Inexpensive load bank

[cstumpf750]

So I bought three 5000 watt 240v heaters from Amazon. I went with these because they were only $65 at the time. $95 now

KEN BROWN 3000/4000/5000 Watt Electric Garage Heater, 240V Hardwired Fan-Forced Ceiling Mount Shop Heater with 3 Heat Levels & Thermostat, Ideal for Garage, Workshop, Greenhouse https://a.co/d/5Ru9d8b

But, they are chinesium. So just search for whatever is cheapest as they are all the same. I then bought a hand truck from Harbor Freight, welded up a gram from 1” x 1/8” mild steel. I still need to complete the wiring to make connecting to the generator fast and easy. Gonna make a trip to Home Depot today. When I got the heaters, I had not considered putting them on a cart like this and wired them up via a knockout on the side As that was the most direct route to the connections inside. But I would use the rear knockout if I were to do it again as it will make it easier to remove a unit to service or replace it.

 

[rickf]

Good idea, you also have a heater if needed in an emergency.

 

[2Pbfeet]

So I bought three 5000 watt 240v heaters from Amazon. I went with these because they were only $65 at the time. $95 now

KEN BROWN 3000/4000/5000 Watt Electric Garage Heater, 240V Hardwired Fan-Forced Ceiling Mount Shop Heater with 3 Heat Levels & Thermostat, Ideal for Garage, Workshop, Greenhouse https://a.co/d/5Ru9d8b

But, they are chinesium. So just search for whatever is cheapest as they are all the same. I then bought a hand truck from Harbor Freight, welded up a gram from 1” x 1/8” mild steel. I still need to complete the wiring to make connecting to the generator fast and easy. Gonna make a trip to Home Depot today. When I got the heaters, I had not considered putting them on a cart like this and wired them up via a knockout on the side As that was the most direct route to the connections inside. But I would use the rear knockout if I were to do it again as it will make it easier to remove a unit to service or replace it.

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Nice job! Way nicer than my version.

We live with fire risk most of the year, and I realize that the Jersey shore is usually wetter, but, that lower heater runs a risk of baking the ground in front of it. If it were me, I'd make sure to have it on concrete, or with the louvers pointing up.

I put mine on a spare patio umbrella weight to get it 4' up in the air. It works, but it isn't as easy to move around as yours.

All the best,

2Pbfeet

 

[cstumpf750]

We live with fire risk most of the year, and I realize that the Jersey shore is usually wetter, but, that lower heater runs a risk of baking the ground in front of it. If it were me, I'd make sure to have it on concrete, or with the louvers pointing up.

I’m aware of the potential fire hazard, but plant to keep the louvers pointed up. Also, winter the the only time I’d need to use it to keep the 803 from wet stacking as we use a gas furnace for hot water baseboard heat and an air tight wood stove. Usually burn 3 cords of wood a winter, so electrical load is pretty low. Summer is much higher with the AC running. We shall see what hurricane season brings.

 

[cstumpf750]

I still need to get the cord and connectors to hook it up to the generator, but I’m happy with how it turned out. I can lean it back against the trailer, which allev the worry of setting the grass on fire and makes getting to the controls for the bottom heater easier.

 

[Tinstar]

What is the cost so far?

Looks To be at least the $500 mark.

 

[cstumpf750]

What is the cost so far?

Looks To be at least the $500 mark.

The hand truck was $60 at Harbor Freight. The heaters were $65 each on Amazon. The panel and breakers were about $90. The metal for the frame was less than $10 from my local metal supply. And I have a 10ft cord coming for about $65. So that’s a total of $420. So while not insignificant, much, much less expensive than any load bank I’ve seen for sale or auction. The cheapest of which was a non-functional unit that was missing parts for $2000.

 

[Tinstar]

Not comparing this to a true load bank.

Just curious on the costs so far.

Those heaters are now $95+ each

 

[2Pbfeet]

Not comparing this to a true load bank.

Just curious on the costs so far.

Those heaters are now $95+ each

Surplus load banks around here are never inexpensive.

You might have a look for scratch and dent.
My 10kW heater was $60 (Amazon scratch and dent, and the dents took all of ten minutes to straighten/flatten),
the used IEC 60309 plug was $70,
the 6ga type W cord was $25,
the strain relief was $30, yeah, ,
three switches and a relay (to rewire heater to be a variable load of 1650/3300/4950/6600/10kW) were another $25,
some high temp wire and fiberglass sleeves to fix some issues in the original design (wires routed over sharp edges) $30
So, $240, plus labor, a few hours searching for things on the web, a few terminal connectors, and a weighted patio umbrella base that I had around for a base.

In hindsight, a couple of 5kW heaters might have been better. YMMV.

All the best,

2Pbfeet

 

[cstumpf750]

Not comparing this to a true load bank.

Just curious on the costs so far.

Those heaters are now $95+ each

yeah, I saw the price went up. But they vary from time to time and we’re on sale when I bought mine. Since they are all the same, I just bought what was cheapest at the time.

 

[Tinstar]

Not knocking your load bank at all!

Im debating copying yours or just buying a cheap electric stove.