As of 8:34 PM EST, my son and I are doing a generator test. This posting is made on generator power!
A severe winter storm described as a "Blizzard" is bearing-down on the New York City metropolitan area. Weather forecasters are warning of 50 MPH winds and heavy, wet, snow.
Given these facts, we can LIKELY expect tree limbs (and whole trees) to come down and take out electricity.
We decided it would be smart to make certain the generator can start and pass a power test. So it was running when I began this posting.
The Electric Heat pump kicked on and the generator lugged. The UPS's in the house started beeping, but within about three seconds, it recovered and all was good.
UH OHHHHHH Generator power just went out! . . . The Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is now running this computer . . . . .
. . . .
. . . . Checking on the problem . . . . .
. . . .
APPARENTLY, the Heat Pump compressor unit (on our condo roof) was not producing enough heat, which triggered the Auxiliary heater (resistance heat) inside the air handler here in the house, to activate, which draws another 20.7 amps, and that just caused the main circuit breaker on the generator to trip!
HMMMMMMM. Restoring Grid Power right now . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . Back on the Grid.
At the time, the rest of the house - with the heat pump running, was only using 20 amps. The generator has a max of thirty (30) amps 10,000 watts. So if the electricity goes off here tonight or tomorrow, we will likely shut off the circuit breaker for the compressor unit on the roof and try to only use the Auxiliary heat and see if that works.
If that also fails (i.e. trips the main generator breaker) then we can engage small heater units inside the condo, and the ceiling fans will spread that heat.
Worst case, we dress warmer.
It seems important to me that we actually test things BEFORE they're needed to make sure they work. My son and I just did that. Those of you from Virginia up to Boston, and in from the coast up to 50 miles, are encouraged to do what my son and I just did, right now. Make sure your stuff works - tonight- before the storm hits.
We didn't like the little surprise we just got, but at least we know how to work around it. Or at least we THINK we know.
The snow will begin falling here at about 9:00 AM tomorrow morning, and is not forecast to stop for a full 32 Hours! ! ! ! !
Forecast is calling for accumulations of 12 -18" in this area, but the HRRR (High-Resolution-Rapid-Refresh) computer model is now saying NYC should expect 22-28 inches of snow ! ! ! ! !
HRRR Model:
So it's likely to be quite a day for us tomorrow. Check your gear tonight. Also check your vehicles, too. Gas, oil, anti freeze, windshield washer fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid. TIRE PRESSURE ! ! ! !
Grab any last minute items you may need, go home, and HUNKER DOWN. There's no sense in even TRYING to travel during a storm like this. It's not some big adventure to undertake on a lark. This type of situation is dangerous. It can easily become deadly. If you have a choice, STAY HOME.
