Another generator question

I am sure it has been asked plenty of times already, but I am going to ask again.  I am looking to get about a 12000 W generator.  There are so many options that it can be overwelming.  I am looking for recomendations.  I know there are trade offs with price, quality and sound ratings.  What do you think is an acceptable decible rating.  Chances are this will be mounted on the rear bumper of a truck or possibly underneith if it fits reasonably well.  Obviously price is always a concern, but looking for something of quality.

Hello
What are you powering.  I have a 10k at home and it drinks gas, it is heavy, and large.
 
You might consider batteries.  you can get 6v golf cart batteries for about 130.00 each, maybe less  string 4 and you have a 24volt system, get a inverter and a charger you can have all that for less than 1/2 the price of a generator, and no noise.  and if you want you can get some solar panels and still be cheaper than a 12k generator.
 
Al

220V Panini Press, roof top AC, 2 refrigerators, 2 steam warmers, hot water heater, lights, etc.  Batteries are not going to cut it.  I need a generator.
 

Mr.Green


220V Panini Press, roof top AC, 2 refridgerators, 2 steam warmers, hot water heater, lights, etc.  Batteries are not going to cut it.  I need a generator.

  you are correct, that is quite a bit of power.  I would probably go with a diesel RV generator because they are designed to be quiet.  here is a link to one  http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200365078_200365078?cm_ite=169114&cm_pla=Generators%3ERV%20Generators&cm_cat=Google&cm_ven=Aggregates
 
This is an 8k, I don't know if that would be powerful enough but you could probably call the manufacturer for a larger unit.
I would switch the water heater to gas-on demand. and switch my lightbulbs to LED bulbs.  A bit costly for the bulbs but you would be looking at a significant reduction in power usage 
 
Al

What is wrong with going cheaper? Here is a 10K Watt generator for 799 and only 79db so it should not be too load in a insulated box.
http://www.northerntool.c...ct_200374118_200374118
 

same size that I have and have had no problem with breakers poppin on me and have run a/c with warmer heat lamps and refrig. Mike

Mr.Green


220V Panini Press, roof top AC, 2 refrigerators, 2 steam warmers, hot water heater, lights, etc.  Batteries are not going to cut it.  I need a generator.

You need to list the wattage of each piece of equipment.   What is the amps & voltage of the 2 refrigerators (running watts)? How big is the AC unit (amps & volts or watts)?    I believe the total for the Panini, warmers & hot water heater is about 9000 watts.  How many watt for lights?   ....  I don't believe the 12 kw gen set is big enough to run everything you've listed and handle the surge from the AC & refrigerators.

I have done the math:
Panini 220V  12A  2900W (per spec sheet)
Refrigerator 120V 8A 430W (max)
Prep Table 120V 8A 430W (max, assuming is similar to frige, cant find info on unit)
Hot Water Heater 120V 12A 1440W
Steam Warmers  120V 10A 1200W  * 2  (2 steam warmers)
Air Cond  120V 9A 1080W
Lights (4 - 6  48" floresent bulbs)
Other Misc stuff 120V 10A 1200W
 
I put this at between 11500W to 13500W when I add 20% to the totals.  13500W is worst case scenario at surge levels.  I am assuming the A.C. and coolers run at about 1/2 their rated surge level Amps so that is where the 11500W comes from.
    Did I do anything wrong?

 

When I was shopping for power, i was told by some licensed electricians that two factors are most important - surge power and total amps. You are already at 69 amps counting the misc. stuff...lotta juice!

Mr.Green


I have done the math:
Panini 220V  12A  2900W (per spec sheet)
Refrigerator 120V 8A 430W (max)
Prep Table 120V 8A 430W (max, assuming is similar to frige, cant find info on unit)
Hot Water Heater 120V 12A 1440W
Steam Warmers  120V 10A 1200W  * 2  (2 steam warmers)
Air Cond  120V 9A 1080W
Lights (4 - 6  48" floresent bulbs)
Other Misc stuff 120V 10A 1200W

I put this at between 11500W to 13500W when I add 20% to the totals.  13500W is worst case scenario at surge levels.  I am assuming the A.C. and coolers run at about 1/2 their rated surge level Amps so that is where the 11500W comes from.
   Did I do anything wrong?

 
You're doing it right.   The only equipment that will have a surge are the refrigerators & the AC.    For these, it is usual that running amps is listed, but sometimes surge amps are listed in addition to running amps.  If only the running amps is given for these appliances, to add about X2 to account for surge.
 
At 11500 watts, you are drawing (11500w/120v) 96 amps.   I think you need to plan on a 100 amp genset for your power needs; Or, use a separate genset to power the AC and/or Refrigerators.     Manual power management (turn something off, while running others) is just a pain in the ass;   .... automated power management (inverter/ups batteries), just spend the same money for another genset.   Power management systems is more suited for emergency situation with power supplied by smaller generators.

i would go with two smaller units and split the loads up between them....
you can actually run more economically with two units running at half power, then one big unit working its ass off....and pay less for two smaller ones then the cost of one large work horse

I was told that the amperage rating on the coolers and AC was the max / surge amperage.  Are you sure this is the running amps?  I will have to go look at the tags again.  As fas as the generators, nothing is ever easy is it?  Thank for the input.  Keep it coming!
 

Mr.Green


I was told that the amperage rating on the coolers and AC was the max / surge amperage.  Are you sure this is the running amps?  I will have to go look at the tags again.  As fas as the generators, nothing is ever easy is it?  Thank for the input.  Keep it coming!

 
The tags should clearly state 'running' & 'surge' amps.   If it doesn't then, you need to assume that is running amps.    .... If you have an amp meter, then it would be easy to check running amps.    ...Also, manufacture's literature will give running and surge amps for each.