“Portable” generator recommendations

[oldbrownhat]

...During those times, we survive by cutting out all non essential power usage....We turn the house into a camp site... Prescut

Neighbour up the street went with a nice Honda gas genny and had an electrician put in a transfer switch. He can pretty much run whatever they need. He has a bunch of 10 gallon gas canisters stacked up against the house, though But he only keeps them all filled in winter, and cycles the gas by using it in his vehicles.

I'm no camper, so I can pretty much run like normal when the power goes out. My whole-house battery backup will keep lights, fridge, NG boiler (for HW baseboard & indirect HW tank) etc. going for about 5 hrs., after which I fire up the old 6kW Onan diesel genny to recharge the batteries (about 12A) and run the house as well as the well pump and microwave etc. when needed. I have a 100L (25 USG) steel tank for diesel, which I put Stanadyne in, and cycle through it for my mini excavator and tractor. We were out for 84 hours during an ice srorm a few years ago and my next-door neighbours came over to have a shower (!)

We have fewer outages now as the hydro utility has been pretty proactive, cutting back trees near power lines and such, but "stuff happens" and you never know what might hit you.

 

[glowe]

If possible, look for a dual fuel model. It is easier to store propane long term than it is gasoline.

That does bring up a good point. I installed a drain valve and hose on my generator. I fill it, using Stabil, and drain it every spring for use in my lawn equipment. Put in fresh gas with Stabil once a year. Has worked for the last 15 years. My generator has a valve out the bottom of the gas tank. When I start it about once a month, I run it, then turn off the valve and let the engine run out of gas. Never had any problems with the carb that way.

 

[GypsmJim]

I had a portable genny for many years. It was always an issue getting it to run because of lack of use. So, I started running it monthly just to keeo it going. A PITA.

Finally, we had a major power outage. It DID start and everything was fine. But it lasted awhile and I ran out of gas. All the gas stations were closed because of no power their either, so I had to siphon out the car's gas tanks. Another PITA. We finally DID get power back and I had no losses, but still a PITA.

If a portable is the only option, why bother with an expensive Inverter? You need the furnace, fridge, freezer, etc. and they don't need clean power. You can live without the computer or TV for awhile.

Regardless, do what we did. We saved up and bought a whole house Generac. Now, no more PITA.

 

[ACORN]

I had a portable genny for many years. It was always an issue getting it to run because of lack of use. So, I started running it monthly just to keeo it going. A PITA.

Finally, we had a major power outage. It DID start and everything was fine. But it lasted awhile and I ran out of gas. All the gas stations were closed because of no power their either, so I had to siphon out the car's gas tanks. Another PITA. We finally DID get power back and I had no losses, but still a PITA.

If a portable is the only option, why bother with an expensive Inverter? You need the furnace, fridge, freezer, etc. and they don't need clean power. You can live without the computer or TV for awhile.

Regardless, do what we did. We saved up and bought a whole house Generac. Now, no more PITA.

No computer?!
I’d get the DT’s without the S&W and other gun forums.
I ordered the dual fuel Westinghouse 12500 watt with electric remote start. That way my wife could start it if wasn’t home or if/when I meet my demise. With my gift cards I’m into it for about $650.
Have to see how many propane tanks I have since I’ve switched back to charcoal for grilling.
Going to have to price out the switch and external connection but for now the gens coming.
If needed I’ll have to run cords for the time being.
I’ll look around to get some type of regulated supply for my hi tech gadgets.

 

[oldbrownhat]

. ...I’ll look around to get some type of regulated supply for my hi tech gadgets.

Somthing like the Tripp Lite LC1200 line conditioner might do the trick, if you need no more than 1200W (10A); has 4 outlets. The next one up LC1800 has 6 outlets and will handle 1800 W.

Protects Valuable Electronics

• Rated at 120V/1200W/10A
• Ideal for computers, routers, modems, printers, home theater components and point-of-sale equipment
• Connect up to 4 electronic devices to the rear NEMA 5-15R outlets
• 7-ft. (2.13 m) cord with NEMA 5-15P right-angle plug for easier connection in tight spaces
• Compact unit (7.25 in. high) fits comfortably into your computer or home theater setup

Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR)

• Monitors incoming AC power and keeps equipment working through brownouts and prolonged overvoltage conditions
• Corrects undervoltages as low as 89V and overvoltages up to 147V

AC Line Surge Suppression

• 1200 joules of surge suppression protects against potentially harmful power surges and spikes
• Includes full normal (H-N) and common (N-G/H-G) line surge suppression

EMI/RFI Line Noise Filtering

• Removes electromagnetic and radio frequency interference that can disrupt or damage your equipment's performance

Built-In Diagnostics

• Front-panel LEDs indicate AC power, incoming voltage level and line status
• Rear on/off switch provides one-touch power

 

[Stevens]

l had a 22 kw Natural Gas whole house generator a couple of years ago, we had a couple of short duration outages and it ran fine. When our last hurricane hit power went out and it cranked up and ran fine for about 5 hours then sputtered and died. That was about 9PM, the next morning it still wouldn't run. I drove down the street to check with some friends and theirs weren't running either, they told me they had flagged down a guy from the gas Co. and he told them there wasn't enough gas to supply, long term, all the Nat. gas generators people had installed.
Good thing I had kept my gasoline powered unit and the tractor PTO driven unit. They provided emergency power for several days.

 

[oldbrownhat]

l...they told me they had flagged down a guy from the gas Co. and he told them there wasn't enough gas to supply, long term, all the Nat. gas generators people had installed.....

Same potential problem as everyone going electric (cars, heat pumps, etc.) All well and good until demand outstrips supply!

 

[vt_shooter]

I've had a Honda EU3000 for many years. It's very quiet, and 3,000 watts is enough for the boiler, fridge, and a few lights. I had an electrician put in a switch-over panel and make a heavy duty power cord to connect the generator to the panel for the rare times I need it, maybe once every 5 years. My commercial power is very reliable so it didn't make sense to spend more.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

My chambers are in the old electrical company building-built like a brick outhouse with a HUGE generator. Got everythin gI need vis a vis computers, etc. Can sleep there is needed. Got a great 8500/6000 portable generator for home to run the freezer and ice box and a 6000 btu windo AC for the bed room.
My buddy has a whole house generator with an upstairs that my wife and I can use so we're pretty set. I really don't thik you need anything bigger than what you suggested-try to get a Honda powered one just because and get one with a plastic gas tank-the metal ones will rot/rust out. Start it up about once a quarter with about a half gallon of gas and run it UNDER LOAD until dry.

 

[Jon651]

OK if I were to go with a std gen with a 5000-6000w running capacity can I buy an “filter” apparatus to clean the power on a single line?
Right now that seems my most affordable option.
The stove, furnace etc. are older. The computers we use mainly are our phones. We do have newer TVs but not smart ones.

I'm late to replying, but here is the easiest and least costly way to do what you are asking:

Instead of purchasing a single gen and a compatible filter/regulator to clean up your power, I recommend purchasing two 2-4kw portable inverter gens instead. Inverter generators provide very clean power for electronics and can be run in parallel for increased power needs.

But there are additional benefits:
1. If your usage is low, you need only run one at a time. Each also will have a HI and LOW power setting (Eco-Mode) and automatically switch between the two based on draw. This will save you fuel by not needing to spin a 5+kw gen if all you need is just a few watts to run a TV and a light.
2. If your usage is split between two different areas you can separate them.
3. If one gen needs service or refueling you will still have the other to use.

There is only one drawback I can see:
1. You won't get 220v power so you can't run any 220v appliances.

Here is the very best deal I can find for a 4kw open frame inverter generator - if you are in the market I recommend getting one NOW. At $383 each and free shipping, two of these will give you a max 8kw of power clean enough to run computers and TVs for less than $800. I own a WEN "suitcase" style portable inverter gen and love it.

WEN GN400i RV-Ready 4000-Watt Open Frame Inverter Generator, CARB Comp — WEN Products

Hope this helps!

 

[Bugkiller99]

I borrowed a generator just before a hurricane. It was a big box store purchase. It did not last one day.

When I took it in to get repaired, I asked the repair shop what they reccomended, as they did not sell generators.

Honda.

Anything else?

Nope, Honda

I’ve had a Honda 5K watt generator since 2004. Runs every time.

Though, I recommend to not use gas with Ethanol.

 

[NYlakesider]

I borrowed a generator just before a hurricane. It was a big box store purchase. It did not last one day.

When I took it in to get repaired, I asked the repair shop what they reccomended, as they did not sell generators.

Honda.

Anything else?

Nope, Honda

I’ve had a Honda 5K watt generator since 2004. Runs every time.

Though, I recommend to not use gas with Ethanol.

Right you are, only if that the only gas you can get! Also add stabilizer. do not use that ethanol garbage in two stroke tools or toys!

 

[vt_shooter]

Right you are, only if that the only gas you can get! Also add stabilizer. do not use that ethanol garbage in two stroke tools or toys!

On a related note, not all stabilizers are create equal. My John Deere dealer only sells this stuff (their mechanics like it), and reviewers on Amazon seem to like it ( Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment, Small Engine Formula
) [ame]https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NO4DAFG/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1[/ame]

 

[oldbrownhat]

On a related note, not all stabilizers are create equal. My John Deere dealer only sells this stuff (their mechanics like it), and reviewers on Amazon seem to like it ( Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment, Small Engine Formula...

Good to know. I've been using Sta-Bil, which seems to be highly regarded.