more generator references from someone named ken: plus co2 detectors:
<http://www.ci.norfolk.ne.us/March%20Newsletter%20Generator.htm>http://www.ci.norfolk.ne.us/March%20Newsletter%20Generator.htm
The below is from a web page focused on Carbon Monoxide (CO) dangers. If you
use a ventless heater (kerosene or propane) as a fallback heater in your
house, be sure and have a battery-operated, LED-numeric display CO
detector with fresh batteries (alkaline) in them. Make sure you do not
see CO levels go above the minimum ppm (parts per million) level below.
(An interviewed fire marshall emphasizes that the cheaper CO detectors that
do not show numbers are not as reliable and that many people have become
afflicted with CO problems due to either failed CO detectors or weak
batteries. He also states that ventless heaters are against fire code but
off the record they aren't going to go around citing people for using ventless
heaters in January 2000 if there are outages but he knows that some people
will get sick or die from CO poisoning.
The lowest shown below is:
Domestic, all ages (TWA) - 9 ppm*, 8 hrs World Health
Organization (WHO) -
TWA - Computed by making measurements at intervals over 8 hours,
then adding the sums of the concentrations and the intervals, and
dividing by 8 hours (480 min.).
If you can afford a first class backup plan, I recommend that. Only
go with a cheap, risky fallback plan if your life is at stake and
nothing else is available/affordable.
The link is: 209.52.183.182
Here's what it contains:
Site map
Ok, so the search engine was overkill and it didn't want to work on
the new server anyway Here's a site map (Table of Contents) that
should make things a little bit easier.
Pointers on selecting a generator
What types of generators are out there, what to look for in a good
one, the relative merits of the various fuels, etc.
Safety
Your generator can kill you. Don't skip this page. Find out about it.
Application charts
What are you going to be powering? How much juice do you need? What
about electric motor start current requirements? What about my well
pump?
Transfer switch info
How are you going to power up your stuff? Run 15 extension cords
around your house? Like to lock your doors at night?
Oil/Fuel Treatment & Storage
Gasoline and diesel must be treated for long term storage; here are
the treatment products you need and the drums/tanks to put that fuel
in.
Generator Maintenance & Operations/Storage/Repair
Make sure your generator is going to work the next time you need it,
and then keep working.
Generator Video!
Ok, so I'm not C.B. DeMille but you might want to check these out
anyway!
Engine Manufacturer Links
Seven different engine manufacturers. See also Generator Manufacturer
Links below.
Generator Manufacturer Links
Fourteen different generator manufacturers.
Classifieds - Generators & Power Related Stuff For Sale
If you're having trouble locating a stationary set, some good ads are
already in folks, check out this page
Sales/Service Outlets
A ton of links to generator sales/service outlets and small engine
parts places. Also propane conversion parts. Many of these links
contain notations that they provide a particular bit of important
information or a particular service. Don't skip this page either.
Generator Rental Outlets
Reviews
Looking for more information on alternative energy approaches? I
review the POWER HOUSE video and workbook by Stan Pierchoski.
Really Stupid Generator Tricks
Bona fide geeks only.
Reader's Rigs
Be aware of the below, also the additional advice on pouring
gasoline (avoiding static electricity-caused explosions) at
209.52.183.182.
The local fire marshall said the more reliable carbon monoxide
detectors are those that give a LED readout. The Kidde one I
bought that is battery operated costs $40. Be sure and use new
batteries.
The links I provided yesterday show how to make an outdoor shed
for your generator. Do it, it's not that much money. Also, if
you do use a kerosene heater, be aware that unvented heaters are
against fire code in many cities. If you use one anyway, at least
avoid using it while you are asleep; provide fresh air intake for
it (such as a plastic, accordion tubing that extends the fresh
air intake you already should have for your heater if it is a
natural gas one). If you have a generator and a kerosene heater,
you should be able to operate a vent. Do not leave the room with
the heater in with the heater on--keep your eye on the carbon
monoxide detector. Besides inadequate air intake, another reason
for carbon monoxide is a faulty heating operation. If the heater
is doing complete combustion with adequate fresh air intake,
reportedly you should not have a carbon monoxide problem. I'm
trying to find out more information.
One problem we have with Y2K is that fire marshalls do not want to
talk about an inexpensive option for heat in power outages; they
typically talk about methods that costs a lot of money. The cheapest
advice I've been given by a fire marshall is to operate electric
heaters using a power generator properly installed or a natural gas
fueled fireplace insert or a wood stove or fireplace insert. All of
these options are quite expensive.
If you do go the kerosene heater approach, be advised it is not on my
strict advice. I mention it as a cheap, fallback approach, but only
with a lot of safety restrictions and only after first checking what
the conditions are with your local fire code (that was the change I
made to my handout brochure). I was told by a fire marshall that they
will not be making citations in January 2000 if power outages occur
against people who are using kerosene heaters. But that is only for
one locale. Anyway, read the below article and be safe.
--Roleigh
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