On 23/11/05 8:33 pm, in article ,
"Keith (Southend)" wrote:

I'm on the verge of buying a 2.8KVa or 3.0KVa Petrol Generator and was
wondering whether anyone had any experience with using these as a backup
in case the domestic supply fails? Forinstance, although I have the
computer plugged into a surge protection socket, are generators more
prone to spikes and the like?

I beleive that you can plug these directly into your ring main (switch
off the main incomer) and will effectively power up ALL the house
circuits. (Obviously if you turn on the water heater, cooker and
electric fire you're pushing your luck).

Any thoughts would be welcome

Many thanks

Hi Keith

I've had a 4.5 kVA petrol generator for about 15 years now, and have used it
every winter. If your budget can run to something about this power, you will
see benefits. If the genny is running well within capacity, then the voltage
tends to be better regulated, in my experience. It will handle the electric
kettle or microwave comfortably.

While you CAN connect it directly into a ring circuit, it is not terribly
good practice, and the electricity supplier would take a very dim view. In
the early years, when I did it this way, I would pull out the main fuse for
the duration.

A more elegant solution is to have an extra consumer unit (fuse box)
installed, to which you would connect your light circuits, plus a ring
circuit supplying fridges, freezers and any other "must have" items. Splash
out on a changeover switch ( I paid about £60) to connect your new fusebox
either to the mains or the generator. Sorted!