Yesterday we made the decision to grab a generator for the incoming typhoon. We have had a couple of brownouts (power cuts) already in the last 4 weeks for various reasons so won’t be wasted if we didn’t need to use it during “Typhoon Pablo”.
Unluckily though its now nearly 5pm and we have already had our power cut in fact power has been off since around 1.30pm. The small tank on the Alton generator which is 1.5 litres in size managed to run for 4 hours. Running in though it recommends using 300w only.
The generator has managed to get the internet up and running again,TV,lights and my laptop so can’t really complain even though its only small at 1000w. But then again it was P8,000 and portable the next one up at P18,000 with 3000w would need some severe thinking where to put the thing before we even considered it.
Adding to that though on the downside I would say that the Alton generator is rather noisy. Will be looking to build a small building for it with exhaust to help dampen the noise. But also thinking of getting a bigger unit for future use as power cuts have been more frequent than usual. Is it a sign that things aren’t improving in the Philippines but going the other way?
When I did an estimate of the power consumption compared to the increase in power distribution and plants I could see that the Philippines was already well over capacity. Problem is its done nothing to contain the problem but in many cases making them a lot worse with its constant strive to keep building more and more properties with poor concrete designs. What I mean is that these sub divisions are being built all over the place and literally concrete from pillar to post, the roads, walls, floors. Concrete absorbs heat and all need artificial cooling due to the density of sub divisions cramming people in like sardines.
But back to the generator! All in all loving it so far although a bit noisy. Have managed to find a location that isn’t pointing towards peoples houses and inside a well vented room.
10 minutes after I wrote the above we went for some fuel as I get the feeling this being the start of the typhoon we are in for a few days of power issues. Funny enough came back and discovered an issue with the generator as I stuck it back on after refuelling. The pull start didn’t have a big enough knot on it which quickly seen the handle come off and the rope head inside the generator.
Fixing the generator in the dark as someone had moved the torch I had put aside for tonight resulted in it taking about 40 minutes instead of 10. Took the cover off re-threaded the rope and refitted the handle and we were back in business.
Now sat with Ewe busy trying to wrestle me for the torch we managed to find calling it “the moon”. With the net back up and my laptop going to need a boost in the morning.
But all is well in the household everyone is in the sitting room with twinkly Christmas lights and watching cable TV.
Agree Bill my biggest issue is space at the moment. The small generator will come in handy for day trips and other stuff even if we upgrade. I have an idea where to place its bigger brother but may need crane lifting to get it into position lol.
Yea good old generators I’ve had plenty if experience with them. These days I won’t even look at no name unit. My work has given great pleasures on all types of machinery from small items to big reverse osmosis machines I’ve build. Choosing a good generator needs consideration as I’ve learnt by buying them for our work and now we have 5 generators in the shed there not worth fixing. You can’t beat a Honda anything over 3kva is best. Being in the Philippines best to learn Google what else is available. The simple cheap ones are so noisy and you need t keep running back to fill them.