You know you're a hardcore reefer when...

[ca1ore]

I'm in the process of having one installed for my tanks right now

I've already had a couple of short outages, and it came on automatically, powers everything, and then shuts down when the power returns. Should have done it years ago.

 

[Ron Reefman]

You know you are a hard core reefer when you walk up to some of your friends that are talking about Live Rock and you think it's about an aquarium and they are talking about a concert!

 

[Dennis McGrath]

... you tell your boss that you can't email him the updated budgeting forecast until you've finished looking at the FTS in a new build thread on R2R.

 

[rkpetersen]

I've already had a couple of short outages, and it came on automatically, powers everything, and then shuts down when the power returns. Should have done it years ago.

I actually wanted to do it years ago myself. We get frequent and sometimes prolonged power outages in my area. But in the process of arranging for it, I found out that my natural gas line is on a T with my neighbor, which isn't allowed by code if you're going to install a gas-powered whole house generator. At the time, I didn't pursue changing the gas line, I just bought a manual portable generator and a transfer box with select household circuits.

After I got back into this hobby awhile, I decided to go for it, for peace of mind. Having the T capped off and a new gas line run to my meter about doubled the cost to me of professionally installing a 22kW generator and automatic transfer switch. And also about 6 months of dealing with my local energy company's residential installation division which got the permits to tunnel the new line under my yard, but then kept delaying me for one reason or another. Although they did install a very nice much larger gas meter as part of the project. I've had it about a year and it's responded to 3 power outages, each time exactly as designed. Clean power to the house in less than 10 seconds, followed by relays that turn on power to major devices like AC, electric dryer, electric oven, and electric car charger after brief delay, to allow the generator to fully stabilize first. As you mention, transfers back smoothly when the line power returns. Tests itself for 5 minutes every couple of weeks. Hopefully it'll last us for many years to come, although as with any device like this, it requires monitoring and periodic maintenance. Mine doesn't have a wifi connection; I may inquire about the possibility of adding that when routine service is due, I think it's available now.

 

[Ksmmike]

I actually wanted to do it years ago myself. We get frequent and sometimes prolonged power outages in my area. But in the process of arranging for it, I found out that my natural gas line is on a T with my neighbor, which isn't allowed by code if you're going to install a gas-powered whole house generator. At the time, I didn't pursue changing the gas line, I just bought a manual portable generator and a transfer box with select household circuits.

I could write a novel about the issues I'm still having getting the generator finished. I ordered it in Nov 2017 and it's still not complete. It started with the contractor losing our order and not even pulling the permits for 4 months. When installing the generator they turned off our power for what was supposed to be 4 hours and turned into 25 hours. It almost ruined my tanks until my neighbor let me run a line from his house over night. Now that they hooked up the gas and the electric, it failed inspection because the meter didn't match the generator. Now another permit has to be pulled. I imagine it will be great once its done, but sighs. I wanted it because in South Florida we lose power a lot not counting hurricanes. I hope by 2019 it will be done.

 

[ndrwater]

Your wife tells you she would rather watch the Kardashians than preview your latest post on lighting intensity.