Generator Recommendations

[meep]

Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
If money is an issue, you can consider buying one of the cheaper models and then put your own exhaust on it using car parts to bring the noise level down.


this can definitely help, though a lot of the noise seems to come from the motor itself, and to some extent the intake. I once dismantled all the shrouds on a robin-subaru 6.5hp and blasted everything I could with high-temp-friendly undercoating. That also made a difference. But it really was hard to get the dBs to drop. I think a solid box, with dampening material, and ducted cooling, would be the best to hope for.

 

[zzyzzx]

Originally Posted By: meep
Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
If money is an issue, you can consider buying one of the cheaper models and then put your own exhaust on it using car parts to bring the noise level down.


this can definitely help, though a lot of the noise seems to come from the motor itself, and to some extent the intake. I once dismantled all the shrouds on a robin-subaru 6.5hp and blasted everything I could with high-temp-friendly undercoating. That also made a difference. But it really was hard to get the dBs to drop. I think a solid box, with dampening material, and ducted cooling, would be the best to hope for.


I got this idea by looking at some of the pictures I saw of the home made enclosures I saw. They used that and a dryer vent flap.

 

[eljefino]

I figure you haven't planned your legal interlock switch through. This is another couple hundred bucks.

From a noise POV, it's quieter than having a window or door cracked for the extension cord.

My first setup, 30 year old mccollouch "Mite e lite" in an ice storm:

(and yes the prevailing winds were not sending fumes into my house.)

I'm going to plug the Champion style "chonda" at around 68 dB, decibels are logarithmic so a 68 is a lot quieter than a 78 in reality even if it doesn't look it on paper. This spec is pretty easy to find; contractor grade generators are usually offensive-redneck loud.

Since every direct drive generator runs the same engine speed, the neighborhood drone is fairly universal. So yours won't stick out too badly.

 

[Best F100]

If your budget allows you to go up to $1400, take a look at the Ridgid 8KW (10KW peak) at Home Depot.

Although heavy, you can easily move it around. It is configured like a two wheel dolly, with roll cage bars around it. My wife can move it from the garage to the back of the house without difficulty. It is powered by a ROBIN SUBARU engine of 14 HP and has a 8 gallon gas tank.

Covers all house lights, freezers, fridge, sump pump and heat pump in my house. Bought mine used, so I got a great deal. The drawback is that it is somewhat loud, but is not objectionable (especially during winter with the windows closed).

 

[tig1]

Buy a gen that will have enough power. Many buy their first gen and realize it's too small. Get at least a 5KW unit.

 

[Errtt]

I have a 2kW inverter gen. Last outage I ran the fridge, entertainment center 55" LED HDTV and sat, few lights, and internet stuff lol.
When we wanted to make a pot of coffee, instead of taking any chance I pulled the plug on everything except the few lights, set the gen in boost (hi rpm), then went back to usual business stuff after the coffee port is done. Carafe if insulated stainless.
My main thing is the fridge as I have overkill in lighting in other ways (too many flashlights & batteries... kerosene lantern's, the Aladdin double wick & mantles are very bright, so many candles - but the flashlights & batteries are very plenty here).
I like the low dB of the inverter gensets. Like the fuel consumption savings too.

 

[cronk]

This is the generator i have.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/gas-diesel-...nerator-4434023

Champion 3500w 4000w surge.
I have had it 3 or 4 years.
In a recent power outage it ran my furnace, 2 refrigerators and a bunch of lights in the house and garage. I think with proper rationing of power usage, it would run any appliance in my house except the water heater and dryer.
I think it os one of the best bang for the buck generators out there. Quality it great, and their customer service is excellent. The gennies are made in china, but the company is headquartered in California. They stock parts and ship them out quickly.
Ideally I would like one of their 7500w running 9375w surge units. I think that would run everything in my house.
http://www.championpowerequipment.com/generators/41537/

They also make an inverter unit similar to the Honda but at a much better price.
http://www.championpowerequipment.com/generators/73531i/

 

[Vikas]

I bought the 7000/9000 Champion from Costco. Even before I took it out of the box, I received the recall notice. Given the struggle that we went through to get this beast in my garage, there is no way that I can reload back in the van to get it swapped or returned back to Costco. So now I am on the hook to replace the recalled carburetor myself. I found a youtube video but the guy could have done a better job showing it.

 

[eljefino]

^ Wow, does such a tank of a generator add to your convenience or detract from it?

 

[RF Overlord]

You want to see a tank? Check out the Subaru/Robin 4300 I have...weighs 163 lbs. I named it "Petunia".

 

[oilstudent24]

One thing I have heard is that some of the more expensive generators may be better suited if you are using sensitive electronics like computers.

 

[another Todd]

I have a Generac 4000XL and a Honda EU1000. Both are great, the generac cost about the same new as the Honda. I use the generac when I want to power everything except the central AC. It will run 3 refridgerators, furnace, TVs and lights, but is much louder than the Honda. The honda is for running very small loads. I actually have a third, a Kohler 4000 watt gen. in the motorhome if I need more, never have though. If you have or will consider a trailer in the future, buy one that you could also use for that when camping, a 4000 watt is perfect.

 

[Cujet]

Originally Posted By: oilstudent24
One thing I have heard is that some of the more expensive generators may be better suited if you are using sensitive electronics like computers.


That's not entirely correct. Computers typically use a switching power supply, with regulation. They are not sensitive to frequency or voltage swings. In fact, most can use anywhere between 50 volts and 240 volts, 50 or 60 HZ without issue.

But, there are other electronic things, for example, microwave ovens that are sensitive to unclean power. Also, computer batter backup UPS power supplies may be sensitive to frequency swings and unclean power (remember, that is the job of a UPS, to provide proper power)

 

[cronk]

If you have a heavy generator without a wheel kit, this is a cheap way to cart them around!

http://www.harborfreight.com/19-x-29-folding-platform-truck-68895.html

 

[Ausfahrt]

I am solidly with the inverter crowd. I have had my Honda eu2000i for about 4 years now and it has been flawless. I live on a deadend street that is apparently the end of a power grid because when our power goes out, we are usually one of the last to get back online since only 6 homes are on the street.

I am more concerned with gasoline availability in an emergency situation than I am about powering my whole house. I can live with extension cords running through the house for a few days to keep my refrigerator and freezer running. I also bought a HF $89 cheapy 2-smoke generator as an extra backup or to slightly expand my available power if needed.

Everybody has a different circumstance and criteria so you just need to figure out what works for you. Good luck.

 

[HerrStig]

Originally Posted By: oilstudent24
One thing I have heard is that some of the more expensive generators may be better suited if you are using sensitive electronics like computers.
I've seen O Scope traces of inverter generator outputs that didn't look like a fine sine wave at all. Then again, the power companies don't set a good example either.

 

[meep]

I think the quality of the output varies greatly from brand to brand.

 

[HerrStig]

My Briggs L Head by Dyna started on the first pull after sitting out on 8 degree weather all night last week. Didn't require full choke. I said some Hail Marys and an Our Father first, though. Oil had just been changed to T6 5-40.

 

[meep]

we have a new one-lung briggs in our garage, 14hp. granted it has like 0.1 hours on it, but I have been nicely surprised at how quickly it lights off. not like an old briggs...

 

[Michael_P]

I have an HF that is about 10 years old with 2000 hours on it (5100w running, 5700 watt peak). It runs well and doesn't burn oil. Its always had either RTS 5W40 or M1 10W30. It is brushless. If you make a wheel kit for it which I have done on a few generators, make sure to loctite the bolts if they are 2 piece. Otherwise, the wheel will come apart at the most inopportune time. This is why generator wheel kits from the factory always have 1pc rims. I made a manual transfer switch out of a circuit breaker box and have an L14-30 outlet box on the outside of the house. I use it for work as well.