Generator

[PearlWhiteGT]

Been thinking of getting a generator for emergency situations at home after big storms where the power is down for days. Would like something reliable and that will run the refrigerator, window a/c unit, some lights and other minor things. What's the best bang for the buck generators out for sale? Are the ones from harbor freight any good. Not trying to spend a lot of money on one unless it's highly recommended. Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Empty Pockets]

About 15 years ago, we bought a Generac, whole house unit. It powers the kitchen, well pump, furnace, air conditioning, living room, master bedroom, and both bathrooms. It was likely the best investment we ever made

 

[Sloper0204]

A generator is only part of the equation. You will also need an interlock setup so you aren't trying to backfeed the grid with your generator. That is unless you are going to plug each individual piece of equipment into the generator with extension cords.

Harbor freight generators are okay for limited use, but they don't put out the highest quality power and might screw with some of your electronics. We had a hard time running high pressure sodium and metal halide bulbs, they kept going out due to the inconsistent power waveform. We wound up having to run higher quality rectified units.

For an inexpensive generator that is "good enough" I would have to say look into the Husky generators. I don't know who makes them, but they do work. Compared to a rectified unit though we had to run almost double the output to keep from messing with the equipment.

 

[fatfillup]

If your power is out for days at a time, I would invest in a Honda brand generator. Just can't go wrong.

We are fortunate in that we live close to the sub station and are rarely without power for more then a few hours and most times less then 1/2 an hour. I don't even keep a generator at home but have one at the shop which is close by if needed. Took it home one time in the last 5 years and never used it.

 

[Kenskip1]

Pearl, About three years ago while living in Texas we used to loose power frequently. Anyway I went to Harbor freight and purchased the 3500-4000 watt unit.I was skeptical but this unit powered all the basics that require 120 volts.Starts easily and very inexpensive to run.I am most satisfied with this.

 

[dr_clyde]

I've got a 5000 watt Generac that I got from my dad. Works fine, though I rarely use it. It's loud, and not exactly fuel efficient. I didn't pay anything, so I'm willing to put up with it.

Honda makes about the nicest generators for home use. We've got a couple inverter style at work, and they are outstanding. Super quiet, great on gas, easy to carry around. Only downside is they are more $$. We've got one that runs on LP, so you don't have to worry about gasoline going bad.

My uncle has a NorthStar from northern tool. He likes it. He's got a transfer switch wired in so he doesn't have to back feed through a breaker, which is the right way to do it.

If I went to buy a new generator today, and money was no object, I'd get a Miller Trailblazer with the diesel. 10,000 watts of generating power, and I can weld with it. I've been looking for one anyway...

 

[casmurbax]

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro...ncy-how-big-a-generator-do-you-need/index.htm

We installed a Generac at my parents, it was only 8kw so it wasn't whole house. I haven't installed one at my current house, if I did it would be a whole house one.

http://www.generac.com/for-homeowners/home-backup-power/build-your-generator

If you get a portable one, make sure you run it every month at least and not let it sit there till you really need it.

Make sure you have it wired correctly so that you are not back feeding the power to the pole.

Best of luck

EDIT I may be repeating what others have said.

 

[streem26]

I have a Generac 5000w/7500w that although not the quietest has worked very well over the years. We can lose power fairly frequently where I live having it go out for a week is not that uncommon. Lost it for 13 days once. The main thing to consider is what is the most important piece of equipment you need to run and how much power does it need. Also consider that some equipment like well pumps have a considerable inrush current when they start up, you need to plan for that. Another thing I have learned is that when the power goes out is that gas stations lose their power also so store some stabilized gas!

 

[Michael_in_DE]

Hondas are nice....at rought 3x-4x any other generator. But if you are in a frequent storm region it would serve you well. If you are not, it probably wouldn't be worth it to you.

I hear the harbor freight generators have honda clone engines, but I have not heard anything about the electrical side of them.

When we lost power for several days in south-eastern PA a couple years ago, we hooked a 5k right into the house, and cut the main breaker. That seemed to work really well, and negated the need for a fancy switch. (it was a briggs and stratton version...seemed to work well, but was loudish)

 

[CJM8515]

Honda or yamaha if you want a portable. Both are simply the best and will last a long time. If oyu want a house generator generac.

 

[6PTsocket]

After hurricaine Sandy we were without power for several days and there was not a generaror to be had. A local Costco was giving out numbers for a trailer truck load of 7000/9000 Champions that was about to arrive. It has electric start and even has remote start. I have been very satisfied with it for several years. It alwaye starts and runs with no problems. After several years the rubber battery hold down strap broke and they sent me another one, no charge. On another occasion, I had a question and got a fast response. Good customer service is a rarity these days and counts for a lot with me.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Den69rs96]

I bought a Briggs 10000 watt portable unit with a 50 amp outlet in 2006. I can power most of my house if needed. At the time I wanted a 7500 watt unit, but I couldn't find any available with a 50amp outlet. It uses about a gallon an hour under half load. It is somewhat loud, but its not that bad.

I would get the biggest amp outlet you can afford if you plan on running a lot of appliances. I have a well, two fridges, two air handler units, oil furnace. I have a bunch of circuits on and lights on my transfer switch. AC is something I don't need when the power goes out, but I don't live in TX lol. If you have a well, when the pump kicks on it uses a lot of power. Don't forget, things like a coffee maker, microwave, hair dryers etc use 1200-1500 watts each. This stuff can add up quickly especially if the family is getting ready for school/work.

Don't buy a generator based of the cheapest price. Figure out what you really want to run and how many watts each appliance uses. Then price out transfer switches and the cable to run from your generator to the transfer switch. This stuff cost almost as much as a some smaller generators. If you back feed it through say the dryer outlet, make sure you have some type of service disconnect or your going to zap the lineman.

Honda makes the best ones in my opinion, but they are double in price. Northstar from Northern tool seems decent as well, but they are expensive. I have a Briggs generator which is similar to Generac. I think Generac would be the best bang for the buck.

 

[zmotorsports]

I have a 7500 watt Generac that I used at my last home. Technically should use a transfer switch to prevent backfeeding onto the line, actually required.

That being said, I had a plug on the exterior of my home that led to a sub-panel downstairs that powered the necessities such as furnace, microwave, selective lighting and refrigerator. It worked great for the 20+ years I had that setup.

In our new home I ran conduit under the concrete from my service over to under my deck where I will eventually install a whole home backup setup with a transfer switch. I have my NG line also plumbed right to where I will install my genset. May be a few years before I get to installing it, still recovering from yard and shop build but at least I planned ahead before pouring concrete and finishing the yard.

Mike

 

[PearlWhiteGT]

So I need to have a Transfer Switch installed before running a portable generator to power certain items? I was looking at a Generec 5500 generator. I was under the impression I could just run the fridge along with a few other items directly to the generator.

 

[jonesg]

I have a 7500 watt Generac that I used at my last home. Technically should use a transfer switch to prevent backfeeding onto the line, actually required.

That being said, I had a plug on the exterior of my home that led to a sub-panel downstairs that powered the necessities such as furnace, microwave, selective lighting and refrigerator. It worked great for the 20+ years I had that setup.

In our new home I ran conduit under the concrete from my service over to under my deck where I will eventually install a whole home backup setup with a transfer switch. I have my NG line also plumbed right to where I will install my genset. May be a few years before I get to installing it, still recovering from yard and shop build but at least I planned ahead before pouring concrete and finishing the yard.

Mike

Why can't you just shut the main breaker off, I must be missing something in all this.

I'm moving next week to northern maine, I assumed everyone has a generator for winters but the seller said no, they never used one at all.
Power goes off but is rarely out for long. When it is they just deal with it, put the food outside, light candles , but houses tend to be very well insulated and usually have back up heat sources.

I suppose a family with children would want more than that but we're retired, no drama.

 

[IndyGarage]

Why can't you just shut the main breaker off, I must be missing something in all this.

I'm moving next week to northern maine, I assumed everyone has a generator for winters but the seller said no, they never used one at all.
Power goes off but is rarely out for long. When it is they just deal with it, put the food outside, light candles , but houses tend to be very well insulated and usually have back up heat sources.

I suppose a family with children would want more than that but we're retired, no drama.

You can just shut the main breaker off and backfeed from a 220 outlet.

However many places require you to have a lockout on the line because during a power outage is when they will have linemen working on it, and they don't need to be worrying about backfeed from your generator.

I saw a very simple setup from a guy on youtube. he fashioned a sliding lockout plate installed on the main panel that didn't allow the main and the backfeed to be on at the same time - simple piece of sheetmetal. According to him it met code requirements.

 

[gungatim]

Why can't you just shut the main breaker off, I must be missing something in all this.

I'm moving next week to northern maine, I assumed everyone has a generator for winters but the seller said no, they never used one at all.
Power goes off but is rarely out for long. When it is they just deal with it, put the food outside, light candles , but houses tend to be very well insulated and usually have back up heat sources.

I suppose a family with children would want more than that but we're retired, no drama.

because if you forget, or someone flips it back on, you energize the whole grid when someone may be working on it and kill them. there are probably laws and codes forbidding it, though many of us do it routinely. it's a safety thing, and I am positive some electricians are going to provide a lot more detail. they usually do on these types of posts...

 

[Den69rs96]

So I need to have a Transfer Switch installed before running a portable generator to power certain items? I was looking at a Generec 5500 generator. I was under the impression I could just run the fridge along with a few other items directly to the generator.

If you run an extension cord from the fridge, ac, or whatever directly to the generator, you don't need a transfer switch. If you lose power often, this becomes a monster pita especially in bad weather, but can be done.

However, if your back feeding through a 220 outlet and using your main panel to feed the fridge or ac unit, you need a separate shut off to the street. Many places have laws against back feeding. Many people do it, however, if something happens to the linemen or they know your putting power back into the grid you could be in deep sh*t. A transfer switch is much safer and eliminates any issues. Not to mention you can pick the circuits you want to run from your transfer switch.

 

[zmotorsports]

Why can't you just shut the main breaker off, I must be missing something in all this.

I'm moving next week to northern maine, I assumed everyone has a generator for winters but the seller said no, they never used one at all.
Power goes off but is rarely out for long. When it is they just deal with it, put the food outside, light candles , but houses tend to be very well insulated and usually have back up heat sources.

I suppose a family with children would want more than that but we're retired, no drama.

You can just shut the main breaker off and backfeed from a 220 outlet.

However many places require you to have a lockout on the line because during a power outage is when they will have linemen working on it, and they don't need to be worrying about backfeed from your generator.

I saw a very simple setup from a guy on youtube. he fashioned a sliding lockout plate installed on the main panel that didn't allow the main and the backfeed to be on at the same time - simple piece of sheetmetal. According to him it met code requirements.

because if you forget, or someone flips it back on, you energize the whole grid when someone may be working on it and kill them. there are probably laws and codes forbidding it, though many of us do it routinely. it's a safety thing, and I am positive some electricians are going to provide a lot more detail. they usually do on these types of posts...

^^Exactly. You "can" kill the main disconnect, which is what I did, and then backfeed into the panel, but many municipalities really frown upon that due to the reasons already explained. I don't recommend it but I was **** about ensuring the steps were taken properly. I'm sure the city would disagree with me, which is why I was hesitant to reply. If you forget you can backfeed while workers are working on the lines being the biggest concern. I still think installing a transfer switch is the best method even though I didn't. I will on my new home when I install my whole home backup system.

Mike

 

[theoldwizard1]

What's the best bang for the buck generators out for sale?

Whole home generator are NOT the "best bang for the buck" ! They are convenient but not cheap.

If you are careful on what you turn on, you can probably get by on about 3000-3500 watts. I saw one case where a guy wired up a spare bedroom with a window A/C, a small refrigerator and TV and was running the whole thing on a 2000 watt generator.

Are the ones from harbor freight any good. Not trying to spend a lot of money on one unless it's highly recommended.

The new HF generators are still so new there is no history on them, so it would be hard to recommend one. Personally, I would feel more comfortable with a Champion 3100 watt inverter generator. Yes, you want the inverter model. It costs more, but it sips fuel and it is quieter.


The simplest, yet most flexible way to wire a portable generator into your existing breaker panel is with generator interlock kit. Even though a 3000-3500 wat generator is likely only 120 volts, because the interlock disconnects you from the incoming power, you can wire your cord to short both legs of the 240V together. Of course, no 240V appliances (electric water heater, electric stove) would work, but this way, if you walk into a different part of the house, the lights will work there also. Worst case, you may have to turn off the A/C when using the coffee maker or microwave oven or washing machine.

 

[Carroll B]

I had a small 2 Kw Honda but it would not power my well pump that is 220. About 8 years ago I bought a 5 Kw Centurion from Lowes. It is made by Generec, and since it was a floor model I only paid $500. It will power the house lights, freezers, frig, and well pump. Have only used it for maybe 3 hours since it was purchased. All power in my neighborhood is under ground so we don't often loose power but it is nice knowing I can flush the toilet if I need to during a power outage. A whole house generator for me would be a waste of money. Like others suggested I start it once a month and let it run for 10 minutes.

 

[jonesg]

Yes, you want the inverter model. It costs more, but it sips fuel and it is quieter.

Whats the difference with generators vs inverters ? don't they all invert current?
I would assume quiet means 4 stroke vs 2 strokers.

 

[zmotorsports]

Whats the difference with generators vs inverters ? don't they all invert current?
I would assume quiet means 4 stroke vs 2 strokers.

Traditional gensets have been around for a long, long time and generally run at a fixed RPM (generally 3600) depending on how many poles and at a constant frequency and voltage. If the RPM changes so does the frequency and voltage.

Inverter model gensets have an inverter built in and due to advanced electronic capabilities will create three phase AC power similar to their ancestor the traditional generator but then it is converted to DC power and then "inverted" back into pure sine wave AC and the voltage and frequency are controlled via electronics.

We started seeing these show up in RV's back in the early 2000's and they have actually worked out quite well.

Mike

 

[Stuart in MN]

So I need to have a Transfer Switch installed before running a portable generator to power certain items? I was looking at a Generec 5500 generator. I was under the impression I could just run the fridge along with a few other items directly to the generator.

Everyone just flipped right past your actual question and went off on a tangent about transfer switches...

Sure, you can plug appliances like a fridge directly into the generator, assuming it has 120vac receptacles on the front. A transfer switch isn't required since you're working totally separate from the house wiring system. Of course, you'll need a good heavy extension cord to reach from the generator outdoors to the fridge in the kitchen.

 

[Sloper0204]

Everyone just flipped right past your actual question and went off on a tangent about transfer switches...

Sure, you can plug appliances like a fridge directly into the generator, assuming it has 120vac receptacles on the front. A transfer switch isn't required since you're working totally separate from the house wiring system. Of course, you'll need a good heavy extension cord to reach from the generator outdoors to the fridge in the kitchen.

I seem to recall addressing that in the third post on this thread....

That is unless you are going to plug each individual piece of equipment into the generator with extension cords.

[emphasis added]

 

[bpjr]

I bought a Powerhorse at Northern Tool to power refrigerators, fans and lights from extension cords. I didn't want a big one due to gas consumption/storage and wanted the flexibility of using cords at different locations. Mine is 4000 watts surge and 3100 constant. The reasons I selected it was 4 duplex outlets (8 plug ins) to plug in separate cords, a voltage meter, 5% THD and wheel set. I've run 2 refrigerators and 1 freezer at the same time and no problems. Price was $449 but they included a 10ga x 50' extension cord and 5 gal gas can. We don't lose power often so setting up a big generator for the whole house wasn't in the plan.

 

[Rarified27]

I have this one and we run necessities in a 1500sq ft rancher w/ no issue. The output is clean enough to run electronics without destroying batteries.

https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/5700-watt-powered-portable-generator

 

[PearlWhiteGT]

Ended up purchasing a Generac RS 5500. Wasn't a whole lot of options available that were in stock near me so felt this would be the best for the money.

http://www.generac.com/all-products/generators/portable-generators/rs-series/rs5500

 

[theoldwizard1]

If the goal is to run for a 3-4 days you are going to need a lot of fuel ! 20 gallons will only get you into the second day if you are running 24 hours/day and how many gas station near by are going to be open ?

Also remember, when storing gasoline, you need to "rotate your stock". If you are using 5 gallon containers, you should probably pour one into your daily driver once per month.

 

[kb1982]

You can pick up former military generators at a reasonable prices. From small to 100k with 3 phase and all lol. The big drawbacks to them are that they usually dont have a warranty and most run on more expensive diesel.

 

[6PTsocket]

I have a 7500 watt Generac that I used at my last home. Technically should use a transfer switch to prevent backfeeding onto the line, actually required.

That being said, I had a plug on the exterior of my home that led to a sub-panel downstairs that powered the necessities such as furnace, microwave, selective lighting and refrigerator. It worked great for the 20+ years I had that setup.

In our new home I ran conduit under the concrete from my service over to under my deck where I will eventually install a whole home backup setup with a transfer switch. I have my NG line also plumbed right to where I will install my genset. May be a few years before I get to installing it, still recovering from yard and shop build but at least I planned ahead before pouring concrete and finishing the yard.

Mike

There is one legal alternative to a transfer switch and that is an interlock. The back feed breaker installs in th upper right slot and a mechanical sliding device bolts to the panel. It makes it physically impossible to have the master breaker and the back feed breaker on at the same time. It is one or the other. There are factory ones available for some panels and after market ones available for quite a few others. It is way simpler and cheaper than a transfer switch. There is another really nice alternative and that is an auto transfer switch that mounts behind your meter. Just remove meter, plug in transfer switch and plug meter into switch. Done. There is a receptacle under the switch to plug in your generator.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[kctyphoon]

The hf predator generators are a great buy. Even the generac units use clone engines.

Transfer switches and interlock kits are if you plan to wire the generator into the entire house. You can run extension cords to run your various items individually instead. Just fyi - if you have different power outlets, like 110, and then another twist lock connector - you’d need to utilize all of those to take advantage of the entire amperage output. 110/120 twist lock converter cords are available to make them regular type outlets if desired. So say you wind up wanting to run a bunch of different things - you can use the twist lock outlet to power a bigger portable a/c unit in the house, a 110 outlet for the fridge and whatever else, and the other 110 outlet for anything else like lights or tv.. led bulbs in the house is a good idea if you decide to try and hook up the entire house and use things sparingly.

That said - its always better to NOT load up a generator close to its max capacity. Esp with things like ac units, when they turn on they will surge and draw a lot more energy to start running. This can strain and stall generators out as they fight to keep up with demand.

The reason why transfer switches and interlock kits are required is because if you backfeed your home through an available outlet, and forget to isolate it by flipping the main break OFF inside your home - can can transmit current back out to the street. If there is a transformer nearby, there is a possibility of that backfeeding as well, and then you are no longer just transmitting 220.. if you get hit with a devastating storm - transfer switch or interlock kit installed - chances are power lineman will NOT work on anything until that generator is OFF.

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

CAT RP7500E kicks A$$

https://apelectric.com/cat-rp7500e-7500w-electric-start-portable-generator/