Your Recommendations for a Generator?

[giants]

I'm looking for a UPS or ower generator that provides AC current in case I have a power outage at home.

The outages usually last 1-3 hours. I would like to power just my cable modem and ideally my desktop computer with monitor (though I can use a battery powered laptop in a real pinch).

What brand/model and features would you recommend?

Thanks

 

[930dreamer]

We use this HF 3500.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

The inverter generators have cleaner power. With the older open frame contractor style ones, even skilsaws complained.

 

[Bretny]

For 1-3hrs and just powering those small things i would be getting a inverter to hook up to my car. Nothing extra to mantain.

If you really want something gas powered jet.com has the sportsman 800w inverter generator for under $200 shipped.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'd go to HD site and visit the tool rental section. Once there, click on used tools for sale. I found my EU2000 Honda for $440. It looked dang near brand new.

 

[mcj115]

If you just want to power a modem for 3 hours...why not just get a UPS ( uninterrupted power supply) for cheap

 

[Git]

I bought one earlier this year 'just in case' although our power rarely goes out

Definitley wanted and inverter for my electronics, and powered by propane since I didn't have to worry about storing gasoline or leaving gas in the carb which will eventually gun things up. And lastly - something that Costco sells so that I could return it if I was not satisfied with it

Ended up with a Champion 'dual fuel' from Costco and have been very pleased. I see they are now also selling a 'Firman' brand (looks to be basically the same thing) for a little cheaper

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

CAT RP7500e.

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

 

[beamrider]

Your experience might be different, but here in Ohio, for me at least, when the power is out, the modem cant connect anyway, even on a UPS.

 

[bpjr]

I bought this one from Northern Tool. Not an inverter but has less than 5% THD and runs electronics/tools without a problem. Has a voltage gauge, wheel kit, copper windings, 12v/120v/240v and multiple outlets so you don't have to gang cords as much. https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200664806_200664806

 

[RKA]

1-3 hours is nothing and isn’t worth the effort to drag out the gas generator, extension cords and drain the fuel afterwards. I don’t take my generator out until I’m past 4 hours and looking to preserve whatever I had in the fridge/freezer. Are you sure you want a portable gas generator for this? Or are you looking for an automatic standby generator ($$$$)? If the power interruptions were frequent, and I was looking for uninterrupted power, this would probably be what I was looking for, but the costs are up around $8k plus the ongoing maintenance on it.

 

[ddurrett896]

I’m a big fan of Champion.

 

[theoldwizard1]

1-3 hours is nothing and isn’t worth the effort to drag out the gas generator, extension cords and drain the fuel afterwards. I don’t take my generator out until I’m past 4 hours and looking to preserve whatever I had in the fridge/freezer.

There is a lot of truth to that statement !

We lost power a couple weeks ago. I waited over 10 hours before dragging out my generator and extension cords. It ran for less than 8 hours.

If you really want to power up a few things in your house, pay an electrician to install a generator interlock and a power inlet. Then it it is a simple as "plugging the house" into the generator !

 

[Git]

...I don’t take my generator out until I’m past 4 hours and looking to preserve whatever I had in the fridge/freezer...[/QUO


For info, this is from the FDA

 

[Aqua-Andy]

I have had this Husky generator for about 10 or so years now and it has performed flawlessly https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016CMG48G/?tag=atomicindus08-20. Every spring I start it up and run it for about 30 or so minutes with a 1500 watt heater attached, every fall I siphon out the fuel and add fresh fuel with Startron fuel stabilizer then run it for 30 or so minutes with the same heater attached to it.I change the oil every other year. It's not really any inconvenience as I do it at the same time that I'm putting the mower and boat away for the season and on the opposite end I'm putting away the sleds and snowblower so it just adds a few minutes to the the chores that already have to be done. As for the people that wait four hours of outtage before firing up the generator, why? With my luck at 4 hours and five minutes the power would come back on. It takes less than five minutes to have the house up and running after the power goes out. Just pull generator out of garage "it is parked just inside of the right hand door", fire up generator, unwind and plug in cord that is stored on top of generator, go back into garage and flip main off, slide interlock up and switch on generator breaker. Not sure why you would want to wait when you have the resources. When our power goes out inevitably we were in the middle of cooking dinner, getting ready to shower or already showering or something else that a power failure would be an inconvenience.

 

[giants]

Thanks, all.

I think that I only need a UPS - just to power my cable modem and computer equipment. I think that the power source for the cable modem differs from my 120V AC.

How about this brand/model 800VA with 450 Watts for $93:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VF7K54T/?tag=atomicindus08-20

How about this brand/model, the 900VA for $75 with 500 Watts:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GZT2QW7/?tag=atomicindus08-20