Generator advice?

[audiocontr]

Curious if anyone here has advice on generators? I'm in the DC area and without power due to the storm. Its time to invest in a decent generator to run the essentials (fridges, fans, lights maybe AC).

I've read that gas generators are a poor investment vs a diesel. The 5kw diesel generators are priced around $1200 where a gas version is half that. I'll use this generator for a combined week's worth of time if im unlucky. I'll not use it at all if i am.

Any input on brands, gas vs diesel, and wattage is appreciated. I'll probably go used once people start dumping their hardware.

[pcolette]

I've used Honda gas generators with good results during ice storms and such. I still keep one around and ready to go.

Best of luck to you!

[edzz]

I use a Honda 2000eu, very quiet, easy to move, you can run sensitive radio and computer equipment and very good run time on a tank of gas. You can also get a conversion kit to use outboard motor gas tanks for extended run times. The down side is ~2K max output, comparative high price and fuel should be totally drained for storage (any residual fuel WILL clog the jets and render it inoperative). You can run sensitive radio and computer equipment.

As a back-up generator for our new house I’ve been considering a 4 – 6 KW generator that runs on LP gas. The benefit of LP gas is eventually a n unlimited fuel storage life when compared to gas or diesel. The down side is needing a supply of BBQ cylinders or (the route we are looking at) a larger cylinder near the house serviced by a delivery service that can also supply gas for a gas heater.

The city emergency communications group I worked with in California had 4 KW LP fueled generators at all emergency centers with 4 gas cylinders on hand. The chief was of the opinion that if more fuel became needed he could send officers door to door and acquire more BBQ cylinders as needed in a disaster.

I really like the idea of a tank that large enough to outlast any likely power outage and that is heavy enough that I don’t have to worry about it “growing legs”.

The larger Honda generators in the EU series and the comparable Yamaha (don’t remember the series designation for their quiet / inverter series) would be a good choice and are available in electric start. The down side to these models is the much higher price tag than the noisy fuel sucking contractor series generators designed to run construction equipment that often damage sensitive electronics like computers.

I really like the LP solution, longer fuel storage, not having to transfer liquid fuel in adverse conditions.

Most gas generators can be converted to LP gas.

The big problem is justifying the cost verses the perceived benefit.

For portability I really like my 2 KW Honda, good for camping and some emergency power. Enough for light small electronics and to keep the freezer running, not enough for air-conditioning.

[4x4Pinz]

I have been eyeballing some of the mil surplus generators that are available. They are either dual fuel or tri fuel depending on model. The last one I looked at had one hour on the clock and was military rated at 5KW but in reality was more like 8.5KW. Was mounted on a skid but too heavy to move without equipment and was selling for $2500. With this I could run on Diesel,natural or propane fuels. Its life span is somewhat longer than you are looking at.
If I was only concerned about a week or so life time, I would use a harbor freight unleaded unit and be done with it. http://www.harborfreight.com/engines-ge ... 68525.html

[David Dunn]

Before you do anything, find ALL the items you want to run and add up the wattage from the dataplates. Then on fridges, a/cs and anything else that has a motor, find out the startup power needs… this use to be up to 2 ½ times the operating wattage. The generator needs to be at least the wattage of all the items , plus the startup of the largest item… unless you want to play “musical” items and shut things down while a motor starts up…. Not practical..

Once you’ve done this, you’ll rethink what you’ll really need. Do not push the limits, or you could end up with a dead generator and no power

For emergency use, I am not a fan of propane unless you have abundant amount of stored fuel… it is doubtful if you could get them refilled during a emergency…. Gas and diesel is an easier.

For me, I like my Onan 12,000w diesel
I can run my whole shop.... I don't need no stinkin' Edison

[djw]

Curious if anyone here has advice on generators? I'm in the DC area and without power due to the storm. Its time to invest in a decent generator to run the essentials (fridges, fans, lights maybe AC).

I've read that gas generators are a poor investment vs a diesel. The 5kw diesel generators are priced around $1200 where a gas version is half that. I'll use this generator for a combined week's worth of time if im unlucky. I'll not use it at all if i am.

Any input on brands, gas vs diesel, and wattage is appreciated. I'll probably go used once people start dumping their hardware.

If you would like to keep it simple, I've use the interlockkits (interlockkit.com) to handle my needs. Safe, much less expensive than getting a transfer switch wired and the gyration of with what is and what isn't on the xfer switch. You get full access to every circuit in the house, and zero possibility of back feeding. You do have to have a clue what is on what circuit and the capability of your gen. I have used a number of different EU Honda generators and currently have Honda EU6500is which is still portable I found used/cheap on cl. In winter we have gas heat and this is enough gen to run the central heat (blowers) and all essentials, or a window A/C in summer and all essentials. You do have to do the math on what you want to run, and also decide whether 220V is required or not.

Honda EU generators are dead quiet. I can't hear mine run when I am inside and I can hear my neighbor's home depot contractor special 1000 yds away. Yamaha are also very quiet and they make every size Honda does these days. If were to replace the Honda it would be a natural gas gen or put a dual-fuel mod on the Honda for ng. If you have a gas line it might be worth considering to eliminate normal refueling concerns.

You have to judge whether any investment is worth it you, or if quality of life/resale is a factor. You can spend less and buy a big box store model and include a gross-lot of earplugs if that makes more sense in your situation and be perfectly fine.

[Jimm391730]

I have the 2000W Honda, like EDZZ. However, I just add Stabil to the fuel and run it for 15-20 minutes every month or two to ensure that it will operate reliably. I've had mine for 7 or 8 years now.

It is not the cheapest, and has only a 1600W max continuous rating, but a few summers ago I woke to a power outage. I used it to run my fridge and small chest freezer, along with the TV while I was killing time. After 8 hours the power returned and it took only 3/4 of a gallon to refill the tank! Along with the fact that it is SOOO quiet, I just can't think of anything better. If I needed more power I'd buy a second one and the connection kit to tie them together. With one in each hand, what other 3200 watt generator can you cary yourself?

I haven't found anything that I'd rather have. Check Mulberry's for some of the best pricing anywhere.

[VinceAtReal4x4s]

I'll back up the Honda units. We used their 3000w "EU" ones on some film shoots that needed smaller/mobile power and they worked great every time, for weeks of shooting.

[audiocontr]

Jimm, whats Mulberry's?

4x4, where are you seeing the $2500 military gens?

[edzz]

Jimm, whats Mulberry's?

http://www.mayberrys.com/Honda/generato ... ators.aspx

[4x4Pinz]

we have a local guy here who supplies us with our military surplus items. He gets them in fairly regularly. He is currently on a run to pick up another deuce and hopefully some items I have asked for. I expect him back later this week, he normally is around here all the time. I am going to stop and see him when he gets back and can get some pics of the generators he has in stock currently.

[Jimm391730]

Jimm, whats Mulberry's?

http://www.mayberrys.com/Honda/generato ... ators.aspx

I knew there was a berry in there somewhere...

[Doug Lennox]

Over here in Australia we can get a range of generators called "KIPOR" from China. They are invertor style genies same as the Honda EU range and make a 1000Watt, 2000Watt and 2600Watt models and also make bigger ones. They are quiet, economic and just as good as the Honda. I run the 2600WAtt model for when we lose power from cyclones and I have not had any problems with it and they are a lot cheaper than the Honda. You should be able to find them on the web. I hope this helps.

[Jimm391730]

That's good to know about the Kipor generators; I've seen them advertised but had never known anyone who had that brand.