery replacment costs every three years (It was a MinuteMan uinit - it would have been every two if I had used APC). So, I have a 12KW Generac that I use, with a 500 Gallon propane tank.  With the surface area of the propane, I can run in -30 deg. F weather with no problems (though it doesn't usually get that cold), PLUS I can run continuously for 12-14 days without a fillup.  I don't worry about running out of Gasoline or diesel, having to refill it every few hours, OR having the fuel go bad while in the tank.  It comes with an automatic transfer switch, and cost $3200 delivered.  I poured the platforms and wired it 90 feet away from the house myself, for an additional cost of $600.
   
  We have had several outages, most around nine hours long.  With the combination I have, the UPS handles the annual voltage drop to 107 volts (112V to 107V over a 9 hour period on a 60 degree day), and the Generator kicks in for the longer than one minute outages to keep the lights, well, heat (or A/C) running.  If I needed the UPS for an extended period of time, it can run everything for about 35 minutes - 3 desktops, one proxy server, one Novell server, one switch, one hub, and an access point, along with two A/V systems.
   
  Dave R.
   
  
  Message: 2
Date: Thu, 5 Jan 2006 05:57:41 -0800 (PST)
From: Bill Strobel 
To: Times List SHO 
Subject: [Shotimes] Backup Power

If what you are protecting is important then the best back up power supply would be a small gas powered generator with an electric start. You set it up so that it automatically starts during a power interruption. This can be variably timed so that a minor power outage won't set it off but anything over a minute or so will. The big thing to remember is regular maintenance on the system. Once a month runs for 10-20 minutes check the starting battery. If you do that then you'll have enough power for the house besides your pumps. Honda or any good generator manufacturer can set you up with what you need. 


Bill Strobel
Independent Towing
Fayetteville NC

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Message: 3
From: "Paul Nimz" 

To: "`V6 SHOtimes" , "Bill Strobel"

Subject: Re: [Shotimes] Backup Power
Date: Thu, 5 Jan 2006 09:47:26 -0600

My electric co-op will sell you a propane/natural gas powered auto start
generator cheap and financed at very low interest if you sign up for the
interruptible power plan. Electric rate is below .05 per KWH too.

Or you could get an industrial battery back up for a couple grand and have at
least 24 hours of power for a sump pump.

Paul




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Message: 4
Date: Thu, 5 Jan 2006 12:04:44 -0500
From: Mike Wojton 
To: SHOtimes@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [Shotimes] Backup Power

I know some will argue "What price do you put on your possessions?", but my
interest in this is to do it fairly inexpensively.
A battery backup is less than $200. The water powered system is around
$600. Generators? Know you're talking thousands.
I don't have that kind of money to spare. Some of you might, but I expect
most people don't.


--
Mike Wojton
Dover, PA

-'95 White MTX
'96 Brake Upgrade
Eibachs (front)
Dynomax catback

"Avoid the clap." - Jimmy Dugan




Message: 5
From: "Paul Nimz" 

To: "`V6 SHOtimes" , 
Subject: Re: [Shotimes] Backup Power
Date: Thu, 5 Jan 2006 11:22:03 -0600

I agree and that is why I don't have any. But I live in a good area as far as
flooding goes. My worst power problem would come in the winter if it were out
for an extended time and the temps very cold.


Paul