Generator fuel consumption
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
The specs are on DeWalt's site here:
DXGN6000 6000 Watt Commercial Generator | DEWALT Tools
It says 14hrs run time on 8gallons of fuel at 50% load, so a little over 1/2 gallon per hour.
DXGN6000 6000 Watt Commercial Generator | DEWALT Tools
It says 14hrs run time on 8gallons of fuel at 50% load, so a little over 1/2 gallon per hour.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,050
Likes: 1,524
From: Maine, Virginia
I have a 2004 model Craftsman with a 10HP briggs. 5600 running watts and 8600 surge.
I backfeed my breaker panel and run the water heater, power to all lights and outlets in the house and she runs great. It seems to use 5 gallons in about 14-16 hours of continuous use.
Fortunately it's only needed about once a year. However, I do start it monthly and let it get good and warmed up.
I backfeed my breaker panel and run the water heater, power to all lights and outlets in the house and she runs great. It seems to use 5 gallons in about 14-16 hours of continuous use.
Fortunately it's only needed about once a year. However, I do start it monthly and let it get good and warmed up.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,527
Likes: 2,831
I have a 2004 model Craftsman with a 10HP briggs. 5600 running watts and 8600 surge.
I backfeed my breaker panel and run the water heater, power to all lights and outlets in the house and she runs great. It seems to use 5 gallons in about 14-16 hours of continuous use.
Fortunately it's only needed about once a year. However, I do start it monthly and let it get good and warmed up.
I backfeed my breaker panel and run the water heater, power to all lights and outlets in the house and she runs great. It seems to use 5 gallons in about 14-16 hours of continuous use.
Fortunately it's only needed about once a year. However, I do start it monthly and let it get good and warmed up.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 4
From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
I'm going to turn the main off, pull the 30a breaker to the dryer and hook it up to a piece of 8/3 copper wire that I put a plug on the other end, plug it into the 4 prong generator outlet, put the breaker back in and back feed the panel.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,050
Likes: 1,524
From: Maine, Virginia
I know it's not a good solution to an otherwise safe alternative. I'm very aware of what's happening around me and I'm extremely careful to shutdown the genny, unplug all connections and restore all previous connections prior to restoring street power to the house.
When I raise the money, I want to have a gas standby generator professionally installed with the auto transfer switch and the whole nine yards. Not sure if I can justify the cost for a whole house model. I'd likely need a 12K-15K model to run the a/c and everything.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 4
From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
I have heard the dryer plug is a good way to do it, but our panel is in the attached garage, so all I have to do is roll the generator out of the door then make the connection to the breaker.
I don't see any reason to get a transfer switch if you understand why you need the main off. I've never actually done it myself, but a buddy of mine does it that way all the time. He also wired a light fixture above the panel that is connected to the lines coming in from the meter. When he's running the generator, he will screw the light bulb in the last half turn, then when the light comes on, the power is restored then he can shut the generator down and go back on the grid.
I don't see any reason to get a transfer switch if you understand why you need the main off. I've never actually done it myself, but a buddy of mine does it that way all the time. He also wired a light fixture above the panel that is connected to the lines coming in from the meter. When he's running the generator, he will screw the light bulb in the last half turn, then when the light comes on, the power is restored then he can shut the generator down and go back on the grid.
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Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,537
Likes: 27
From: Long Beach, Ms.
Your part of the country has not had the infrastructure hardened to withstand the damage a hurricane will bring.
I stock 110 gallons of ethanol free gasoline in two 55 gallon plastic drums when a storm is coming.
I also have spare air filters and oil for the genset.
CAUTION rain will create a very dangerous condition around the generator.
THE SHOCK HAZARD IS A MAJOR CONCERN.
The risk of carbon monoxide is another concern.
Use your generator to keep the refrigerator cold a few hours a day.
Maybe turn the tv on for news at the same time.
Pulling a 1000 watts or less will extend your available run time.
I wish you the best of luck.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,891
Likes: 103
From: Birdsboro PA
My dad has a pto generator that he hooks up to our 40 horse ford tractor. It has enough wattage to run the whole house but we usually just use whats necessary. Thats what we used when we were out for 8 days last halloween.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,606
Likes: 5,629
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
i have a 10KW onan genset. i am powering 3 houses, and use about 1 gallon per hour.
when the heaters, refrigerators, and freezers are not running, fuel consumption drops to 1/2 gallon per hour.
when the heaters, refrigerators, and freezers are not running, fuel consumption drops to 1/2 gallon per hour.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 26
When I raise the money, I want to have a gas standby generator professionally installed with the auto transfer switch and the whole nine yards. Not sure if I can justify the cost for a whole house model. I'd likely need a 12K-15K model to run the a/c and everything.
Since "the moment you buy a machine it starts to age" I'll wait until I really need one to have it delivered. I can't justify a whole-house genset since I have gas heat as backup and a gas stove, and if summer gets nasty the pool will still work without the pump running. A welder makes a nice mobile power source, and welding machines tend to pay themselves off quickly.
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I use G.I. water cans for fuel (they work fine, I filled mine then threw 'em around my driveway to test) and their caps are ideal for filling small engines. (I don't transport ANY gas cans inside a vehicle.)
water cans...Plastic/Metal? - Expedition Portal
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