Portable generators

[69boss9]

Does anyone have or know about the quality of a Generac 7000E portable generator? My son-in-law is in need of a generator, where they live they lose their power a lot. They can get a new 7000E unit for @ $650. It will be needed to supply enough power for their furnace, a few lights, refrigerator, a fan, and a small TV. This unit is rate at 7000 watts with a peak about 8750. Would you buy this or is there something else you would be considering ?

 

[Zrexxer]

If you're talking about the GP7000E, I've had my eye on one. An interesting fact I learned from corresponding with Generac is that the GP7000E is 100% designed and built in the United States.

All of the generator ends are made in Wisconsin; and on the GP7000 and above they also have US made engines; lower than the 7000 have an imported engine. They told me that the entire XP series in US built in Wisconsin, as well.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I'm not familiar with that particular model but Generac is a reputable brand name. Your son in law should remember that in addition to the cost of the generator he will need to spend some more money for a manual transfer switch, subpanel, etc. so the generator can be used safely.

 

[Nostraquedeo]

I have specified and seen installations of several Generac generators on the commercial side. They seem to be just as reliable as a Caterpillar, Kohler, Cummins, or any other big name generators. I can't speak for the price. Not sure what a good price is for that size of generator. Good luck!

 

[RPH]

I have one and no problems for over year. And it is used weekly!

 

[69boss9]

Stuart in MN, thanks on the manual transfer switch info etc. I knew he would need that and extra lead cables but was not aware of the subpanel not having a lot of electrical background what does that consist of?

 

[Jeepskate]

Basically, you put the circuits that you want powered by the generator on the subpanel and use the transfer switch to control the power source (utility when the power is on, generator when the power is out) for that subpanel. You can buy combo units. My 14Kw unit came with a 14 circuit auto transfer switch/load center combo which makes for a hands-free cut-over...power goes out, timer waits 15 seconds then kicks on the generator; power comes back on and it switches back over and shuts the generator down. Generac makes good stuff. The only way I'd buy another consumer-grade brand is if it came with a Honda engine. My buddy has a similar unit to the Generac that you're looking at that has a Honda engine and it has worked flawlessly for at least 13-14 years now. I used it for 4 days straight before I bought mine (wife ordered me to buy one after that).

 

[MN BIANCHI]

My only concern would be noise. The Honda and Yamaha portable generators are very quiet. You might want to hear them run before making a choice.

 

[StanBo]

69boss did you end up getting the generator? I am in the market for one as well.

 

[T VETTE]

Noise is really an issue so I would try and test run one if possible. After many hours or days it gets old. I use a Honda 2000 and it is very quiet. On Econ it idles down and even quieter, also gas use is less.

 

[Norcal]

Quality & Generac are 2 words that do not go together, there are reasons why a Honda costs more then a Generjunk. One does get what one pays for........

 

[benjamming]

Anything to back that up with Norcal or just a random post?

 

[Handyman163]

If it's a gas furnace, all you need to power is the low voltage circuitry and the fan to circulate the air. My furnace is very low amperage draw, and easy to start up - my 5500W generator doesn't even stutter when it starts up. It sounds like all those circuits you mentioned will run on a 3500W generator. The 7000W may just be overkill and use more fuel than needed (can be a real bummer for long outages like in hurricane or ice-storm situations). It looks like that unit is rated for 8 gallons for 11hrs on 50% load. If you don't need a unit that big, it's just going to use more fuel. My 5500W unit has a 6.5 gallon fuel tank and will run 13 hours at 50% load. It's always nice to have capacity, but it all depends on how much you want to pay to have it because you'll pay for it everytime you run it whether you need it or not.

That being said, I'd jump on that deal like a fat kid on a cupcake. Generac setups are nice and well-built. I paid $599 for my Homelite 5500W/6000W peak unit from H/D a couple of years back, so that unit for $650 is a steal!