Renting a generator, will it be enough?

I really dont think its a good idea. Generators are known for giving out dirty power that could potentially make a computer unstable or worse.

A couple extension cords plugged into a different circuit would supply more power than that generator could ever hope to.
 
Methodical said:
I really dont think its a good idea. Generators are known for giving out dirty power that could potentially make a computer unstable or worse.

A couple extension cords plugged into a different circuit would supply more power than that generator could ever hope to.
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qft... consumer generators are for light bulbs and furnaces! hooking a computer up to one of those is asking for *boom*
 
The typical generator that can be obtained from a rental yard will indeed produce a very uneven sinusoidal waveform. Plugging one or multiple computers into the said generator produce a slight harmonic distortion in the grounded conductor (neutral) further compounding the problem.

To convert watts to amperage, take the listed watts and divide by your voltage to get amperage.

If you are still set on doing this via a generator, here are some tips. Find a multi-pole generator as they produce a cleaner waveform. A good guide line will be a rotational speed under load of 1800 RPM versus the typical 3600 RPM. Draw equally from all the phase legs. Solidly ground the frame/grounding lug to a rod eletrode driven at least four feet in the ground and connect with a section of number eight solid copper. Each computer should be plugged into a device (UPS, etc) that has active AVR in both directions (over and under voltage).

Good luck.
 
WTF would you need a generator for? As was said before, get some heavy duty extension cords and run them from different circuits. That will be more than enough to keep from overloading a breaker.

You're asking for a kick to the nuts if you try to use a generator.
 
S1nF1xx said:
WTF would you need a generator for? As was said before, get some heavy duty extension cords and run them from different circuits. That will be more than enough to keep from overloading a breaker.

You're asking for a kick to the nuts if you try to use a generator.
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Maybe he's planning a lan party near some picture-esque lake or something? ;)
 
thanks for all the input guys, it seems to me, that a generator is a HORID idea, and I had never heard that before.

thanks!

Problem I am faced with is, i'm in a hotel conference room, and I dont think there is enough power to go around...so...im left with two options, use extension cords and plug into outlets that I have no idea what else is on them, or get some backup power (the generator idea)

so, it looks like i'll be buying as many extension cords as i can.
 
X NetJag X said:
thanks for all the input guys, it seems to me, that a generator is a HORID idea, and I had never heard that before.

thanks!

Problem I am faced with is, i'm in a hotel conference room, and I dont think there is enough power to go around...so...im left with two options, use extension cords and plug into outlets that I have no idea what else is on them, or get some backup power (the generator idea)

so, it looks like i'll be buying as many extension cords as i can.
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To start, i work for a comany that does sound, lighting, communications, projection and power distrobution to just name a few things, so I have had the joy of dealing with power distro issues in MANY hotell confrence rooms.

1) How many computers are you planning on running.
Your 3-3.5 amps may be ok for a typical computer draw for a normal person, but what about the guy who comes in with a dual opteron with 2 gigs of ram and a 10 disk raid array? Seccondly, its not a straight over conversion of amps to watts. Any electrical device that is on for more than 4 hrs straight has to be figured in at 125% of its auctuall amp draw. Just as an example.. you have a 20A circuit. The most power you should draw on that circuit if its running for a long time is 16A

2) As already stated a small gas generator like that on sensitive electronics is a bad idea, those are ment for runnign power tools etc.

3)IMHO, the best option if you have a lot of systems would be to call in a company that does power distro, or find a friend who does. Most hotell confrence rooms have a 3phase cam lock tie in to utility power either in the room , or in a nearby utility closet wich a breaker panel can be attached to. You could probibly even do it yoru self, but chances are you wll not be able to get your hands on feeder, a panel with camlock tails and all the other assicoated cables you would need.
 
If you are renting a hotel conference room, communicate your power requirements to the management and let them sort it out. Stress that there can be no power interruptions or else you will file for a reimbursement with their corporate office.
 
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