Generator to run 240 v fridge
Submitted: Monday, Oct 04, 2004 at 13:40
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Moose
Being in
Brisbane and with Energex warning of blackouts I thought I'd consider buying a gennie to run the fridge should the power go out. I have a few questions on this matter:
1. What capacity would it need to be able to run a normal household fridge?
2. Do you just run an extension lead directly from the gennie to the fridge?
3. Which makes are quietest?
4. Where would be the best place to get one in
Brisbane
5. Any other advice
Thanks in advance.
Reply By: Nudenut - Monday, Oct 04, 2004 at 14:59
Monday, Oct 04, 2004 at 14:59
a honda eu10i is the go
plug in the fridge and your necter of the gods will be cold!
AnswerID:
78777
Follow Up By: Moose - Monday, Oct 04, 2004 at 15:24
Monday, Oct 04, 2004 at 15:24
Thanks mate. Just checked out the specs on that one and it looks good. 52db is very quiet which is a big plus. And fuel consumption is bloody excellent - 8 hrs on the economy mode!
FollowupID:
338224
Reply By: Member - Crazie (VIC) - Monday, Oct 04, 2004 at 15:38
Monday, Oct 04, 2004 at 15:38
Hey Moose
I have an EU20i, fantastic machine. IT will run your house (depending on what you run) if you got a plug wired into your switch board. Very quiet and a tank of fuel last us about 12-14 hours. My old man just picked up an EU20i at hinterland Honda as he lives around there, he paid about $1890.00. If you just want to run your fridge, this would be way too big, see above for the EU10i. They are a fantastic genie.
cheers
Adam
AnswerID:
78780
Reply By: Magnus - Monday, Oct 04, 2004 at 19:58
Monday, Oct 04, 2004 at 19:58
Hi Moose,
Suggest you check out starting requirements. They are always higher than running requirements. Doubt very much that a Honda eu10i would start a domestic fridge.
But check it out in any case.
Cheers
Magnus
AnswerID:
78809
Reply By: Rod - Monday, Oct 04, 2004 at 20:12
Monday, Oct 04, 2004 at 20:12
Hi
Bought a chinese 850W generator fron SuperCheap. It would start my 240V deep freezer and by father's 240V fridge but would not start
mine.
Took it back with no problems and got a refund.
Seems like induction motors in fridges can momentarily draw around 6 times the normal operating current on startup.
AnswerID:
78811
Follow Up By: Ian from Thermoguard Instruments - Monday, Oct 04, 2004 at 21:10
Monday, Oct 04, 2004 at 21:10
Yes, that's right. Induction motors typcially draw 6 to 8 times full load current at start-up. So a 200W motor could require a genie with a rating of 1200 to 1600VA. But often you will get away with something about 5 times rated because a) the motor is a bit overrated for it's job and doesn't need quite such a large current to start the load (compressor) and b) a good-quality genie probably has a bit short-term surge capacity built in.
With fridges, don't try to re-start them straight after they have stopped. Give them about 10 minutes for the gas pressures to return to 'normal' starting values and it makes it a lot easier on the motor (and the genie). Some 'fridgie' out there will be able to explain it better...
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Follow Up By: Member - Brian (Gold Coast) - Tuesday, Oct 05, 2004 at 06:31
Tuesday, Oct 05, 2004 at 06:31
Ian from Thermoguard Instruments said;
"Give them about 10 minutes for the gas pressures to return to 'normal' starting values and it makes it a lot easier on the motor (and the genie). Some 'fridgie' out there will be able to explain it better..."
Ian is correct in saying that 10 mins is needed between turning a fridge off and turning it back on... same goes for domestic air conditioners. This allows the difference in pressures between the high pressure side and the low pressure side to equalise, so the compressor can start freely. Switching off/on in quick succession, even once, can do expensive damage to your refrigerator.
Brian
(Some Fridgie)
;-)
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338267