Let’s talk generators!

[Shaka_Reefer]

I’ve been doing a ton of research but there are so many options. This is what I think I need to run both tanks plus essentials for the house.

Can someone help me as to what else I need?

Can I hook up my EB32 directly to the generator? I have three Neptune EB32.

Thanks so much!!

 

[WIReefer]

I have a Honda 2200 watt and it runs my tanks and much more just fine!

 

[Shaka_Reefer]

I have a Honda 2200 watt and it runs my tanks and much more just fine!

What other Necessary equipment did you purchase for your generator?

 

[WIReefer]

What other Necessary equipment did you purchase for your generator?

Not a thing just the generator and works like a charm. Ran it for 16 hours running two tanks and more.

 

[Dom]

I have a Honda 3000is. Runs all of my tanks along with other essentials. Perfect out of the box. Quiet, sips gas.

 

[WIReefer]

I have a Honda 3000is. Runs all of my tanks along with other essentials. Perfect out of the box. Quiet, sips gas.

Mine ran for 9 hours on .9 gallons of gas on eco mode. Gotta love a Honda

 

[Snoopdog]

I have this one. Pretty quiet, especially on eco mode. Fairly easy to start, easy on gas. It cranks every time but does take a decent pull to start it. Seemed good quality compared to other generators I have owned in the past. I paid $532 in 2018, I see they went up in price.

Champion Generator

 

[K7BMG]

The only thing you need to consider when it comes to generators.
Is this an inverter type?

For electronics it is best to use an inverter type.
Basically line conditioning so your voltage and aperage do not fluctuate or loaded up with harmful harmonics.

Most of the utility generators are for tools or non-electronic equipment.
This is why the Honda EU series of generators are so popular today.

You can add line conditioners but good ones that work are expensive.

 

[Shaka_Reefer]

So if I get the inverter generator, what’s a good extension cord to get to connect the Neptune EB32 into one of the generator outlets?

 

[K7BMG]

So if I get the inverter generator, what’s a good extension cord to get to connect the Neptune EB32 into one of the generator outlets?

Its all about distance.
I am an electrical Contractor so I know a thing or two about electricity (I hope anyway. lol)

I would purchase nothing less that a 12 gage cord.
If the distance gets past 100 feet then I recommend a 10 gage cord.
Do not use adapters if at all possible, but they are always used lol.

 

[Shaka_Reefer]

Its all about distance.
I am an electrical Contractor so I know a thing or two about electricity (I hope anyway. lol)

I would purchase nothing less that a 12 gage cord.
If the distance gets past 100 feet then I recommend a 10 gage cord.
Do not use adapters if at all possible, but they are always used lol.

Thank you! I’m actually thinking about this one since the tanks are near the front door so I just need 25ft

 

[JoshH]

So if I get the inverter generator, what’s a good extension cord to get to connect the Neptune EB32 into one of the generator outlets?

Its all about distance.
I am an electrical Contractor so I know a thing or two about electricity (I hope anyway. lol)

I would purchase nothing less that a 12 gage cord.
If the distance gets past 100 feet then I recommend a 10 gage cord.
Do not use adapters if at all possible, but they are always used lol.

I would email Neptune directly as I believe they reccomend 10 Guage for any type of extension cord. This topic was brought up just last week and I'm trying to track down the thread

 

[BackToTheReef]

Its all about distance.
I am an electrical Contractor so I know a thing or two about electricity (I hope anyway. lol)

I would purchase nothing less that a 12 gage cord.
If the distance gets past 100 feet then I recommend a 10 gage cord.
Do not use adapters if at all possible, but they are always used lol.

Would a critical load panel and transfer switch be a better/safer choice than an extension cord? (Obviously SLIGHTLY more expensive but...)

 

[Shaka_Reefer]

Would a critical load panel and transfer switch be a better/safer choice than an extension cord? (Obviously SLIGHTLY more expensive but...)

Do you have a link to what you’re talking about?

 

[KStatefan]

Would a critical load panel and transfer switch be a better/safer choice than an extension cord? (Obviously SLIGHTLY more expensive but...)

Yes

 

[K7BMG]

I would email Neptune directly as I believe they reccomend 10 Guage for any type of extension cord. This topic was brought up just last week and I'm trying to track down the thread

You have to match the wire size to the overcurrent protection.
If your generators outlet is 120V at 20A and 100 feet or less a 12 gage cord is all that's needed.
If your generators outlet is 120V 30A then yes a 10 gage cored is required at 100 feet or less.

Yes a real backup generator with a critical load panel will be optimal but a lot more expensive.

 

[BackToTheReef]

Do you have a link to what you’re talking about?

Something like this:

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200702786_200702786?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Generators%20%3E%20Generator%20Accessories&utm_campaign=Reliance&utm_content=62096&&ds_e_product_group_id=654609954455&ds_e_product_store_id=&ds_e_ad_type=pla&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwO-envXm6wIVD9bACh1aCA15EAQYAiABEgLmWfD_BwE

I'm sure one of the electricians here could probably recommend something that better fits your need, this was just one of the first results that popped up.

 

[Troyntu]

Would a critical load panel and transfer switch be a better/safer choice than an extension cord? (Obviously SLIGHTLY more expensive but...)

Yes. A transfer switch hooked to the panel and just turn the circuit on for what ever circuit is to the tank. Transfer switches are the right way to hook a generator up to a home. And then you can turn what ever circuit you want on depending on the size on generator.

 

[JoshH]

You have to match the wire size to the overcurrent protection.
If your generators outlet is 120V at 20A and 100 feet or less a 12 gage cord is all that's needed.
If your generators outlet is 120V 30A then yes a 10 gage cored is required at 100 feet or less.

Just reiterating what another member had posted after they spoke directly with Neptune, which is why I said it would be best if the OP spoke with them on the matter directly and see what they reccomended... I agree with you that it's definitely overkill.

 

[K7BMG]

Something like this:

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200702786_200702786?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Generators%20%3E%20Generator%20Accessories&utm_campaign=Reliance&utm_content=62096&&ds_e_product_group_id=654609954455&ds_e_product_store_id=&ds_e_ad_type=pla&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwO-envXm6wIVD9bACh1aCA15EAQYAiABEgLmWfD_BwE

I'm sure one of the electricians here could probably recommend something that better fits your need, this was just one of the first results that popped up.

That would work for the situation.
This would need to have a permit to install this type of unit.
It will be mounted next to your existing panel and the critical circuits would have to me moved from that panel into this one permanently.

Not a big deal but added costs of permits and electricians will be required. Unless you have the knowledge to DIY, but the permit will be needed either way.

I always tell customers the same thing.
The level of protection required should be based on your history of power outages and the duration of the outages.
If I lived in a state that now does blackout periods for safety reasons then yes i would go to great lengths.
If I was in rural areas where power restoration was not high priority then again great lengths.
The heart of the city where thousands of homes and businesses where restoration will be high priority, well maybe not so much.