Hurricane Irma 48 hours on an extension cord

[Boyntonstu]

Our neighbors on both sides have a whole house propane generator with a huge in-ground tank. One kind neighbor allowed us to connect to a receptacle and we used a 50' 12 Gauge extension cord through a window into our house.  The other neighbor refused.  We ran a large refrigerator, 2 LED lights, a 16" box fan, a radio, and cell phone chargers.  
I was very cautious about tripping a 15 A breaker and it felt somewhat like living with a 2,000 Watt generator.

The lack of AC was a real problem; very uncomfortable.  Our power came back last night after being off for 48 hours. Today I am going to measure the refrigerator draw before disconnecting the extension cord.  My hope is that a 15 A breaker circuit can power a small window AC as well as the above.  If so, my plan is to buy a 6,000 BTU window unit and mount it on a wheeled cart that I can roll up to a window in our small bedroom and block the sides.  As a backup to having the extension card, I plan to buy a generator.

BTW Here is a neat way to extend the running time of a generator. Could it be connected to your vehicle tank?

[video=youtube]


And here is a commercial auxiliary tank: http://www.genxdirect.com/b-e-r-g-s...n-fuel-system-tank-included-part-hnd1-2000is/

 

[sushidog]

I feel for you. The power at our house in Louisiana was off about 6 weeks after Katrina. Even the natural gas lines were broken all over the town and had to be repaired before we could have hot water. I got sick having to take ice cold showers after being hot and sweaty all day, as the town's water supply comes from an ice cold artesian spring.

Chip

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

The lack of AC was a real problem; very uncomfortable . . .  my plan is to buy a 6,000 BTU window unit and mount it on a wheeled cart that I can roll up to a window in our small bedroom and block the sides . . .

Glad you are OK.  I was worried that you were hunkering down in forecast 150+ MPH winds.

I have a 1000 watt floor standing air conditioner.  Works well keeping a 600 sq. ft. cool.  It might be easier to work with than a cart mounted window unit.  The big thing it does is pull water out of the air; I was pulling 12+ gallons a day in 90ºF, 50% humidity.

With the water table so close to the surface in Florida, I'm surprised code allowed a buried tank.  An empty pig will float.

I feel for you. The power at our house in Louisiana was off about 6 weeks after Katrina. Even the natural gas lines were broken all over the town and had to be repaired before we could have hot water. I got sick having to take ice cold showers after being hot and sweaty all day, as the town's water supply comes from an ice cold artesian spring.

The advantage of having everything I need to live in the boonies.  Solar bag showers are not as relaxing as a long hot shower but I can get clean and feel refreshed.

 

[Boyntonstu]

^
Wow!  I feel for what you went through with Katrina.

You guys went through Hell!

We are not complaining.

In our local area, all we got was "Irma La Douche"  :blush: