Recommend A Generator!
- Thread starter Chamkila
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Burtonrider10022
Well-known member
Tri-fuel generator, or any brand you can get an aftermarket tri-fuel kit for. It will allow you to avoid the lines and gouging at gas stations pre-storm, prevent you from being caught off guard with stale or no gas, and also prevent you from having to store assloads of flamable and short-lifespan gas. Hook the generator up to your natural gas line and go. No stops to refuel, cleaner burning for lower emissions and motor & oil longevity, and a relatively unlimited supply. Keep a 100lb propane tank squirreled away if need-be as well (or a couple if you are paranoid). NG nor LP really ever expire, so you don't need to worry about waste or refreshing the fuel every few months.
LP or NG in a small motor are around 95% as efficient as gasoline, so you really wont lose much capacity...
LP or NG in a small motor are around 95% as efficient as gasoline, so you really wont lose much capacity...
I dont know my first time.....i live in nyc so its rare......very rare the elec. Cuts out but i rather be prepared
Thanks duely noted
You have to figure out your wattage requirements.
For a $1000 or less,you're limiting what you will be able to run if your power goes down.
I'm contemplating a whole house standby gen set.8-10kw Natural gas.
I say for a little more,it's worth it.
You have to keep alot of fuel around to run a portable for any extended length of time.
Good luck
danski0224
Well-known member
Also make sure that it is rated or has a clean enough output to power computers.
Typically, inverter style generators meet this requirement.
They are also much more efficient on fuel than the standard alternator style.
DaleK
Well-known member
From the reports I've been seeing, you're probably already too late to have a choice by now... probably have to take anything you can find left in the stores, or wait it out.
nit2wn
Well-known member
Can't recommend a certain brand, but whatever you buy, aim for a Honda motor. Dad had an old one with a Briggs and that thing was loud. I ended up replacing it with one from Sam's with a Honda motor years ago and it's night and day difference in the amount of noise. The old one was a 5k, this one is a 7500 or so. Keep in mind this was 8-9 years ago but it was around $950 then.
Camtwo69
Well-known member
Get a Honda worth every penny !
Burtonrider10022
Well-known member
Honda's are great motors for sure! Super quiet, efficient, and long lasting. But you wont be able to touch a new one for under $1k that will run your house.
A briggs generator is also relatively efficient and long lasting, but if they all sound like my 3250/4550 I'd recommend a muffler lol. A lot of people just weld/clamp on a stock crotch rocket muffler. They are cheap on Craigslist and quiet it down pretty good.
Also, another note: I was told that a quality generator will be able to handle a LARGE spike in start-up wattage. I.e. the cheaper wound alternators can only handle slightly above their average output. Like the Harbor Freight 800 watt, 900 max one is evidence of a cheap one. But some of the 7kW genny's can handle peak/max watts of over 10-11kw. My Briggs, for example, can handle almost an extra 50% of it's capacity @ 3250/4550. Similar sized "off brand" ones are only like 3500/4000...
Just so you can kinda know the quality of what you might buy.
A briggs generator is also relatively efficient and long lasting, but if they all sound like my 3250/4550 I'd recommend a muffler lol. A lot of people just weld/clamp on a stock crotch rocket muffler. They are cheap on Craigslist and quiet it down pretty good.
Also, another note: I was told that a quality generator will be able to handle a LARGE spike in start-up wattage. I.e. the cheaper wound alternators can only handle slightly above their average output. Like the Harbor Freight 800 watt, 900 max one is evidence of a cheap one. But some of the 7kW genny's can handle peak/max watts of over 10-11kw. My Briggs, for example, can handle almost an extra 50% of it's capacity @ 3250/4550. Similar sized "off brand" ones are only like 3500/4000...
Just so you can kinda know the quality of what you might buy.
Ric in Richmond
Well-known member
If you are doing lights, fans, computers, tv....
Honda EU2000i.
Call Mayberrys.com second day shipping adds $55. You are out the door at around 950 and you won't regret it.
I run my office, server, several pc's, lights, fans, mini fridge on a gallon of gas 8/ hours.
Won't run many heaters or larger motors.
You can buy 2 and parallel them for 4000w/ 30 amps. THen you have a backup or one to share if you don't need 4000w
Honda EU2000i.
Call Mayberrys.com second day shipping adds $55. You are out the door at around 950 and you won't regret it.
I run my office, server, several pc's, lights, fans, mini fridge on a gallon of gas 8/ hours.
Won't run many heaters or larger motors.
You can buy 2 and parallel them for 4000w/ 30 amps. THen you have a backup or one to share if you don't need 4000w
Burtonrider10022
Well-known member
I don't think they're shipping any more... It kinda sounds like they are doing in-store only?
EDIT: Yup, their "add to cart" button is gone and it says:
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firebox40dash5
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Step one, give up on the next month or so, unless you want to blow your $1k on a 1kw chinese generator. 
I've had probably 5 extended outages this year, it's been a pretty bad year. I've been running my dad's Makita 6kw, and while it's a great generator, it's horrible on fuel. Eats close to a gallon an hour on average. For whatever reason, I can't use the auto idle at night, because the fridges won't trigger it to idle up. Any other load will... so that might be part of the fuel consumption issue. Either way, I'd recommend an inverter generator also. Basically, a normal generator has to run at X rpm (usually 3600 for gas or smaller diesels) to make 60hz power, by design. The inverter produces 60hz electronically, not mechanically, so it only needs to run as hard as is needed to make the amps you're demanding. I've been wanting to get one, but we have a well pump to run so I'd be needing a big, expensive one.
Just remember the generator head quality is just as important as the engine brand. I've seen junk units bolted to Hondas, an engine sitting there running and not producing electricity doesn't accomplish the goal. Robin/Subaru engines are good too, the Makita I use is a rebadged Robin unit. I think Amazon was selling the 6kw for not a whole bunch over $1k a while ago.
I've had probably 5 extended outages this year, it's been a pretty bad year. I've been running my dad's Makita 6kw, and while it's a great generator, it's horrible on fuel. Eats close to a gallon an hour on average. For whatever reason, I can't use the auto idle at night, because the fridges won't trigger it to idle up. Any other load will... so that might be part of the fuel consumption issue. Either way, I'd recommend an inverter generator also. Basically, a normal generator has to run at X rpm (usually 3600 for gas or smaller diesels) to make 60hz power, by design. The inverter produces 60hz electronically, not mechanically, so it only needs to run as hard as is needed to make the amps you're demanding. I've been wanting to get one, but we have a well pump to run so I'd be needing a big, expensive one.
Just remember the generator head quality is just as important as the engine brand. I've seen junk units bolted to Hondas, an engine sitting there running and not producing electricity doesn't accomplish the goal. Robin/Subaru engines are good too, the Makita I use is a rebadged Robin unit. I think Amazon was selling the 6kw for not a whole bunch over $1k a while ago.
Tractor Supply should have some.
You want at least a 5k watt to power a house.
I have this one..
http://www.tractorsupply.com/briggs...er-trade-5500-watt-portable-generator-4454667
I had looked into Hondas but they cost a lot more for similar watts, and I only use one for an occasional power outage. This Briggs engine has been stone reliable in the last 3 years I have had it. A little loud, but you can add on another muffler if desired.
I can basically power my whole house. Fridge,, TV, Lights, Computer, Fan for Furnace, Water Heater, etc. When the power goes out, I just fire it up and continue as if the power never went out..
You want at least a 5k watt to power a house.
I have this one..
http://www.tractorsupply.com/briggs...er-trade-5500-watt-portable-generator-4454667
I had looked into Hondas but they cost a lot more for similar watts, and I only use one for an occasional power outage. This Briggs engine has been stone reliable in the last 3 years I have had it. A little loud, but you can add on another muffler if desired.
I can basically power my whole house. Fridge,, TV, Lights, Computer, Fan for Furnace, Water Heater, etc. When the power goes out, I just fire it up and continue as if the power never went out..
Burtonrider10022
Well-known member
Step one, give up on the next month or so, unless you want to blow your $1k on a 1kw chinese generator.
I've had probably 5 extended outages this year, it's been a pretty bad year. I've been running my dad's Makita 6kw, and while it's a great generator, it's horrible on fuel. Eats close to a gallon an hour on average. For whatever reason, I can't use the auto idle at night, because the fridges won't trigger it to idle up. Any other load will... so that might be part of the fuel consumption issue. Either way, I'd recommend an inverter generator also. Basically, a normal generator has to run at X rpm (usually 3600 for gas or smaller diesels) to make 60hz power, by design. The inverter produces 60hz electronically, not mechanically, so it only needs to run as hard as is needed to make the amps you're demanding. I've been wanting to get one, but we have a well pump to run so I'd be needing a big, expensive one.
Just remember the generator head quality is just as important as the engine brand. I've seen junk units bolted to Hondas, an engine sitting there running and not producing electricity doesn't accomplish the goal. Robin/Subaru engines are good too, the Makita I use is a rebadged Robin unit. I think Amazon was selling the 6kw for not a whole bunch over $1k a while ago.
Get a small auto start or a used auto start generator and rig the float to turn on the genny a few minutes before the pump is needed, then use a small inverter genset to run the rest of the stuff.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
You are only asking half of the question.
The other half is, how are you going to hook up you appliances ? Good quality, properly sized, extension cords are acceptable for a short period of time.
As others have pointed out, you probably won't be able to find any good generators in stock within 100 mile of your home, but I would go out and buy a couple of 12 gauge 100' extension cords. Also get a couple of heavy duty 3 way adapters, and a couple of 14' gauge 50' cords and a couple more 16 gauge 25' cords. This might cost you $200+, but they will last you the rest of your life and if one of your neighbors have a generator, you might be able to hook up to it, at least part time !
The other half is, how are you going to hook up you appliances ? Good quality, properly sized, extension cords are acceptable for a short period of time.
As others have pointed out, you probably won't be able to find any good generators in stock within 100 mile of your home, but I would go out and buy a couple of 12 gauge 100' extension cords. Also get a couple of heavy duty 3 way adapters, and a couple of 14' gauge 50' cords and a couple more 16 gauge 25' cords. This might cost you $200+, but they will last you the rest of your life and if one of your neighbors have a generator, you might be able to hook up to it, at least part time !
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Step one, give up on the next month or so, unless you want to blow your $1k on a 1kw chinese generator.
I've had probably 5 extended outages this year, it's been a pretty bad year. I've been running my dad's Makita 6kw, and while it's a great generator, it's horrible on fuel. Eats close to a gallon an hour on average. For whatever reason, I can't use the auto idle at night, because the fridges won't trigger it to idle up. Any other load will... so that might be part of the fuel consumption issue. Either way, I'd recommend an inverter generator also. Basically, a normal generator has to run at X rpm (usually 3600 for gas or smaller diesels) to make 60hz power, by design. The inverter produces 60hz electronically, not mechanically, so it only needs to run as hard as is needed to make the amps you're demanding. I've been wanting to get one, but we have a well pump to run so I'd be needing a big, expensive one.
Excellent advice !
The problem is, a good quality inverter generator (Honda or Yamaha) with enough power to run a furnace/boiler, sump pump, refrigerator, microwave, a TV and a couple of lights (roughly 2000-3000 watts) will cost more than your $1000 budget.
You can find good used non-inverter 5000 watt generators for sale in most suburban areas for under $500. Just stock at least 20 gallons of fuel. 50 would be better if you lived in an area where extended outage are common. Or get a conversion kit that allow you to run on natural gas.
I just heard Consumer Reports on a radio spot last week saying Generac was the top brand. I wouldn't be afraid of anything from a big box as long as it wasn't a Chinese engine. You really need to narrow down your requirements as the others are saying. Being from the Midwest I'd say enough to run the furnace (assuming its nat gas or LP) will be a good starting point. The refrigerator won't need to be plugged in all the time. So you can alternate what's plugged in.
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I've got a couple of grown kids who live in big cities on the East Coast who are awaiting the arrival of Frankenstorm. They lived through Hurricanes Andrew and Katrina without power for weeks when it was really hot. They know to have good battery operated radios, flashlights and food.
One kid told me "Dad, I wish I had your generator up here but I'd have to sleep on top of it because there is no where safe to run it without the risk of someone stealing it".
The other kid told me "Can you Fedex me the Lootershooter?". If you don't know what a Lootershooter is, I'm sorry but most likely you can't legally own one in NYC.
Regardless of what you buy and when - keep in mind the exhaust fumes will kill you if you run it where you should not. Also, be careful how your store your fuel.
Also, if you're going to ride out the storm, I suggest hard liquor over beer because if the power fails. you can drink the scotch warm.
I know I didn't answer any of your real questions but stay safe and let us know how it goes. At least you won't be in heat if the power fails.
Send us an update post storm.
One kid told me "Dad, I wish I had your generator up here but I'd have to sleep on top of it because there is no where safe to run it without the risk of someone stealing it".
The other kid told me "Can you Fedex me the Lootershooter?". If you don't know what a Lootershooter is, I'm sorry but most likely you can't legally own one in NYC.
Regardless of what you buy and when - keep in mind the exhaust fumes will kill you if you run it where you should not. Also, be careful how your store your fuel.
Also, if you're going to ride out the storm, I suggest hard liquor over beer because if the power fails. you can drink the scotch warm.
I know I didn't answer any of your real questions but stay safe and let us know how it goes. At least you won't be in heat if the power fails.
Send us an update post storm.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Shop the used market. It's still flooded with Y2K stuff...
subarub4
Well-known member
I'm going to reply since I saw this and I have this generator.. I've ran a 1100 oven on it when doing some powder coating outside with no issues.
I don't go around to see how much it can handle, I know the breaker will trip in a few seconds with 1650 W but you would be stupid to try and do that, I just could not find anything else to load the generator up at the time..
The last storm we had here I ran a full sized fridge plus the tv and a CFL lamp with no issues, what I did (OP needs to do this too) is go around and calculate how much each thing you are going to use is going to use in power.. I forgot what my numbers were but it was very close to the max or a little over.
Thinking about getting a larger one for next year for using on a Air compressor and letting a family member use it if a storm comes up again.
firebox40dash5
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You must not be on the east coast.
Everyone waits til the last minute for hurricane or snow stuff, then runs on every store and pays through the nose. CL around here (MD) is full of people selling crappy chinese generators for what you'd pay for a good one when they're not predicting "the storm of the millennium" 
When a big snow storm comes, it'll be the same, plus those little 2 stroke snowblowers for $800.I just went to Grainger (yay special Sunday hours) to pick up a box of sandbags I ordered, and they had a line out the door to buy the truckload of $800 5500w Generacs they'd gotten just for this. All sales final, of course.
As for powering your stuff, here's an idea I've heard recommended, but haven't tried myself. Don't try this if you're not comfortable with it, or if your panel doesn't have a main breaker. Get a double pole breaker for your breaker panel, rated for your generator's output and/or the capacity of the wire you use (should be 10/3, maybe even more). Assuming you get a generator big enough to have a 220v outlet, wire the hots from the outlet to the breaker poles, and the neutral to a gator clamp you can clamp on the neutral bar in your panel. If you've got a 220v heat pump, stove, water heater, whatever, you're not likely to run it off your genny, so kill the main breaker, pull whatever 2 pole breaker you won't need, and snap your rigged breaker in. Poor man's transfer switch, just make REALLY sure you know what you're doing, and have your main breaker OFF before futzing with any of it.
As for his budget, well, if you plan to run it somewhat often or for a long time, forget the budget. You'll save money in the long run with an inverter, especially with $4 a gallon gas, even worse in NYC I'm sure, and even worse during a storm/outage. Plus you might not have a good, secure spot to store 30 or 40 gallons of gas to get through a couple days. That gas adds up real quick... last time I ended up running my generator for a couple hours and enjoying the power/letting the fridges cool down, then cutting it off for a while.
Ric in Richmond
Well-known member
I spoke with Ms mayberry on Thursday and my sister and I ordered an eu2000 each. Paid the 55 2 day shipping extra and they showed up the next day in virginia. They were slammmed when I talked to them.
They are a small family business with 20 employees and they had the IT guy helping ship. They are also at ground zero in northern Nj.
They probably are way better off not trying to meet the huge demand and failing (probably due to circumstances beyond their control. Weather and shopping companies)
Great company! I hope they survive / recover and come out better.
They are a small family business with 20 employees and they had the IT guy helping ship. They are also at ground zero in northern Nj.
They probably are way better off not trying to meet the huge demand and failing (probably due to circumstances beyond their control. Weather and shopping companies)
Great company! I hope they survive / recover and come out better.
andywander
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I run myy entire house off of a Coleman 400W generator. It surprised me that it would do it, as I have a pretty big house, and electric stove, water pump, etc.
Pantsfall_McFixit
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This is COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE, it puts workers trying to restore power to the grid at risk! You cannot guarantee that someone won't turn the main on and energize the neighborhood lines, killing someone. If you want to power your house, install a proper transfer switch, which simultaneously disconnects your home from the grid and connects your generator to your panel.
In this thread, people ramble on about generators running luxury items while failing to follow rule number one of any major disaster event: don't be in a place like NYC.
Whatever. I ride ski lifts in stronger winds than those forecast for much of the Northeast.
My preparations consisted of buying more beer than usual.
Whatever. I ride ski lifts in stronger winds than those forecast for much of the Northeast.
My preparations consisted of buying more beer than usual.
firebox40dash5
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Like I said, if you don't know what you're doing, don't do it. If you turn your main on with the genny hooked up, you don't know what you're doing. If you've got a brain, it's safe. It's not something I'm going to sell to someone, because that would be a massive liability, but I've got no issues doing it in MY home. No one else is touching my panel.
Once again, if you don't know what you're doing, don't do it... the money spent on a proper transfer switch will be money well spent.
FWIW, you can buy almost the exact same thing from Northern. It's a panel with a special sliding interlock between the main and one of the top breaker positions, which is where you put the breaker for the generator. When you kill the main, you close the generator breaker, and vice versa.
BD1
Well-known member
Here's info on that breaker/generator.http://www.interlockkit.com/InstrK5010150225AmpSquareDNewDsn.pdf
This maybe of interest to generator owners.RE-ENERGIZING DEAD GENERATORS.
http://www.endtimesreport.com/dead_gen.html
jrlp
Well-known member
I've used my Subaru bobcat (miller) a few times due to power outages. Sadly enough, it wasn't storm related, just the area of town I'm in has lots of problems with power / water / cable. You can usually pick up a used bobcat for under $1500 on craigslist, and the newer ones are 10-11k continuous, and can handle 50%+ surges. It's decent on gas, however only at close to full load.
I use a Honda eu2000i and love it. Only use it to power the fridge or sump pump in an emergency. Love the fact that 10 gallons of gas can buy me several days of power, meanwhile my friends with the bigger generators are always scrambling to store up enough fuel to make it through 24 hours.
mrtoolfool
Well-known member
MY VOTE IS FOR A HONDA ALSO.......
I HAVE A 1000, 2000, & 3000 ALL THE EU SERIES. Clean power and very quiet. Did I mention they are QUIET ?
Nch209
Well-known member
Cool info- never considered this approach.... Thanks!
Burtonrider10022
Well-known member
I've been almost nut-swinging from the idea ever since I learned about it. I've damn near spammed every generator thread with the suggestion in the last few days (and Sandy has stirred up a LOT of generator threads!). It just seems like the most logical route in my opinion. There is a reason stand-by and whole house systems are run on NG/LP and not gasoline.
I would go the H route, HF or Honda. HF is $100 or less for basic power from a little gas, the trick with all things of this type is that infrequent use and bad gas clogging it up.
Main thing understand what your needs are and how you can get power to them.
Main thing understand what your needs are and how you can get power to them.
kc-steve
Well-known member
Interesting thread. All the different responses shows clearly that a generator purchase REQUIRES some forethought and planning before making a purchase.
I suggest to start out by defining your power requirements first. The reason is that you can go with a small dc to ac converter powered by a simple car battery just to operate your refrigerator, or on the other extreme, you can go full-boat to an all-house system powered by other sources such as NG/LP gas that automatically starts on its own.
And don't forget, an unregulated generator can wipe out microprocessors easily, that includes modern refrigerators too.
Once you know your requirements then you can shop around for something specific. Been there, done that.
It's all worth it though when you look around the neighborhood and see your house as the only one with lights.
Steve
I suggest to start out by defining your power requirements first. The reason is that you can go with a small dc to ac converter powered by a simple car battery just to operate your refrigerator, or on the other extreme, you can go full-boat to an all-house system powered by other sources such as NG/LP gas that automatically starts on its own.
And don't forget, an unregulated generator can wipe out microprocessors easily, that includes modern refrigerators too.
Once you know your requirements then you can shop around for something specific. Been there, done that.
It's all worth it though when you look around the neighborhood and see your house as the only one with lights.
Steve
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I am amazed at the level of BS in this post and entire thread.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Most (all?) of their portable and some of the permanent engines are actually made by Briggs and Stratton.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
MY VOTE IS FOR A HONDA ALSO.......
I HAVE A 1000, 2000, & 3000 ALL THE EU SERIES. Clean power and very quiet. Did I mention they are QUIET ?
Boy, you must have "DEEEEEEP POCKETS" !