Generator help please..

[Ranyhyn]

We currently don't have electric on our yard, so thinking of using a generator. I have no experience using one and don't know what to pick!

What should I look for? It's to run 2/3 strip lights, a kettle, radio and occassionally clippers. Any help would be gladly received.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[brown tack]

I don't know anything about models etc, but have done this in the past and it works very well. I had to be a little carful not to overload the power output on the generator as it was a small old one.

My tip would be to make sure that it is easy to start, my first one was a right royal pain, not good in the dark when it's raining.

Use a metal petrol can not a plastic one, makes it safer to store, keep it away from hay, straw etc.

And keep a check on the oil levels.

 

[lazybee]

You'll need 2.5kVA to run a kettle. There's quite a draw of power needed for the element. You could always use gas for the kettle a cylinder will last ages.

 

[Ranyhyn]

Ok thanks for the help both been looking at generators on ebay but boggled by science!!

 

[Hippona]

We had one.....its the only time we've been broken into....and it was the only thing they nicked.

Now...I have 12V lights atached to a car battery, cordless trimmers and a gas-camping stove for making a brew.....no bills, less chance of being done over......

 

[Ranyhyn]

Good point worth remembering, luckilly the yard is behind the house, so quite secure.

How do the lights work? Excuse my ignorance

 

[Hippona]

They have to be 12v bulbs.....the end of the cabling goes to 'bull-dog' clips....one to each terminal of the car battery. Voila!


One battery in use, one on stand by.

 

[Ranyhyn]

You evil genius you! I will run this past OH as we have a 12v hanging around for the chicken fencing? (although I did think it'd kill a chicken lol)

 

[Hippona]

Don't be getting technical on me now....'twas OH what did it.

 

[Potato!]

I have a 2.5KW Generator and it still struggled to boil the kettle, better to get a camping stove and a kettle for boiling water.

 

[cremedemonthe]

I've PM'd you with a fairly good site (trade) that you can get generators and all sorts of things from at reasonable prices, they are supposed to be trade but aren't that strict so you should be able to open an account, hope it helps.