Generator advice needed - thinking of buying one for a small bungalow

[ericmark]

Your options are to manually change the connection and manually start the genny, or install an ATS (automatic transfer switch) so the inverter can switch the input from mains to genny when needed (and start the genny if you install the remote control interface).

I do see your point, but I still feel with what I already have, to improve, within a reasonable price, would be simply to use the generator to run the freezers if the battery seems likely not to keep the central heating going.

 

[morqthana]

Neither, really - I just scrolled down to see what else it had to say, until I came to the bit which said "This product is a flag"

Ah - I hadn't scrolled down - I stopped when it got to "Related Items" - I'd clicked through the specs, description etc tabs, intrigued by the quoted size.

 

[SimonH2]

I do see your point, but I still feel with what I already have, to improve, within a reasonable price, would be simply to use the generator to run the freezers if the battery seems likely not to keep the central heating going.

I'm thinking that if you are going to be running an extension, moving plugs, etc. then it might be easier to just plug the genny into the inverter. There would then be the option of charging the battery for a short time and then stop the genny - probably more fuel efficient overall.

BUT that does depend very much on how flexible the system is, and how hard it is to switch modes - mains with anti-islanding protection, and genny where it would need disabling, plus changing battery charging policy.

 

[JohnD]

I'm thinking that if you are going to be running an extension, moving plugs, etc. then it might be easier to just plug the genny into the inverter.

It is usual for the inverter to automatically shut down in a power cut. This is to prevent it feeding into the network and is a condition of the approval.

 

[ericmark]

It is usual for the inverter to automatically shut down in a power cut. This is to prevent it feeding into the network and is a condition of the approval.

The inverter keeps going, but only one 230 volt input, and to use a generator the configuration needs changing. It is not a simple unplug DNO supply and plug in generator instead.

So if using generator unless for a long time, easier to just use the extension lead through window for some services, likely the freezers, so leaving more battery for the central heating.

 

[JohnD]

.

 

[SimonH2]

It is usual for the inverter to automatically shut down in a power cut. This is to prevent it feeding into the network and is a condition of the approval.

Except those which are designed to be able to disconnect the mains and operate in isolated mode.
Some need configuring for one role or the other, some can automatically do it.