Lp conversion kit for generator.

[mheaven]

Hello everyone after the Sandy storm and not having power for over a week I was considering to go with the lp conversion kit. Has anyone thought of this or has done it.

The gas lines in jersey were horrible... 3.5 hrs wait is crazy. I managed with my gas generator but I don't need that nightmare again. For $200 the lp conversion kit seems the way to go, since I lost one fish that cost me $60... And that's only one loss.

I know many people who lost more.. Here is the link what do you think???

www.propane-generators.com/

 

[thirty5]

It is a great thing. I actually posted a pretty long comment on it on another thread.

The only thing you have to realize.
1. Installation may not be as easy as they say, my generator would need to either have the frame cut, or i was going to move the entire setup on teh chasis.
2. It voids your warranty if it is stillactive
3. You need to make sure that you have enough NG from the line you are going to get from (May need to run a new line), depending on the size of the unit.
4. Moving from one fuel to another (gas, NP, LP) requires tuning the regulator

But there are benefits:
1. Almost limitless supply (i would say that it is rare for NG to run out or get turned off, but it can.
2. The fuel is clean, meaning that it does not gunk up and you dont have to drain anything.
3. The fuel is cheaper than gasoline
4. No lines to get it
5. Now your unit can run on 3 fuels

I actually looked heavily into it, but decided against it. I actually sold my Generac 6500E and ordered a PowerLine 8000/10000 that is already tri-fuel.

I am then getting the Square-D Interlock kit for my panel ($65 at Lowes) to backfeed the panel.

There is also an aftermarket interlok kit from www.interlockkit.com

If you plan on doing it yourself just make sure that you can handle it, the installation of the kit requires the Air Filter to move out about 1.5 inches, that is why it would not fit easily on my generator. If your air filter is not blocked by anything then you should be good to go.

 

[peteyboyny]

I found this site after reading a post about LP generators. $800 for a 6000w/7000w peak LP generator, can't go wrong there.
http://www.absolutegenerators.com/

 

[thirty5]

I found this site after reading a post about LP generators. $800 for a 6000w/7000w peak LP generator, can't go wrong there.
http://www.absolutegenerators.com/

The only problem I see with LP is that you need to again go and get fuel somewhere and a 20lb tank only gives you about 8 hrs of run time at 50% load.

So if there is a major power outage, just like gas stations LP stations may also be without power. And a LP source is harder to come by. Yes you can goto Home Depot and get LP but you would need to make sure that you have enough tanks to hold you...

Now if you dont have NG at your house, then LP is a decent trade off. But still not that cheap nor easy to get fuel.

 

[peteyboyny]

I see your point, BUT IMO LP generators at this time are not "the norm". Most people have gasoline powered generators. I don't have the NG option where I am. So after seeing the chaos following Sandy, it seems logical. As far as waiting in line to fill BBQ tanks, why not get an acct with a local vendor and have a 500lb tank plopped down outside your house? This is an investment in protecting our tanks/lives/property? Even with the Bbq tanks, 8hrs isn't all that bad considering that the average comparable gasoline powered generator (depending on tank size) gets about 9hrs at a 50% load.

 

[thirty5]

True, very true. Like I said in my earlier post, if you dont have NG then LP is another way. But in a storm getting a 500lb tank plopped down may not work. And what if you don't lose power, now you have to try to get the vendor to take it back full?

Having a backup for gas is a great option and each person needs to do what they can. So if you dont have NG then LP will be another backup. And LP actually burns cleaner than NG so there is another plus for LP.

 

[peteyboyny]

I wouldn't try to get one delivered IN a storm. I would have it setup as a permanent fixture. LP doesn't "go bad" the way gasoline can. Why not have it stored waiting to go. If you had a stored source of fuel, generator large enough to power the house, and back feed it to your breaker panel...what more to ask for. Having an acct with a local vendor just makes them come to you, instead of vice-versa.

 

[thirty5]

I wouldn't try to get one delivered IN a storm. I would have it setup as a permanent fixture. LP doesn't "go bad" the way gasoline can. Why not have it stored waiting to go. If you had a stored source of fuel, generator large enough to power the house, and back feed it to your breaker panel...what more to ask for. Having an acct with a local vendor just makes them come to you, instead of vice-versa.

True

 

[peteyboyny]

That's just MY plan. It works even better if your stove runs off LP already! GL all.