Generator questions….

[KansasArt]

Oldest kid and family live in the Tulsa area. Apparently bad storms last night, wide area power outages. She’s being told by her poco up to a week before restored. I’m sure every generator in a 200 mile radius is sold. Im only 4 hours away & planning on buying one and taking it to them. But I know nothing about them. Would like it to provide power for their garage freezer & fridge. And the microwave. Of course they could cycle between them. But I have no idea what size to get. And inverter or non? Locally I can get a 1800 watt inverter style for $500 or a non inverter 3500 watt for the same price. Which would be the best option?

Thanks!

 

[mike93lx]

In an emergency? The largest one you can get that you can afford.

Figure out an ideal one when you have the luxury of time and selection

 

[KansasArt]

So very true. But I don’t know if the fridge, freezer, and microwave need the cleaner power of a inverter gen.

 

[mike93lx]

So very true. But I don’t know if the fridge, freezer, and microwave need the cleaner power of a inverter gen.

If it is a super fancy fridge, it might have issues with a non inverter. But lots of people run their fridges on regular generators all the time, including me.

 

[Benny Franklin]

I would get the 3500 watt, bigger is better. Can't help with the inverter but my regular 7250 watt generator hasn't given me any problems

 

[My Old Tools]

We were just on the genny for 36 hours. POCO still has 36,000 without power in our area, and 200,000 without power nearby. We got lucky. Just 3 large trees down around the house. We run a 32kw water cooled whole house genny. Our well has a 6kw air cooled portable. Do you plan to just run the freezer and fridge? You will have to fuel the small gennys every 4-8 hours in most cases.

 

[Dig Doug]

Fuel will be the biggest issue, unless they have a HUGE *** propane tank!

Some portable gensets have a propane conversion kit. What ever generator you get, bring extra fuel! Like 40 or 50 gallons if fuel isn’t available

a 3500 w genset will have a 3000 w allowance for power
You will get excellent run time if you can cycle the devices and not power everything at once, at a 25% load about 800 watts you can get 11 hours on a tank 2.5 gallons

I would probably get the HF predator 3500 it’s $899 and get the extended warranty Very fuel efficient and not loud noise wise

You will then need to either get power into the Ele panel or just plug in the device to an extension cord, getting power into the panel can be difficult keep in mind you have 220 which is 2 - 110 legs, so some of the outlets may not have power because it’s on the other leg of the 220

typical loads for misc items..

 

[jhelrey]

Great excuse to go buy a new Powerboost F150 with the 7.2KW generator on board

 

[Firebrick43]

So very true. But I don’t know if the fridge, freezer, and microwave need the cleaner power of a inverter gen.

depends how new and how many gee gaws they have

 

[PCustoms]

Get the bigger generator, appliances will run fine on it.

For now run a couple extension cords and maybe a splitter. You can run the generator a few hours a day and cool everything down, it does not need power 100% of the time to keep a deep freezer frozen.

Grab a cooler and some ice for the daily stuff, and stay out of the fridge when the generator is off.

Later on put an inlet and an interlock on the panel, then they can power the whole house.

City water?

Electric or gas hot water?

 

[KansasArt]

Thanks all.
City water, gas heat. They’re in the suburbs down in Jenks. Houses are literally about 20’ apart. Thinking I’m gonna pick up the Honda inverter genny. Small enough to put on their patio vs in the driveway. In the driveway I’d be worried about someone hearing it running, and then stealing it. Much quieter vs reg genny. They can rotate fride/freezer/microwave. Once they get freezer temp back down then just a couple hours a day to maintain.
Appreciate all the input & suggestions!

 

[wyliesdiesels]

i would go with an inverter model so you can run electronics (internet) etc on it. the bigger the better so you can run multiple appliances at the same time. plus the inverter models sip fuel

as to how to hook it up, i would just run extension cords unless youre comfortable enough installing an inlet breaker and interlock in the panel, which may take several days to get

 

[nadogail]

We had an 8 hour warm weather power outage, the temperature in my unopened freezer rose 1 degree from -1F to 0F.

 

[G-ManBart]

1800 watts is literally the equivalent of one normal 15A outlet, and that's likely starting watts, not running watts. It may not be enough for a refrigerator/freezer. That size is really only meant to run a couple of lights, charge phones/laptops and maybe make a pot of coffee. Even 3,500 watts is small, but a lot better.

One thing you absolutely don't want to do is plug the generator into an outlet to back feed the power panel. Even moving the main breaker to off isn't foolproof and it's possible to energize the lines outside your home and injure or kill a worker out there restoring power. They check the lines, no voltage, and start handling them, you fire up the generator and electrocute them. In short, if you don't have a proper disconnect, all loads need to be plugged into the generator, or into a cord/splitter which is connected to the generator.

 

[P0234]

I ran a GE side by side fridge and two chest freezers on a Honda Eu2000, as well as a few other small items plugged in like a TV and cell phone chargers. It complained a bit if two cycled on at close to the same time but that didn't seem to occur very much.

 

[Briancapecoral]

I used a 3800 watt non inverter after Ian, it was rated a little less if you used propane. It kept our large LG refrigerator and a less than 5 cubic feet freezer running. The first few days lack of gas was an issue. I used a grill thermometer with a wire in the refrigerator to monitor the temperature. When it got around 40 degrees I would crank the generator, plug in refrigerator wait for surge, then plug in freezer. Ran both with no issues, along with charging cell phones. After we got enough gas to be comfortable added on a coffee maker with no problems.

 

[theoldwizard1]

We have very few power outages that last longer than minutes/hours. The last one did last almost 4 days (our subdivision was low priority). My non-inverter 5,000W generator ran refrigerators and freezers in 3 house, 14 hours per day. 2 of those houses were on 150' 12 gauge extension cords.

Unquestionably, inverter generators are the best. Careful use of your power from a 2000W generator can run a basic household including both a refrigerator and a freezer. 2,500W-3,000W would be better but this is not a common size.

After inverter generators, ones with an Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) are next best. Then standard, brushed generators. STAY AWAY FROM BRUSHLESS GENERATORS ! VERY DIRTY POWER !

 

[KansasArt]

Appreciate the additional info. It will only be extension cords. Gonna pick one 50 foot 14ga for them. Not gonna hook it up to the panel. I’ve learned about interlocks on here! Their church is about 15 miles away had power so they took all beef we just gave them there. A 1/4 side. That was one of my main concerns. Plus there’s gas stations open there too. Thanks again guys.

 

[WillyBoy]

Not wanting to be the one with the negative outlook, BUT think about ways to keep the generator where it needs to be.
Years ago, during an outage that was nearly city wide, people in the house noticed that the lights weren't working and neither was the refrigerator. They could clearly hear the generator running behind the house. When investigating, They found that someone had rolled an old lawn mower into their back yard and left it running while they disconnected the generator, shut it down, and stole it.

 

[Firstram]

My Honda 2k has kept things running in my house for a total of 20ish days over the last 5 years. Extension cords and juggling things to use the microwave gets a little old but, it's affordable and reliable. With an add on propane kit, it will run 24 hrs on a 20lb BBQ tank. Just change the oil once a week when swapping tanks.

 

[reader2580]

After inverter generators, ones with an Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) are next best. Then standard, brushed generators. STAY AWAY FROM BRUSHLESS GENERATORS ! VERY DIRTY POWER !

Are you talking about brushless with no regulator as being bad? I have a pretty expensive brushless generator with an AVR where the generator head is from a very reputable manufacturer.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Not wanting to be the one with the negative outlook, BUT think about ways to keep the generator where it needs to be.
Years ago, during an outage that was nearly city wide, people in the house noticed that the lights weren't working and neither was the refrigerator. They could clearly hear the generator running behind the house. When investigating, They found that someone had rolled an old lawn mower into their back yard and left it running while they disconnected the generator, shut it down, and stole it.

wow

 

[MongoTA]

If you can do the Honda EuXXXX, or whatever version they put out now, it's a terrific choice. There may be an equivalent from another manufacturer out there.
I have the Honda Eu6500 and have had it for coming up on 15 years. It's ridiculously quiet. It has 'eco mode' where it throttles down to a lower RPM when loads are light. It has served us well through outages as long as 8 days in the summer and 5 in the winter.
The clean power is better for today's delicate electronics.
Mine feeds a load shedding panel so I can run everything in my house except the larger 240v items. We'll often times turn off the genny at night when we go to sleep and fire it up again in the morning. After breakfast turn it off for a few hours. On and off as needed.
I have three 5-Gallon tanks of gas in qddition to the 5 gallons the generator holds. With the the intermittent ON/OFF cycle that fuel can last us 6-7 days with us missing out on nothing.
Consider getting a length of chain and a padlock and securing it to something.
Also consider bringing oil for a required oil change.

Someone substituting a running lawnmower? Sheesh.

 

[Doonsberry]

3.5K will work but I still would split off to a power strip with a switch to the fridge so you kill it when you use the microwave. Personally I wouldn't buy any of the cheaper new small generators. They are junk. I would buy Honda, Yamaha or an old one with an up draft carb. Unless it's running the fuel is always below the carb jets so the don't clog. I bought this old Homlite about 5 years ago for $100. I start it about once a month (your post reminded me it was time) and it always starts on the first or second pull. It's loud as hell but it powers all the necessities.

 

[CarBikeGuy70]

I second the Honda EuXXXX suggestion. Put a battery tender on it when in storage ( as well as fuel treatment ) and your problems are over. If bad weather is predicted I make sure I have 35 gal of gas in cans. After no power for a week it is a good feeling to have been prepared. Remember that most smaller inverter generators do not have the 220V capability needed by well pumps. The substituting lawn mower is real- a friend of mine is a lineman and he told me about seeing it done many times.

 

[dcg9381]

Would like it to provide power for their garage freezer & fridge. And the microwave. Of course they could cycle between them.

If you're willing to cycle between them maybe 2500 watts. 3500 would be better.

But I have no idea what size to get. And inverter or non? Locally I can get a 1800 watt inverter style for $500 or a non inverter 3500 watt for the same price. Which would be the best option?

Champion has a 2500 watt closed frame inverter generator for under $400 right now. I've owned 4-5 champions and they've been great. This will sip fuel and it's pretty quiet.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L47G374/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Up from there, I buy their open frame dual fuel (propane/gas) inverter units, 4000-4500 watts, open frame is a about $550. If you go to closed frame (quiet) it's almost $700. I have two of the open frame units, never had an issue and they can be linked (but will not produce 240V).

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L47G374/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Innovate1]

Not wanting to be the one with the negative outlook, BUT think about ways to keep the generator where it needs to be.
Years ago, during an outage that was nearly city wide, people in the house noticed that the lights weren't working and neither was the refrigerator. They could clearly hear the generator running behind the house. When investigating, They found that someone had rolled an old lawn mower into their back yard and left it running while they disconnected the generator, shut it down, and stole it.

Have been thinking I should get a quiet generator for the to be purchased RV. The current one is so loud it would be hard to get something as loud as it is to do this scheme. And all along I was thinking it was a negative. Instead it's a theft proof feature!

 

[dcg9381]

Have been thinking I should get a quiet generator for the to be purchased RV. The current one is so loud it would be hard to get something as loud as it is to do this scheme. And all along I was thinking it was a negative. Instead it's a theft proof feature!

Loud is relative. You're in Missouri - so what you get depends on what you want to do. A 2500 watt generator will fire our 15K BTU AC (with soft start) assuming we offload absolutely everything else. They are pretty easy to handle and don't get much more quiet. I think the smart buy for RVs are those 3000-4000 watt inverter gens that are "closed framed" - those will fire an AC w/o soft start and generally run another 120V accessory. I use the open frame versions, but I also "assume" I can't use them in state parks, etc... Anything over 4000 watts is going to get loud fast.

Make sure you get one with a 30A connection (if over 3000) watts. You can get generators that are dual wound (240v) in the 5000 watt range, but they are not what you want for an RV.

 

[nadogail]

I cobbled together a Lifan 13 horse engine and a Harbor Freight 10 KW alternator to build what I consider to be an “Honest 6 KW” power plant. It is on a cart that I made from scrap discarded from various sources.
I found the engine at a discount retailer, who marked it down further because he had no ignition key for it and was closing out that model. I rigged up a simple toggle switch for the ignition and I added a push button for the starter.
It rolls easily into my van and has powered my Stick Welder and larger Air Compressor at job sites.
I believe I have less than $500 invested in it, but it has earned me all that and more.

 

[KansasArt]

Well I bought a ryobi from HD. Similar spec’s as the Honda but about $400 cheaper. I’m sure the Honda will last longer, run smoother… but I was in a hurry and didn’t see any Honda’s on the shelf. I grabbed that and a 12ga extension cord. Four hr drive to the kids house.
When I got there they said they wanted to run their old portable AC unit. They have a newborn. Their portable AC unit was about max wattage the generator put out. And it was about 12 years old. I didn’t think the generator would power it and I wasn’t disappointed. So I head off to another big box store and get a smaller portable AC unit. It’s wattage was about 1/2 of what the generator’s output. Great. They could run some smaller items too.
Got everything hooked up, explained to SIL that they would have to switch everything around and couldn’t run everything all at once. All understood and then went out to a mid afternoon lunch. Left everything running.
I left for home from the restaurant. After 3 hours driving I get a text from my daughter….Ah dad, the power is back on! So about $1500 out the window, 9 hrs on the road with pee & gas breaks. But I got to hold the baby for a while. And spend time with the other 3 kids. It’s what dads do I guess!!

 

[nadogail]

Sounds like you had a rewarding day.

 

[Firstram]

Make sure she runs the gas out of the carb so it will run next time!

 

[Mr onetwo]

I have this....but it's not hooked up yet, so I have nothing

 

[dcg9381]

I have this....but it's not hooked up yet, so I have nothing

Ive considered mil auction, but haven't seen great deals in our area. I'm sure us taxpayers paid a pretty penny for that. Let us know how it works.

Might not be ideal for camping though, but perhaps it could power the whole park!

 

[KansasArt]

Make sure she runs the gas out of the carb so it will run next time!

She’s already asked if she could loan it out to others without power. I’ll probably get it in a month and will do a thorough PM on it.

 

[ripperd]

Well I bought a ryobi from HD. Similar spec’s as the Honda but about $400 cheaper. I’m sure the Honda will last longer, run smoother… but I was in a hurry and didn’t see any Honda’s on the shelf. I grabbed that and a 12ga extension cord. Four hr drive to the kids house.
When I got there they said they wanted to run their old portable AC unit. They have a newborn. Their portable AC unit was about max wattage the generator put out. And it was about 12 years old. I didn’t think the generator would power it and I wasn’t disappointed. So I head off to another big box store and get a smaller portable AC unit. It’s wattage was about 1/2 of what the generator’s output. Great. They could run some smaller items too.
Got everything hooked up, explained to SIL that they would have to switch everything around and couldn’t run everything all at once. All understood and then went out to a mid afternoon lunch. Left everything running.
I left for home from the restaurant. After 3 hours driving I get a text from my daughter….Ah dad, the power is back on! So about $1500 out the window, 9 hrs on the road with pee & gas breaks. But I got to hold the baby for a while. And spend time with the other 3 kids. It’s what dads do I guess!!

Buying the generator is the best way to guarantee the power returns expediently!

Just like buying a snowmobile guarantees a snowless winter, and buying a lawn irrigation system guarantees a wet first summer!

We have a wen 3800w peak 3400w running inverter gen. Something like $750 bucks. It sips fuel and powers our camper really well. I put an inlet and interlock on our house and we can run our house as normal (gas stove/heat) with the exception of the washer/dryer (didn't test those), and the air conditioning, and the electric wall oven (240v, gen is 120).

A cheap 5000+w 240 open frame gen would be the ticket if you are only going to use it for household emergencies.

I went with the quiet inverter since we have a camper and want to have quiet enjoyment camping without hookups. We were not disappointed, they are quite quiet!

 

[Firstram]

She’s already asked if she could loan it out to others without power. I’ll probably get it in a month out of oil and seized.

Sorry, couldn't resist!

 

[velocipede]

Aso consider the extreme heat now becoming more prevalent. Something to run AC/portable AC would be really good. At least they could keep one room reasonably cool compared to outside heat indexes in the 100's+.

 

[AA/FC]

Well I bought a ryobi from HD. Similar spec’s as the Honda but about $400 cheaper. I’m sure the Honda will last longer, run smoother… but I was in a hurry and didn’t see any Honda’s on the shelf. I grabbed that and a 12ga extension cord. Four hr drive to the kids house.
When I got there they said they wanted to run their old portable AC unit. They have a newborn. Their portable AC unit was about max wattage the generator put out. And it was about 12 years old. I didn’t think the generator would power it and I wasn’t disappointed. So I head off to another big box store and get a smaller portable AC unit. It’s wattage was about 1/2 of what the generator’s output. Great. They could run some smaller items too.
Got everything hooked up, explained to SIL that they would have to switch everything around and couldn’t run everything all at once. All understood and then went out to a mid afternoon lunch. Left everything running.
I left for home from the restaurant. After 3 hours driving I get a text from my daughter….Ah dad, the power is back on! So about $1500 out the window, 9 hrs on the road with pee & gas breaks. But I got to hold the baby for a while. And spend time with the other 3 kids. It’s what dads do I guess!!

You're a good dad, Sir!

 

[P0234]

Aso consider the extreme heat now becoming more prevalent. Something to run AC/portable AC would be really good. At least they could keep one room reasonably cool compared to outside heat indexes in the 100's+.

Yeah, its quite a bit hotter in TV town than in real life. After I saw a few alarmist shows I decided there had to be a place that kept past temps. Whaddya know.. there is!

Climate

pretty profound if you are expecting something to jump out at ya...