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Link Posted: 12/14/2022 3:07:22 PM EST
[Last Edit: Sodie] [#1]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By PKT1106:
I ordered a Kill A Watt and it came in yesterday. Read the instructions, watched some videos, etc. Now, what's the best way to use this to size a generator? I have it on a refrigerator and am going to leave it there for a week to see what it draws, but how do I use that information in consideration of generator sizing? Thanks
View Quote


You don't need to run it for a week, just plug it in and watch the wattage as the fridge turns on, while running and then idle. Note the numbers on a pad. It will spike up at start up, drop down a bit then get really low while idle.

Do the same as you turn for the other electric items that you want to run at the same time. Add up the numbers and you'll get a good feel for how big of an inverter you need.

It was fairly easy for me since I use a special computer power strip set to run my computer, modem and tv in my office area. It can sense when the computer is on and it turns on or shuts off everything plugged into it all at once with the computer. A couple sockets are always hot = modem + router.

Microwave ovens are the worst, they really spike high when you first turn them on.

LED light fixtures are the best, very low wattage and they don't surge up like appliances or computers.
Link Posted: 12/14/2022 8:28:27 PM EST
[Last Edit: Zhukov] [#2]
Link Posted: 12/15/2022 9:14:45 AM EST
[#3]
Link Posted: 12/15/2022 10:14:59 AM EST
[#4]
Link Posted: 12/15/2022 11:29:32 AM EST
[#5]
I'm ordering this Champion - 50% off right now.

https://www.amazon.com/Champion-Power-Equipment-100555-Generator/dp/B07BYK2ZPP

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Link Posted: 12/15/2022 1:20:42 PM EST
[#6]
Champion 2500 Dual Fuel Inverter $484 as of this post.

Amazon Product
  • DUAL FUEL: Operate your 2500-watt portable generator right out of the box on either gasoline or propane, plus at only 39 pounds, this inverter is one of the lightest 2500-watt inverters in the industry
  • QUIET OPERATION: With an ultra-quiet 53 dBA from 23 feet, enjoy 2500 starting watts, 1850 running watts and up to 11.5 hours run time on gasoline, and 1665 running watts and up to 34 hours on propane
  • PARALLEL READY: The optional, sold-separately clip-on parallel kit enables this inverter to connect with another 2500-watt Champion inverter to double your output power. GFCI Outlets : No

Link Posted: 12/15/2022 1:27:35 PM EST
[Last Edit: Ghostface] [#7]
I picked this (GP8000E) up from Sams club for $950 shipped, I turned around and bought a standby a week later. I use the portable at my sisters house which is next door. I ran it for about 30 hours shortly after it was purchased.



I thought it was a heckuva deal…
Link Posted: 12/15/2022 5:49:33 PM EST
[Last Edit: Zhukov] [#8]
Link Posted: 12/15/2022 10:34:54 PM EST
[#9]
6250W open frame inverter for $567 on Amazon right now.

Champion Power Equipment 100519 6250-Watt Open Frame Inverter with Quiet Technology https://a.co/bskrUzF
Link Posted: 12/16/2022 10:22:11 AM EST
[#10]
Link Posted: 12/16/2022 12:55:00 PM EST
[Last Edit: Jack_Dempsey] [#11]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Zhukov:
Amazon is doing rolling sales on various Champion generators. The deals seem to be changing pretty quickly. I would suggest checking slickdeals.net for the latest.
View Quote

I use camelcamelcamel. And that 6250W, which I just bought for $567, is now $509 plus an additional 5% off.

Eta: Was able to cancel the order at the higher price.

Attachment Attached File
Link Posted: 12/16/2022 2:19:43 PM EST
[#12]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Zhukov:
Amazon is doing rolling sales on various Champion generators. The deals seem to be changing pretty quickly. I would suggest checking slickdeals.net for the latest.
View Quote


I've got a CCC alert for the big daddy Champion 15000/12000. I know it's gas only, but I'm willing to store some fuel in the shed to make sure we don't boil if the power goes out for 4 days in summer again.
Link Posted: 12/17/2022 7:52:51 PM EST
[#13]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By PKT1106:


Maybe. Depends if the furnace manual says it can be on a plug or has to be direct-wired. Not sure about building codes, but it might also be a regional rule where you are in your county or district.
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By PKT1106:
Originally Posted By jlbs009:

Anyone know if this would cause an issue in a home inspection when selling?


Maybe. Depends if the furnace manual says it can be on a plug or has to be direct-wired. Not sure about building codes, but it might also be a regional rule where you are in your county or district.



Amarillo TX mine is wired with a pigtail.
Link Posted: 12/19/2022 1:03:56 PM EST
[#14]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By SR712:
Gas furnace typically between 6 and 12 amps. Highest draw probably at ignition. Put a Kill-A-Watt meter on one and find out what yours draws.
View Quote

my propane air handler is on a 15 amp breaker, multi speed blower. 8amps.
Link Posted: 12/19/2022 1:21:49 PM EST
[#15]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By PKT1106:


I've got a CCC alert for the big daddy Champion 15000/12000. I know it's gas only, but I'm willing to store some fuel in the shed to make sure we don't boil if the power goes out for 4 days in summer again.
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By PKT1106:
Originally Posted By Zhukov:
Amazon is doing rolling sales on various Champion generators. The deals seem to be changing pretty quickly. I would suggest checking slickdeals.net for the latest.


I've got a CCC alert for the big daddy Champion 15000/12000. I know it's gas only, but I'm willing to store some fuel in the shed to make sure we don't boil if the power goes out for 4 days in summer again.
Just keep in mind that thing will eat more than Midcap's harem.
Link Posted: 12/20/2022 6:08:55 PM EST
[#16]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Kanati:
Just keep in mind that thing will eat more than Midcap's harem.
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Kanati:
Originally Posted By PKT1106:
Originally Posted By Zhukov:
Amazon is doing rolling sales on various Champion generators. The deals seem to be changing pretty quickly. I would suggest checking slickdeals.net for the latest.


I've got a CCC alert for the big daddy Champion 15000/12000. I know it's gas only, but I'm willing to store some fuel in the shed to make sure we don't boil if the power goes out for 4 days in summer again.
Just keep in mind that thing will eat more than Midcap's harem.






I debated on whether or not to @ him by thats pretty savage
Link Posted: 12/20/2022 6:33:31 PM EST
[Last Edit: 1975] [#17]
What do you guys think about this one in general? Dual fuel. Not necessarily a budget generator. I’m looking for a good blend between watts and efficiency.

Champion 4650-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter

Attachment Attached File
Link Posted: 12/20/2022 7:06:33 PM EST
[#18]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Sodie:


You don't need to run it for a week, just plug it in and watch the wattage as the fridge turns on, while running and then idle. Note the numbers on a pad. It will spike up at start up, drop down a bit then get really low while idle.

Do the same as you turn for the other electric items that you want to run at the same time. Add up the numbers and you'll get a good feel for how big of an inverter you need.

It was fairly easy for me since I use a special computer power strip set to run my computer, modem and tv in my office area. It can sense when the computer is on and it turns on or shuts off everything plugged into it all at once with the computer. A couple sockets are always hot = modem + router.

Microwave ovens are the worst, they really spike high when you first turn them on.

LED light fixtures are the best, very low wattage and they don't surge up like appliances or computers.
View Quote



"Microwave ovens are the worst, they really spike high when you first turn them on"

Panasonic makes true inverter microwaves on their higher end models. An ordinary microwave switches it's full 900-1500 watts total power off and on for various periods to achieve various power levels and these voltage spikes will shut down a small genny. The Panasonic 1500 watt models inverter technology will only pull 750 watts continuously on it's 50% power setting. That's doable with a small genny, you just have to nuke the food twice as long.
Link Posted: 12/21/2022 4:59:02 PM EST
[#19]
Thank you for that info on the inverter microwave. It's about time. I always thought it was kind of simple to adjust duty cycle instead of adjusting transmission power.
Link Posted: 12/23/2022 11:29:59 AM EST
[#20]
Do I need a 220 generator?  I think the only 220 items in the house are the electric stove and dryer.  I'll have to double check.  110 generator options seem to be more plentiful than 220.  Otherwise, some smaller 110 units that can be coupled might be a better way to go.
Link Posted: 12/23/2022 11:31:51 AM EST
[#21]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By motoguy:
Do I need a 220 generator?  I think the only 220 items in the house are the electric stove and dryer.  I'll have to double check.  110 generator options seem to be more plentiful than 220.  Otherwise, some smaller 110 units that can be coupled might be a better way to go.
View Quote

Probably not then.  Most who need it probably have a well system and therefore we need the 220 for water.    
Link Posted: 12/23/2022 12:12:40 PM EST
[#22]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By 7:

Probably not then.  Most who need it probably have a well system and therefore we need the 220 for water.    
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Yup I need one for my well

My main goal for 2023 will be a generator, transfer switch/interlock system for my house

I been wanting to do it since last year but things have come up and I keep pushing it off. Now its going to be my #1 priority
Link Posted: 12/23/2022 12:17:28 PM EST
[#23]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By motoguy:
Do I need a 220 generator?  I think the only 220 items in the house are the electric stove and dryer.  I'll have to double check.  110 generator options seem to be more plentiful than 220.  Otherwise, some smaller 110 units that can be coupled might be a better way to go.
View Quote
I did the "get both" thing.

I need 220 for the well, but overnight I'll just run a small 2500w inverter to keep the freezers going.

Anything big enough to drive a well pump will be thirsty if left running 24/7.
Link Posted: 12/23/2022 2:38:10 PM EST
[#24]
240 VAC, folks. 220 VAC left this country in the late 1960s.
Link Posted: 12/23/2022 4:17:11 PM EST
[#25]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By SR712:
240 VAC, folks. 220 VAC left this country in the late 1960s.
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220, 221...whatever it takes.
Link Posted: 12/23/2022 5:15:43 PM EST
[#26]
Link Posted: 12/23/2022 5:50:44 PM EST
[#27]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By ishootglocks:
I'm ordering this Champion - 50% off right now.

https://www.amazon.com/Champion-Power-Equipment-100555-Generator/dp/B07BYK2ZPP

www.amazon.com/dp/B07BYK2ZPP
View Quote



This arrived the other day, I ran it for 5 hours with various loads (under 1600 watts) for break in then changed the oil. Definitely some shavings in that first oil change.

I used my kill-a-watt to confirm what I assumed regarding power draw on the 3 fridges/freezers as those are what I am most concerned with. I'll also use this to recharge UPS batteries for internet connectivity and TV when needed for longer outages.

I need to look at power inlet boxes some more and decide if I want to run a feed in to a dedicated receptacle (through the wall) or just run a couple extension cords through an open window when needed. Not messing with any sort of transfer switch because of a full breaker box / poor location to try and wire anything else in. I'd rather feed a single receptacle (clearly labeled) and use it for the few items that would need occasional power.
Link Posted: 12/24/2022 9:11:41 AM EST
[#28]
The Champion generators are great, I have a few of the older 2k inverter models that ran for about 5 days after one of our hurricane outages.

These are great deals and even though we've got a whole house generator now still might pull the trigger on one of the bigger inverter models that keep popping up.

Also great customer service that is US based!
Link Posted: 12/24/2022 2:13:48 PM EST
[#29]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Kanati:
I did the "get both" thing.

I need 220 for the well, but overnight I'll just run a small 2500w inverter to keep the freezers going.

Anything big enough to drive a well pump will be thirsty if left running 24/7.
View Quote View All Quotes
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Kanati:
Originally Posted By motoguy:
Do I need a 220 generator?  I think the only 220 items in the house are the electric stove and dryer.  I'll have to double check.  110 generator options seem to be more plentiful than 220.  Otherwise, some smaller 110 units that can be coupled might be a better way to go.
I did the "get both" thing.

I need 220 for the well, but overnight I'll just run a small 2500w inverter to keep the freezers going.

Anything big enough to drive a well pump will be thirsty if left running 24/7.


I think I will do the same.  My well and grinder pump are 240V but the rest of the "important" stuff is 120V.

Did you have to get two hookups for your generator (120V and 240V)?  I am thinking I will have to do that ... get an electrician to install a transfer switch and two lines to the back porch area.
Link Posted: 12/24/2022 3:37:55 PM EST
[#30]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By stockshift:


I think I will do the same.  My well and grinder pump are 240V but the rest of the "important" stuff is 120V.

Did you have to get two hookups for your generator (120V and 240V)?  I am thinking I will have to do that ... get an electrician to install a transfer switch and two lines to the back porch area.
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By stockshift:
Originally Posted By Kanati:
Originally Posted By motoguy:
Do I need a 220 generator?  I think the only 220 items in the house are the electric stove and dryer.  I'll have to double check.  110 generator options seem to be more plentiful than 220.  Otherwise, some smaller 110 units that can be coupled might be a better way to go.
I did the "get both" thing.

I need 220 for the well, but overnight I'll just run a small 2500w inverter to keep the freezers going.

Anything big enough to drive a well pump will be thirsty if left running 24/7.


I think I will do the same.  My well and grinder pump are 240V but the rest of the "important" stuff is 120V.

Did you have to get two hookups for your generator (120V and 240V)?  I am thinking I will have to do that ... get an electrician to install a transfer switch and two lines to the back porch area.
I just have a single 50 amp 14-50R inlet and use an adapter that bridges both hots and has a TT-30P plug to fit into the little genset.

That way it powers both sides of the panel with 120vac. None of the 240v stuff will work, but everything else will work just fine.

It keeps the freezers going and provides enough power for the cable modem/wifi/TV, and allows you to turn on overhead lights as you move around the house at night. The pressure tank on the well always has enough pressure for a toilet flush even without power.
Link Posted: 12/25/2022 9:28:39 AM EST
[#31]
Link Posted: 12/25/2022 2:47:18 PM EST
[#32]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Kanati:
I just have a single 50 amp 14-50R inlet and use an adapter that bridges both hots and has a TT-30P plug to fit into the little genset.

That way it powers both sides of the panel with 120vac. None of the 240v stuff will work, but everything else will work just fine.

It keeps the freezers going and provides enough power for the cable modem/wifi/TV, and allows you to turn on overhead lights as you move around the house at night. The pressure tank on the well always has enough pressure for a toilet flush even without power.
View Quote View All Quotes
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Kanati:
Originally Posted By stockshift:
Originally Posted By Kanati:
Originally Posted By motoguy:
Do I need a 220 generator?  I think the only 220 items in the house are the electric stove and dryer.  I'll have to double check.  110 generator options seem to be more plentiful than 220.  Otherwise, some smaller 110 units that can be coupled might be a better way to go.
I did the "get both" thing.

I need 220 for the well, but overnight I'll just run a small 2500w inverter to keep the freezers going.

Anything big enough to drive a well pump will be thirsty if left running 24/7.


I think I will do the same.  My well and grinder pump are 240V but the rest of the "important" stuff is 120V.

Did you have to get two hookups for your generator (120V and 240V)?  I am thinking I will have to do that ... get an electrician to install a transfer switch and two lines to the back porch area.
I just have a single 50 amp 14-50R inlet and use an adapter that bridges both hots and has a TT-30P plug to fit into the little genset.

That way it powers both sides of the panel with 120vac. None of the 240v stuff will work, but everything else will work just fine.

It keeps the freezers going and provides enough power for the cable modem/wifi/TV, and allows you to turn on overhead lights as you move around the house at night. The pressure tank on the well always has enough pressure for a toilet flush even without power.


Thanks, I am thinking of getting two (240V and 120V) or just the 120V generator hookups.  Frankly I think I can do without the 240V as I have backup water and a chemical toilet so I may go with just the 120V hookup.   All I want is my refrigerator and oil furnace to run during emergencies so that my food doesn't spoil and I can heat the house to prevent pipes from freezing.

Going with a sole 120V would also save me the trouble of buying a bigger inverter generator that can handle both 120/240 (e.g. the Honda 7k inverter, which goes for close to $5k!).  I'd rather stick with the lower priced Honda EU3200i (which is also much more portable than the very heavy Honda 7k unit).
Link Posted: 12/25/2022 6:56:32 PM EST
[#33]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By stockshift:


Thanks, I am thinking of getting two (240V and 120V) or just the 120V generator hookups.  Frankly I think I can do without the 240V as I have backup water and a chemical toilet so I may go with just the 120V hookup.   All I want is my refrigerator and oil furnace to run during emergencies so that my food doesn't spoil and I can heat the house to prevent pipes from freezing.

Going with a sole 120V would also save me the trouble of buying a bigger inverter generator that can handle both 120/240 (e.g. the Honda 7k inverter, which goes for close to $5k!).  I'd rather stick with the lower priced Honda EU3200i (which is also much more portable than the very heavy Honda 7k unit).
View Quote


Champion, Predator and others make 3000- 4500 watt inverter generators for a fraction of the price. I sold my pair of EU3000IS a few years ago. I will be buying a dual fuel soon.
Link Posted: 12/25/2022 8:35:14 PM EST
[#34]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By zoe17:


Champion, Predator and others make 3000- 4500 watt inverter generators for a fraction of the price. I sold my pair of EU3000IS a few years ago. I will be buying a dual fuel soon.
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Interesting.  Part of the reason I'm holding out for the Honda is the ultra-quiet noise ratings.  The other brand inverters are good but nobody seems to come close to Honda.  I like "quiet" -- from a stealth perspective it's not good to stand out as the only home in the area that is noisily chugging away with power when everyone else is dark.  

Good point on dual fuel though ... propane would be much easier to store.  The nearest gas station with pure gas (no ethanol) is 25 minutes away.
Link Posted: 12/26/2022 7:36:33 AM EST
[Last Edit: Krauss] [#35]
OP here.

I made my original post in 2017 when I bought the predator 2000. I think that’s enough time to safely say if it’s worth it.

Between that unit and my larger Westinghouse 9500 dual fuel, they saved my ass this week at my house in Buffalo.

I’m going to do a small little write up about my long term experience with the Predator, issues, and how everything shook out with back to back storms 3 weeks apart without power.
Link Posted: 12/26/2022 7:59:22 AM EST
[#36]
$159 right now.


https://slickdeals.net/f/16339228-sportsman-gen1000i-1000-watt-inverter-generator-159-with-free-shipping-at-walmart-com
Link Posted: 12/26/2022 3:22:02 PM EST
[#37]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Krauss:
OP here.

I made my original post in 2017 when I bought the predator 2000. I think that’s enough time to safely say if it’s worth it.

Between that unit and my larger Westinghouse 9500 dual fuel, they saved my ass this week at my house in Buffalo.

I’m going to do a small little write up about my long term experience with the Predator, issues, and how everything shook out with back to back storms 3 weeks apart without power.
View Quote

good to hear!

looking forward to the write-up
Link Posted: 12/26/2022 6:14:00 PM EST
[#38]
Of course the Honda EU2000i is on the top of the list for the 5th wheel, small light, quiet, and you can connect the companion generator to it for more power if I run the AC.  But they are $2,600 for the pair.

Home Depot has the Westinghouse generator, on paper the same thing, I can get two generators for $1,200.  Since generators and not the companion thing I can alternate the two for use.  
Link Posted: 12/26/2022 6:30:27 PM EST
[#39]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Kubota3430:
Of course the Honda EU2000i is on the top of the list for the 5th wheel, small light, quiet, and you can connect the companion generator to it for more power if I run the AC.  But they are $2,600 for the pair.

Home Depot has the Westinghouse generator, on paper the same thing, I can get two generators for $1,200.  Since generators and not the companion thing I can alternate the two for use.  
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Look at a predator 3500 for your needs.
Link Posted: 12/28/2022 1:31:21 PM EST
[#40]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Rick_NE:



$989
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Originally Posted By Rick_NE:
Originally Posted By Zhukov:
At Amazon: $566.28

www.amazon.com/dp/B07KQ2P49Y



$989

$553 right now.
Link Posted: 12/28/2022 10:00:01 PM EST
[Last Edit: wesr228] [#41]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Krauss:
OP here.

I made my original post in 2017 when I bought the predator 2000. I think that’s enough time to safely say if it’s worth it.

Between that unit and my larger Westinghouse 9500 dual fuel, they saved my ass this week at my house in Buffalo.

I’m going to do a small little write up about my long term experience with the Predator, issues, and how everything shook out with back to back storms 3 weeks apart without power.
View Quote


Glad y’all made it and doing okay OP!! Hell of a thread you got started here!

Still lots of great deals in lots of places (that 2500 dual fuel champion is outfrigging standing).

So not as cheap as other options, but the OG of this thread and all Harbor Freight generators are 20% off through January 05th.

Attachment Attached File
Link Posted: 12/28/2022 10:08:21 PM EST
[#42]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By stockshift:


Interesting.  Part of the reason I'm holding out for the Honda is the ultra-quiet noise ratings.  The other brand inverters are good but nobody seems to come close to Honda.  I like "quiet" -- from a stealth perspective it's not good to stand out as the only home in the area that is noisily chugging away with power when everyone else is dark.  

Good point on dual fuel though ... propane would be much easier to store.  The nearest gas station with pure gas (no ethanol) is 25 minutes away.
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Lots of good options for converting to either dual or trifuel on the Hondas.

I’m not there but I am a proponent of two generators. I have a big 7kw for the well and a/c (through micro air easy start), and a smaller 2200 watt for window unit and fridge, freezer and lights.
Link Posted: 1/1/2023 1:50:23 AM EST
[#43]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By vmax84:
$159 right now.


https://slickdeals.net/f/16339228-sportsman-gen1000i-1000-watt-inverter-generator-159-with-free-shipping-at-walmart-com
View Quote


I ordered one.
Youtube reviews show them shutting off at 600-700W, despite the 800W continuous rating.
I wonder if they shut down due to measured load across the inverter, overheating of the inverter, or lack of horsepower?
In the winter, power should be higher, and the electronics shouldn't overheat.
Also there'd be more drag if the testers filled it with the previously recommended 10oz of oil instead of the current recommended fill of 7.5oz.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sportsman-GEN1000i-1000-Watt-Inverter-Generator-for-Sensitive-Electronics/55484475?athbdg=L1600
Link Posted: 1/1/2023 2:26:17 AM EST
[Last Edit: Kanati] [#44]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By PepePewPew:


I ordered one.
Youtube reviews show them shutting off at 600-700W, despite the 800W continuous rating.
I wonder if they shut down due to measured load across the inverter, overheating of the inverter, or lack of horsepower?
In the winter, power should be higher, and the electronics shouldn't overheat.
Also there'd be more drag if the testers filled it with the previously recommended 10oz of oil instead of the current recommended fill of 7.5oz.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sportsman-GEN1000i-1000-Watt-Inverter-Generator-for-Sensitive-Electronics/55484475?athbdg=L1600
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Originally Posted By PepePewPew:
Originally Posted By vmax84:
$159 right now.


https://slickdeals.net/f/16339228-sportsman-gen1000i-1000-watt-inverter-generator-159-with-free-shipping-at-walmart-com


I ordered one.
Youtube reviews show them shutting off at 600-700W, despite the 800W continuous rating.
I wonder if they shut down due to measured load across the inverter, overheating of the inverter, or lack of horsepower?
In the winter, power should be higher, and the electronics shouldn't overheat.
Also there'd be more drag if the testers filled it with the previously recommended 10oz of oil instead of the current recommended fill of 7.5oz.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sportsman-GEN1000i-1000-Watt-Inverter-Generator-for-Sensitive-Electronics/55484475?athbdg=L1600
I use these to power remote timing equipment at rally events and they do great for low power needs.

I'll probably be replacing them with battery power packs as they get cheaper, but they will run all day on a gallon of gas and are quiet enough to use while tent camping to keep a fan or two and a cpap for the old man going.


Link Posted: 1/1/2023 10:01:44 AM EST
[Last Edit: PepePewPew] [#45]
Originally Posted By Kanati:
I use these to power remote timing equipment at rally events and they do great for low power needs.

I'll probably be replacing them with battery powerhttps://www.ar15.com/forums/manageReply.html?a=modify&b=1&f=5&t=2032324&tl=Harbor-Freight-Inverter-Generators-NOW-OFFICIAL-BUDGET-GENERATOR-THREAD&r=102129064&page=97# packs as they get cheaper, but they will run all day on a gallon of gas and are quiet enough to use while tent camping to keep a fan or two and a cpap for the old man going.
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I'm going to rearrange my load panel so that the freezer, fridge, furnace and sump pump are on the same pole and then backfeed that pole.
I suspect I can run any two of those at a time, will be interesting to see.
If I need to run the furnace, I can leave the freezer (in the garage) off for several hours at a time.
But I might need a second one for the sump pump. I'll be happily surprised if I can start the sump pump with the fridge running.
Fortunately my two extended power failures at this house were caused by ice storms, and I didn't need the sump pump. But if I lose power in April, I won't last 15 minutes without the sump pump.  

Link Posted: 1/1/2023 10:14:15 AM EST
[#46]
How do the parallel cables work, do they simply bond the Ground, Neutral and Hot wires of the two generators?
Can you do the same thing with a generator that doesn't have the parallel jacks, like the Sportsman 1000i, by using a M-M-F y cable?

(imagine putting two male plugs on the cable in the picture)


Link Posted: 1/1/2023 10:43:42 AM EST
[Last Edit: draver] [#47]
All of the parallel cables I have seen already have male ends on the red & black leads.  If you peek into the panel ports you will see that they are all female on every genset with them.

The only minor exception to the ports and cables are the Champion line has a square port and connector shell. I'm not sure why they adopted that configuration.
Link Posted: 1/1/2023 12:34:31 PM EST
[#48]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By draver:
All of the parallel cables I have seen already have male ends on the red & black leads.  
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I meant a male 5-15P, which would plug into the single 120v outlet on my 1000i generator.

Link Posted: 1/1/2023 4:07:51 PM EST
[#49]
Although probably (Hopefully Also) uncommon, others have fabricated a double ended "Parallel" cable from that type of plug.  Generally referred to as a "Suicide Cord" for good reason.  Arguably safe as long as both ends remain plugged into a receptacle in the gensets.  BUT, they put parallel ports in gennys that are capable, so you need to ask, why do it that way?   Others have claimed to back feed their 240v circuit by patching into their home electric dryer socket this way.
Link Posted: 1/2/2023 12:41:05 PM EST
[#50]
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