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Most of the Neighborhood Spent the Day without Power

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Southern Dad, Apr 29, 2012.

  1. Southern Dad

    Southern Dad Active Member

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    One of the disadvantages to living in a rural area is when someone strikes a utility pole on a Sunday, the electric will be out for hours. A good time to own a Prius. :rockon:
     

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    #1 Southern Dad, Apr 29, 2012
  2. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    So what did you run off the car? What kind of inverter?
     
    #2 spiderman, Apr 29, 2012
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  3. Southern Dad

    Southern Dad Active Member

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    I have a gas guzzling 2003 Lincoln Navigator sitting out in the yard. Since it is often used on trips, I purchased a 400 watt power inverter. I quickly removed it from the back of the Navigator and put it in the Prius. It works very well. And 400 watts is more than an enough to operate one of our televisions, a fan and a Blueray player.

    My Internet already has its own battery back up which will last about 10 hours. It doesn't draw much for a cable modem and wireless router.
     
    #3 Southern Dad, Apr 29, 2012
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  4. ralleia

    ralleia Active Member

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    Interesting...

    So maybe we should keep that '94 Chrysler V6 when we go to buy the Prius? The engine is still sound.
     
    #4 ralleia, Apr 29, 2012
  5. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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    Yep, that's why there's a power inverter sitting out in the garage, waiting for the day the power goes out again. :D
     
    #5 El Dobro, Apr 29, 2012
  6. ProximalSuns

    ProximalSuns Senior Member

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    Good time to own a 2,000 Watt Honda generator. Using a car's 12V power ports not very efficient. With Prius small 12V battery, probably not a good idea to running 1-2kw of power through it and the power port.
     
    #6 ProximalSuns, Apr 29, 2012
  7. rcf@eventide.com

    [email protected] Member

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    You can use a high-power inverter with the Prius traction battery to power your house, and it will be recharged by the Prius ICE as necessary. See PriUPS.com

    Richard
     
    #7 [email protected], Apr 29, 2012
  8. ProximalSuns

    ProximalSuns Senior Member

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    Like I said....better a nice quiet 2KW Honda generator vs. blowing up your car or yourself messing with high voltage batteries.

    Now my Escape Hybrid had a 1KW 120V plug in the console. Never used it but cool to have. I'm sure Toyota looked at it, saw extra cost, extra weight for little used feature and bagged it.
     
    #8 ProximalSuns, Apr 29, 2012
  9. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    The Prius is a lot safer and more efficient generator than the Honda. I can't say that I agree with your assessment, although the Honda has the advantage of being an off-the-shelf solution.

    Tom
     
    #9 qbee42, Apr 29, 2012
  10. ProximalSuns

    ProximalSuns Senior Member

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    Jury rigging high voltage Prius batteries vs. a nice quiet 2KW Honda from Home Depot?
     
    #10 ProximalSuns, Apr 29, 2012
  11. Southern Dad

    Southern Dad Active Member

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    I just wanted enough power to keep the TV on. We had a 3-year-old over who really wanted to watch Diego. I needed the fan to keep us cool.

    The Prius did very well. It started a few times on its own and kept the power going.

    The Lincoln still has its uses. I often find myself transporting a gaggle of 9-year-old girls to activities. It does haul seven plus gear.


    iPad ? HD
     
    #11 Southern Dad, May 1, 2012
  12. NargilFenris

    NargilFenris Junior Member

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    Genuis. Will have to remember that the next time Westar claims a "squirrel" knocks out the power.
     
    #12 NargilFenris, May 2, 2012
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