Generators

[Aqua Pro Builder]

Where to buy?

Cost?

Adv. and disadvantage of particular models/brands?

Noisy?

Reliable?

 

[johnny roastbeef]

What sized load. How much do you plan to use it? Where will it be used?

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

It is important to keep in mind that all gas powered generators should be run in open spaces. Right outside a window on a fire escape is extremely dangerous and can cause serious health risks. I suggest running them a minimum of 15-20 feed away from any window or door. I have been to a few calls at work and at home where people have tried to run a generator too close to a residence and cause themselves or their neighbors problems with carbon monoxide poisoning.

That being said the 2 places that come to mind are Lowes and Home Depot that carry these types of machinery. There are many more out there as well. You could also try a Granger store or online as well.

 

[TrIsTaTe05]

You can do this very cheap actually, i would go to a local electrical store and purchase a 6,8,10 circuit panel depending how many individual circuits you would like to run if we were to lose power. then you would size the generator to what type of load it would be handling, wingo you got my email and # call me i can pick up a panel for you very cheap through my electrical shop, you can hook it up by your self or have a electricians do it for you,. very good to have! the panel could run about 400+ depending on how many circuits. and the generator around the same overall your looking under a 1000 for materials and to have some one do the install maybe like 300 to 400.

 

[ming]

I bought a 1kw honda generator. Its very small, portable, fairly quiet for a generator, and very fuel efficient. The con is the price.
I figure its worth it since in a power outage, I don't want to be constantly refilling the generator if it lasts long, and since its not often I'll use it, I want it small for storage reasons. I guess another con would be someone could just grab it with 1 hand and run off with my generator.

 

[House of Laughter]

I bought a 1kw honda generator. Its very small, portable, fairly quiet for a generator, and very fuel efficient. The con is the price.
I figure its worth it since in a power outage, I don't want to be constantly refilling the generator if it lasts long, and since its not often I'll use it, I want it small for storage reasons. I guess another con would be someone could just grab it with 1 hand and run off with my generator.

Ming, I agree with you, great generators, but pricey!

I bought a 1850w Coleman from Home depot for $399 - it was on sale and has been a champ.

I start it about 3-4 times a year to make sure it still fires up when I need it. It runs a full 15 amp load without problems. I put it outside my garage and run a 100ft extension to the holding and propagation systems (2 return pumps, 2 heaters if necessary) and one to my refridge -

I don't know of any non-noisy generators. I think the smaller honda's are the quietest.

A marine inverter and marine battery is the quietest

HTH

House

 

[MIKE NY]

I got the same one...1850 watts is more than enough to run all my pumps...

 

[regal]

As far as maintainence, do you have to empty out the gas while it is not in use? Do you change the oil every 6 months as recommended even it is not being use at all?

 

[MIKE NY]

I don't empty the gas because I just run it once in awhile and change the oil about once a year....when I do my other gas powered stuff..lawn mower etc..

 

[Josh]

The little Honda generators are great. The military uses them because of their small size.

 

[SevTT]

As far as maintainence, do you have to empty out the gas while it is not in use? Do you change the oil every 6 months as recommended even it is not being use at all?

You want to use a fuel stabilizer if you're going to leave the gas in the generator for extended periods. Talk to the guy you're buying it from about it, they'll be able to tell you what you need.