Generators

Hi Kelly.

We have a large generator with a John Deere engine in its own little masonry "bungalow" on the edge of our property. Our generator is tied into our electrical system and comes on automatically whenever we lose power. It can run the house for a couple of weeks if used 24/7 and longer if we only use it a few hours each day. We require the generator because our family income depends on reliable electricity (and reliable high speed Internet connectivity.) We have one neighbor who has a monstrous generator powering his compound but the rest of our immediate neighbors use candles and ice when WAPA fails. As far as generator recommendations, the brands my friends and I have are whatever the local vendors were selling at the time we made our purchases. If you live stateside and are asking about bringing a generator when you move, then you'll have a greater selection and a web search may hit on a site with an objective comparison of makes and models.

dntw8,

Thank you. You are always so helpful.

Kelly

I know that Home Depot keeps a worksheet for figuring out the size of the generator you'll need to run various electrical devices. I found it in the Tool Rental department. It's designed for people that want to run equipment for a job site, but they have a formula for estimating the amount of power you'll need based on the watts and amps. (I wish I could remember the formula). If you're shopping for a generator, that might help you decide the size of the generator you'll need.

Thank you,

Kelly

It would be best to try a local company that has generators like Import Supply.. The size you need for a whole house will require some maintenance programs and the like.The small ones from Home Depot can run some of the house, but not all of it.

RL

Hello,
I'm not a generator expert however, here are a few things to consider. What is it that you personally want the generator to do? If all you are worried about is light then a small generator may be OK. If you have a lot of food in a freezer or a lot of electronic equipment you want to run you may want to consider a better generator. One of the main differences between a less expensive generator and a good generator is the cleanliness of the power. A generator that allows the voltage or Hz to fluctuate can burn up appliances. Although any sensitive equipment running on a generator should run through a UPS power unit. A smaller generator will require you to brave the elements to start it and fuel it more often. Refuelling a hot generator is dangerous. You may want to consider the fuel type used in the generator. If a major storm were to hit where would you go to get fuel and would it be easier to get propane, gas, or diesel if supplies were short. A small generator is usually an air cooled gas powered unit that runs about 3800 rpm. a water cooled diesel generator that runs at 1800 rpm will last much longer because it turns at half the speed and is less effected by heat during long outages. Further, it will produce less noise.

Hope this helps

One other important thing to consider when selecting a generator is how much of a load you will be putting on it regularly when it is running. Generators are set up to provide a certain amount of power output. If you only use a small fraction of what they generate, the generator wears out much faster. Selecting the right size for your needs is one way to keep your generator from having unnecessary maintenance issues.

Hello all;
I have been suppling generators of all sizes to people of all the islands for about 16 years. I am partial to low rpm diesels, they outlast the 3600 rpm gas power units 5 to 1 in every way. Plus it is almost impossible to steal a built in diesel system, since they usually weigh about half a ton!
If anybody needs a system or a system quotation, I have been shipping direct from my suppliers, via VICargo and have had great results. Plus I discount heavily. Generators have a huge profit margin, at least that is how all the island stores feel!
I too live and survive on WAPA power, when ever they have it, but I can also supply my own power; run the air conditioners, washers, dryers and see the television, cook and have the refrigerator working, all wonderous items when the WAPA supply stops, as it usually does. My house has a 4 cylinder diesel low rpm system, 16kilo watts continuous at 120/230 volt. Truly runs for 24 hours on an 18 gallon fill-up and has been a life saver for me several times. Complete with a full house transfer switch, a system like this costs $7,500. When I went to put a system onto my house during construction, the local suppliers who had similar systems quoted no lower than 12,750 fob Miami, and 4 to 5 weeks delivery, I even had a quote for over $18,000. I usually can get a generator onto a VICargo shipment within a week.
I have complete work sheets for those who wish to find their needs and operations, I also assist in the installation and warrantee work.
I have from 2.o Kw diesels portables all the way up to 2,500Kw monster systems the size of a full shipping container, from more than 10 different manufacturers, USA and international. I try and avoid the 3600 rpm gas burners...they are just not worth the cost. Besides, if they break, usually you just toss them away!
I have supplied industrial and residential power systems for more than 25 years.

AquaTechnologies South
Frederiksted VI and USA
340-332-0026 STX
615-758-4603 USA

Thank you all for your replies. Capt. Pete I will be in touch when we get on island.

Thanks,
Kelly

STT Home Depot Sale: Usually $599 - On Sale now for $299.50! 5000 Watt continuous - 6250 Maximum - that's enough to run five 100 watt lights, a fridge, a water pump, and a TV...perfect for apartments or small homes...and a great deal, too!