[PLUG] Power converters for power outages

[John Jason Jordan]

On Fri, 29 Sep 2017 15:55:59 -0700
Dick Steffens <dick at dicksteffens.com> dijo:

>Regarding generators, we bought a Champion duel fuel generator last 
>year. I've given up using gasoline powered equipment as much as I can, 
>simply because of maintenance. I used to be more of a gear head, but
>not so much anymore.
>
>Anyway, an important consideration is whether the generator puts out 
>clean 60Hz power. Mine, currently, does not. The one time we used it 
>last winter it powered the lights, refrigerator, and freezer, but not 
>our computer battery backup units. Eventually I discovered that my 
>generator was not putting out 60 Hz. I found the instructions for 
>adjusting it, but have yet to get around to applying them ...
>something I must do in the next couple of months to be ready.

I installed a 7500 watt tri-fuel generator in the covered patio in the
back of the house. It is connected to the same natural gas that powers
my water heater, gas log fireplace, and kitchen range. I did this
because, like you, I think that maintenance of gasoline powered
equipment is a pain, mostly because the carburetors get bunged up
because I left gas in them too long.

The manufacturer guarantees that it is clean enough to use with
electronic equipment such as computers. Nevertheless, I also have
large UPS systems to power my laptop, desktop, network devices, the
network TV tuner and the stereo. The UPS systems will power all of that
for close to two hours, and the laptop will run another couple hours
on its own battery. If the power goes out and it appears that it will
last a while I just start the generator, plug the UPS systems into it
and carry on. I tried this out and the UPS systems didn't complain. Of
course, they also supply nice clean power to the devices plugged into
them, so if the generator's output isn't perfect the UPS systems will
sanitize it. The genrator's 7500 watt capacity (8500 surge) will also
power the refrigerator, freezer, and lots of table lamps.