generator (to keep freezer cold)

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Do any of you guys keep a small generator hooked up to the freezer in case of power outage? I was thinking about the amount of meat that would be in my freezer if I raised the animals I want to (not anymore than a freezer could hold) and how awful it would be if all the meat was ruined because of a silly outage. What models do you use? And if it's not to rude for me to ask, about how much did yours cost? Also has anyone had any experience with renting a meat locker at a butchers or packers or whereever you rent one of those (I'm obviously new to this) Thanks!

-- Elizabeth (Lividia66@aol.com), March 07, 2001

Answers

Response to generator

I have a gen hooked up to my house,, cant run everything at once, but itll run thing one at a time,, along with the pump and a few lights. Got it used from a contractor for a good price.

-- Stan (sopal@net-port.com), March 07, 2001.

Response to generator

If the freezer is full, it can go for quite awhile with the power out before the food starts to thaw, assuming you don't open the lid.

-- mary, texas (marylgarcia@aol.com), March 07, 2001.

Response to generator

We have a pto powered generator, they call them alternators around here, that is 15KW and is hooked up to the transfer switch out on the power pole leading to the house and barn. It is run off the pto of our 50 hp diesel farm tractor, runs low rpm's so it uses hardly any fuel, and powers everything on the farm. This was an old dairy farm so they needed something that would run milk cooler compressors, milking machines, etc., so for 1200 dollars we bought it with the farm. We have been told it is worth at least double that so it is a good investment if anything.

Your freezer, if near full or full, will stay froze for at least 3 or 4 days, KEEP THE LID SHUT, and it will be fine. Keep milk jug type containers of water in there to take up any empty space, really fill her up and that works to keep it cold longer. Also, pile quilts and comfortors over and around the freezer to insulate it even further from heat.

-- Annie Miller in SE OH (annie@1st.net), March 07, 2001.


Response to generator

If your freezer is full or so, you should not have any problem for about 2 to 3 days. As far as the types of generators, you have to be very careful. Coleman makes a lot of generators, but if you talk to anyone(including Coleman tech support) they will tell you that they are not for home use. Coleman, themselves, we tell you that their generators do not have voltage regulators. Without voltage regulators you can do serious damage to household appliances. Coleman will tell you that their generators are designed for contractors at worksites. If you want a generator for home use and not worry about your appliances buy either a Generac or Onan. A 5000 watt Generac will cost(new) about $800. Onan is much more expensive.

-- David in NH (grayfoxfarm@mcttelecom.com), March 07, 2001.

First thing you need to do is determine what size generator you need. How big is the freezer? What is the power requirements, How many amps does it draw running and does your manual mention starting current needs? If not figure 3x running rate. Watts can be calulated with simple math. Voltage x current. So a freezer that run on 3 amps, may start with 9amps. 120x9=1080watts, so A 1200watt generator would work. Take a look at what else you might need to run. Also keep in mind that unlike some items. A freezer only is drawing power when its running. You will most likley only have to run the generator for the freezer once or twice a day to keep it cool.

What about a well pump? Do you need to power it? Do the calculations and see what size generator you need for that. Again you only need to run it when you need water

There are lots of manufacutures of generators. Coleman, dyna, genrac and many others. Each have advantages and disadvantages. While a coleman unit will work, most like the lest expensive. It will not last as long or run as long as others. When selecting a generator look at the fuel source. What do you need. If you already have diesel in quanity because of farm needs then a diesel generator may be a better choice. You can get generators in LP, natural gas, diesel and gas. Pick the choice that works best for you.

-- Gary (gws@redbird.net), March 14, 2001.



We had a small generator that would keep two freezers and the frig running if the power went out. In 1999 we bought a larger one that is capable of running the whole house and well pump. Even so, we lost a large freezer about five years ago due to a power surge during a storm. There was half a beef and most of the garden veggies in there. SO, be sure to get a surge protector!! They are really inexpensive compared to the loss we suffered. The freezer was in a work shop, away from the house, and DH forgot to check after the storm to make sure it was still running. Now we check everything on a daily basis. Kitty

-- Kitty (wheate@earthlink.net), March 14, 2001.

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