Justin Time
DIY
- Reaction score
- 1
I know it's not neat, but can I simply run a single extension cable from a small (3KVA) petrol, portable, inverter generator, positioned outside in my yard, into my house to power a LED TV, plugged in LED lights, radio, internet hub, charge mobiles, etc, perhaps using a four-way socket system, being careful not to overload? Any precautions (RCDs? etc,) needed?
I've read plenty of posts about small portable generators and floating neutrals, transfer boxes, special CUs etc, related to setting up a more permenantly wiring system into the house's electrics- and the multiple opinions expressed - but I'm not sure that's the way we want to go in this case. Simpler is better? Or not? Indeed, a couple of my neighbours have already employed a local electrician to install a changeover switch for their gennys, but I'm wondering about competency and complications - earthing issues, etc.
The context for this question is that last year's Storm Arwen left us without electricity for 2 weeks. We live at 1500 feet above sea-level, way out in the sticks. Oil fired Aga which can be run on manual with no electricity provides cooker, kettle, toaster, drier, room warming, etc. Multi-fuel stove heats the house (no oil central heating). We can survive without the immersion heater. 3000 litres of fuel oil and several tons of anthracite saved us last year (I know, I know, not very green, but we were comfortable while some locals with air-sourced pumps and electric depending central heating systems were stuffed).
Our overhead Northern Power Grid main supply is always, weekly, cutting out since January 2022, albeit from just a few seconds to 15 mins or so, especially since they 'fixed' the 19 snapped overhead poles in December 2021. They seemingly ingore our complaints. These small outages do not bode well for the coming winter! The genny isn't needed for survival, but would make life a bit easier and save a fortune on candles and small batteries!
Any advice much appreciated before I purchase a genny.
I've read plenty of posts about small portable generators and floating neutrals, transfer boxes, special CUs etc, related to setting up a more permenantly wiring system into the house's electrics- and the multiple opinions expressed - but I'm not sure that's the way we want to go in this case. Simpler is better? Or not? Indeed, a couple of my neighbours have already employed a local electrician to install a changeover switch for their gennys, but I'm wondering about competency and complications - earthing issues, etc.
The context for this question is that last year's Storm Arwen left us without electricity for 2 weeks. We live at 1500 feet above sea-level, way out in the sticks. Oil fired Aga which can be run on manual with no electricity provides cooker, kettle, toaster, drier, room warming, etc. Multi-fuel stove heats the house (no oil central heating). We can survive without the immersion heater. 3000 litres of fuel oil and several tons of anthracite saved us last year (I know, I know, not very green, but we were comfortable while some locals with air-sourced pumps and electric depending central heating systems were stuffed).
Our overhead Northern Power Grid main supply is always, weekly, cutting out since January 2022, albeit from just a few seconds to 15 mins or so, especially since they 'fixed' the 19 snapped overhead poles in December 2021. They seemingly ingore our complaints. These small outages do not bode well for the coming winter! The genny isn't needed for survival, but would make life a bit easier and save a fortune on candles and small batteries!
Any advice much appreciated before I purchase a genny.