Prepare Now - Major Ice Storm this Weekend

[andrewjjones1212]

Better safe than sorry here - but models are pointing to a major ice storm for us this coming weekend which could include some prolonged power outages. I’m grabbing a generator tomorrow to prepare to run my tank for multiple days without power if needed, and I would suggest others considering looking into the same. A $400-$500 generator for harbor frieght or Home Depot will probably be cheaper than a tank crash for most of us I would assume.

Again better safe than sorry and better to get ahead of it now before everyone else starts panicking and you can’t find a generator anywhere

 

[Hunna]

I bought one last year for the ice storms. Didn’t need it for that, but have had to use it 2-3 times from regular storms taking power to my neighborhood out for 6+ hours at a time. I’ll be pulling mine out Thursday on my day off and making sure it’s working properly and filling a gas can or two.

 

[hiimsean]

I bought one a few years ago and have never needed it. I’ll fill up my gas can though

 

[myvwrock]

I use a power inverter hooked to the battery of my truck. And only run the heater and return pump nothing else. I call it life support mode. I then every few hours will go out there and start the car for a half hour or so

 

[Swank1987]

Thanks for the reminder/inspiration. Just picked up a generator specifically for the tank after explaining to my wife that we’d lose more money on things in the tank than in our fridge. Hope everyone stays safe

 

[NOSMADA]

thanks for the reminder!!

 

[chemaholic]

I hope everyone comes through the storm unscathed!

 

[OmarAlvrz94]

wanted to share my setup for people that are on a budget, have a smaller tank and already have power tools. ( If you don’t have any you’d be better off buying a generator since power tool batteries are expensive as heck) It is a power inverter and im sure other companies have something similar. I have not tested how long it will power the pump on a full charge since i just got it, but I do have multiple batteries. I know if we loose power for a whole day this setup won’t work but we should all at least have a plan for the worst. Hope everybody stays safe and none of us loose power.

 

[york1]

 

[Swank1987]

Best advice today

 

[childers]

View attachment 108875
wanted to share my setup for people that are on a budget, have a smaller tank and already have power tools. ( If you don’t have any you’d be better off buying a generator since power tool batteries are expensive as heck) It is a power inverter and im sure other companies have something similar. I have not tested how long it will power the pump on a full charge since i just got it, but I do have multiple batteries. I know if we loose power for a whole day this setup won’t work but we should all at least have a plan for the worst. Hope everybody stays safe and none of us loose power.

I used the milwaukee versions over the summer and was very disappointed. They claimed 150w and a 100w heater or power head would trip the internal overload.

We went to harbor freight today to buy an inverter generator today and they were sold out. They said all their stores in the atl area are sold out. Im going to a house to install a generator inlet for them tomorrow. I hope I can find one for us.

 

[project1004]

I had external generator inlet installed little over a year ago when I moved into my new home. Bought me a 8500w inverter generator but never had to use it. It is still brand new. I was watching some videos to prep for this weekend when I get back to Atlanta, I learned that I need to remove the grounded neutral and make it floating neutral before using as whole house generator.
I just need to have the kitchen and my fish tank mainly since I use wood heat. I plan to fire it up this weekend and have it all ready for wifey before heading back up north Sunday. Doesn’t look good for traveling but who was expecting such a major storm.

 

[childers]

Do you have a transfer switch or interlock? If the generator has a ground to neutral bond then you need to get a transfer switch that switches the neutral. If the generator doesn't have the ground to neutral bond, then you don't switch the neutral, and the system uses the ground-neutral bond built into the service.

I had external generator inlet installed little over a year ago when I moved into my new home. Bought me a 8500w inverter generator but never had to use it. It is still brand new. I was watching some videos to prep for this weekend when I get back to Atlanta, I learned that I need to remove the grounded neutral and make it floating neutral before using as whole house generator.
I just need to have the kitchen and my fish tank mainly since I use wood heat. I plan to fire it up this weekend and have it all ready for wifey before heading back up north Sunday. Doesn’t look good for traveling but who was expecting such a major storm.

 

[mumra]

We have a dual fuel generator but I'm hoping this encourages the wife to agree to getting a full house generator. We already have the perfect spot to put it. Got plenty of fuel, wine and snacks.

 

[NAS]

We have a dual fuel generator but I'm hoping this encourages the wife to agree to getting a full house generator. We already have the perfect spot to put it. Got plenty of fuel, wine and snacks.

I have a whole house generator. It’s a game changer. I definitely recommend it.

 

[project1004]

Do you have a transfer switch or interlock? If the generator has a ground to neutral bond then you need to get a transfer switch that switches the neutral. If the generator doesn't have the ground to neutral bond, then you don't switch the neutral, and the system uses the ground-neutral bond built into the service.

Ya, I sow those “power plugs” that puts the generator into foating neutral if needed.
I had interlock installed and the generator says it comes bonded and need to be converted to floating.

 

[mumra]

Do you have a transfer switch or interlock? If the generator has a ground to neutral bond then you need to get a transfer switch that switches the neutral. If the generator doesn't have the ground to neutral bond, then you don't switch the neutral, and the system uses the ground-neutral bond built into the service.

I have no idea what any of that means.

 

[childers]

I have no idea what any of that means.

I tried to simplify it lol. I was explaining it to my apprentice earlier and he had some difficulty understanding it as well. Grounding and bonding to me are the most important part of the NEC also the most interesting.

Ya, I sow those “power plugs” that puts the generator into foating neutral if needed.
I had interlock installed and the generator says it comes bonded and need to be converted to floating.

Check the owners manual. There is usually a specific way to do it. You will see a lot of them with a stud to the frame/chassis and that is the bond but not all of them are done the same.

 

[sleepyreef]

All I have is a rechargeable air pump. The last ice storm I lost power for about six hours. I heated water and poured it in a container and floated it in the tank to try to keep the temp up. It worked for the six hours but if I have a multi day power outage I think I'm screwed.

 

[project1004]

Idk how you heat that water but that could be th source to put the return (movement) and the heater. Which is two thing the tank needs the most. Sorry, realized gas stove works without the power.