Generator

[ChiTDI]

Hope I'm in the right section.
Shopping for a portable generator to provide power for a home during power outages.
Sump pumps (3), refrigerator, ...
Any models or specific items to include or avoid?
Thx.

 

[stockrex]

rv.net and then tech issues, do a search for chinese generator. you will find more than u bargained for

 

[JTK]

I got my parents a ~3500 watt unit from this outfit several years ago: http://cgi.ebay.com/Super-Quiet-PowerMax...3A1%7C294%3A50. Really nice unit. Purrs like a kitten the few times it's been used.

Joel

 

[dave123]

Honda EU series 6500 watt you could sleep next to it.

 

[labman]

I have a Coleman 6250 Powermate. Very noisy.

Investigate wiring it it. Expensive to be legal. Maybe more expensive not to be.

 

[Chris142]

I have a 4K Generac. It's super noisey and wont run much.

 

[Cup of Joe]

I've had a 7k Generac for about 5-6 years. It is a very loud generator.

 

[IndyIan]

Maybe overkill for just a backup generator but I have a Yamaha EF2800i, 51 db running and 57 db at full load, 20 hr run time on 2.5 gal @ 1/4 load average. 60 db is average conversation level.
We used it building our house and were thinking about going off grid so we didn't get a cheap one. Now its just a back up but we've used it a couple times every year.
Ian

 

[mikey12]

Picked up a Harbor Freight 3500W generator a couple years ago. Not a bad little unit. Ran it once for four days continuous except for the oil change every 24 hours or so and for adding gas. Nice little generator with a Chonda motor on it. Fairly quiet compared to others. I've been happy with it. Has a voltage regulator that will output around 125V at 62Hz under light load and drops to 115-118V at 59-60Hz near full load. HF has it for $299 every once in a while.
HF 3500W Generator


Originally Posted By: ChiTDI
Hope I'm in the right section.
Shopping for a portable generator to provide power for a home during power outages.
Sump pumps (3), refrigerator, ...
Any models or specific items to include or avoid?
Thx.

 

[eljefino]

Are the sump pumps all 120V? What is the total amps of all of them, plus the fridge?

Do you really need all sump pumps running? I have to guess yes; storms bring out the worst.

Consider whether you want an inverter generator (like the excellent honda EU series, knockoffs abound) which will idle down under light load. Otherwise, a cheap generator will spin 3600 RPM to give the required 60Hz AC even under light electrical load... and that sounds obnoxious and adds wear.

I got my in-laws a $200 4 cycle 2500 watt chinese special and it's really quiet and works well. Has a several gallon gas tank, low oil shutoff, nice for unattended use. They do make 2-stroke gennies for as little as $100 but they would be short-lived and obnoxiously buzzy.

My own generator is a 1977 8 hp briggs tied to a mcculloch "mit-e-lite"... very heavy, very loud, somewhat finicky due to age and neglect. It does start every time though, in subzero temps with 30 weight oil...

 

[ChiTDI]

All pumps are 120v, two could run simultaneously and with the fridge kicking on the wattage needed would be right around 5k.
I found a Briggs and Stratton w/5.5k for around $800 and I'm leaning that way. The Hondas are really nice, quiet, etc.; but for the infrequent use (hopefully) I don't think I'll spend the cash for them. Subaru had a nice one too.

 

[JHZR2]

honda gx or robin-subaru based. Nothing else is worth it, unless you have the potential to run with really low-grade, sub-par fuels for long periods of time - in which case a flathead B&S is the best choice!

I have a 1700W Robin Subaru inverter generator, which puts out AC and DC... I love it, and it is super-quiet. I dont have sump pumps, but this is a good unit to run the refrigerator, freezer, and a few lights.

My inlaws deal with a LOT of outages, as well as hurricane risk. Ga$oline generators were just too inefficient. They have kubota (IIRC) diesel gensets, and they love them!