OT: generator for ice storm

[Brad]

On Tue, 2005-01-04 at 20:23 -0600, Duane Attaway wrote:
> On Tue, 4 Jan 2005, Brian Densmore wrote:
> 
> > Idea to drive your house off of 10 gauge wire is beyond me. While it may 
> > be possible, it's (IMO) extremely bad to do. I wouldn't use anything 
> > less than 0 cable. Of course it also depends on the length of run from
> 
> Zero guage wiring (welding cable) might be good, but may be overkill for a 
> temporary circuit.  The cable servicing my house from the meter is only 6 
> guage.  My voltage drop after 15 feet of 10 guage didn't let the voltage 
> drop below 110 volts under a strong load of the house air conditioner.
> 
> I forgot to mention I had the UPS recreate the waveform, but everything 
> still worked in manual bypass.  Fortunately, my UPS checks the voltage and 
> frequency for me and sounds the alarm horn when it strays beyond the set 
> limits.
> 
> But you are right about the stong cautions about what can go wrong.  We 
> are pushing this simple wiring idea to the limits.  It breaks for many 
> people and that's why they keep pushing this on the news.  If I see 
> professional engineers make mistakes year after year, I'm sure the common 
> homeowner such as myself can miss something obvious and burn down the 
> house.
> 
> The first caveman who harnessed fire took a risk and we are too. 
> Unfortunately for us, our houses aren't made of rock like the caves, so 
> beware...
> 
> -=Duane
> http;//dattaway.org
> 
> 
-- 

Thanks for all of the advice everyone.  Luckily I made it through the
night without losing power, but if I do I will check the Hz and voltage
and double check everything.

Thanks,

Brad