Generator for emergency use?

Question

I have an old 11 hp snowblower engine that runs pretty good. I'd like to connect it to a generator to use when the power goes out from storms to run a few things in the house. How big a generator would I need and where would one obtain a used one?

Answer 1

It is not worth the effort when you can buy a new generator for about $130/ KW  these portable generators are plentiful until the hurricane season gets going.  Any of the big box stores have them.  A 6 KW is a good size for a residence since you are in an emergency situation, you can use extension cords to power the refrigerator and the freezer and run a microwave.  Change your lights to CFL, do not use halogens or any heaters that are electric.  If you want a permanent installation, call a qualified professional electrician to do the work properly.  This includes a transfer switch and some design work.  For this a 15KW is better.

Answer 2

You will more than likely spend more money doing a conversion than purchasing a good used one that is already working...You will have to alter mounts, pullys, governers etcetera...To obtain a used on get an account at craigs list..post for a used generator in the wanted section..and also view the for sell section to see if there is one there...The account is free(which i will give you the sign up link) after getting a free account click on the blue "craigs list" at the top of the page..then click on the right hand side for the state you live in..then a drop down bocx comes up select the town in the list you live in..then do a posting for what you want..heres the link..

Answer 3

I think you would be better off finding you a good used generator at least 6000 watt. I found one at the local pawn shop for $400. It would cost about $800 new and was in perfect shape. You can get a switch to go between the generator and the house that will cut off your power and change over to your generator for a couple hundred more. 6000 watts would run nearly your hole house other than maybe a lot of 220 high amp like a close dryer or an electric range but should be more than adequate to run a microwave, refrigerator, freezer and a few lights. What ever you get be sure if you just run cords inside to plug things into that your get a generator cord that plugs into the 220 v plug that will split to 4 110v plugs and not overload the 110 v plug on the generator. It will be able to do a lot more that way. To set one up on a old engine would not be that cost efficient because you would have to be careful that it was running the correct speed. The speed of the engine would determined the volts and cycles of the generator. The cycles is the most important you may get away with 115 volts but it would be hard to get away with anything but 60 cycles. You would be blowing light bulbs and burning up small appliances on a long run.

Answer 4

That's a pretty complicated deal to engineer.  There aren't very many standalone generators available that will meet your size and connection requirements that will produce what your devices will recognize as 120V alternating current.  Search for used, 120V, _____ (hp), AC generators.  Good luck--you'll need it.