power out...brrrr

Jack_23

4 am power goes out. -5F. Started the truck, plugged a small inverter into the truck lighter and got the heat going. INverter can only handle 220w, but it was enough. Gotta go check on the neighbors.

steve_6

power out

Bet you wish you had a millivolt system

Jack_23

No way!

Inefficient & out of date. Starting in '04 you won't be able to get a standing pilot on water heaters either. That will leave low eff space heaters and gas fireplaces with standing pilots. Electronics can certainly be an issue but for a heating contractor supplemental heat also represents opportunities for plus business.

Brian (Tankless) Wood

Need a generator, Jack?

Did you get the link I sent about the huge Rinnai endorsement by those real estate companies. I'd like to put a sale like that together.

I have access to some used 15kw diesel units. 12 wire, 120/240 single phase, or 240/480 three phase, from the same gen'.
They are complete with tank, alt, batt, skid, covers, everything. For about 1/3rd of retail.

We got down to 23 here last night, that's cold for south Louisiana.

Thanks for the inverter idea, great.

Brian.

[Deleted User]

i dont know, why inefficient

i converted a steam boiler to millivolt just the other month. it was really the same controls (except the gas valve system of course) except they had gold terminal contacts. his power has gone out for days at a stretch before. but he will still be in shirt sleeves next time, and the neighbors will be at his house.

Jack_23

Why?

He's going to have to buy the beer and feed everyone. Inefficient in that most standing pilot equipment was legislated out in 92, on gas equip that is. I know they work and I am not working with a wide array of burner controls anymore. On the aftermarket...your choice!

Jack_23

Yeah, among other things

I need a motor for this car I've been working on first. The inverter is something I've used on equipment firings at shows and demos when I can't get juice. Local hdwr/ wall mart. Short money for the flexibility. You should do pretty well selling some hydroair coils for all your toasty heat pump users in balmy Louisiana. Did not get the link(s). Did you check out the Okaloosa Gas site

[Deleted User]

Hey Jack!

what a great idea, I wonder if I could use a similar method to fire my boiler next time the power goes out. Last winter we lost power for 4 days,this house was cold! Wonder if you could tell me how to do it or have it done. Thanks

Jack_23

Have to know yoursystem wattage draw

My inverter was $50-60 bucks. Find out the power draw on your boiler. My inverter has a 3-prong outlet connection so you have to wire some way into the system. Check with the manuf of your equipment. Otherwise you can potentially toast it and you'll be in a fine mood when the power comes back on.