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Posted: 7/31/2024 8:03:30 PM EST
[#1]
I know it is a ton of work, but can some enterprising soul create an index of topics, so that we can update the OP and jump to certain pages?
106 pages is a lot to sort through. |
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Posted: 8/2/2024 9:46:51 PM EST
[#2]
I'm only on page 32 so far but I've been learning a lot from this thread.
There's a new, never used Wen 3600 inverter generator for sale locally for 340 bucks. The same one goes for $450 on Amazon and $489 at Home Depot. The box is opened but it's still in the plastic. Is that a good enough deal on a decent enough generator that I should grab it, even though I've ordered a 4000w dual fuel Champion that hasn't arrived yet? 
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Posted: 8/3/2024 8:39:06 AM EST
[#3]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By M1tchell: I'm only on page 32 so far but I've been learning a lot from this thread. There's a new, never used Wen 3600 inverter generator for sale locally for 340 bucks. The same one goes for $450 on Amazon and $489 at Home Depot. The box is opened but it's still in the plastic. Is that a good enough deal on a decent enough generator that I should grab it, even though I've ordered a 4000w dual fuel Champion that hasn't arrived yet? Yes |
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Posted: 8/4/2024 10:12:49 PM EST
[#4]
I've got the Champion 2500, been sitting in the garage.
With Tropical Storm Debby the power went out around 4pm here in my neighborhood in Naples, FL. (came back in about 30 minutes) My router battery was good for about 2hrs so I was debating about taking the genny out and setting it up. During that mental debate I made the decision to finally pursue an Ecoflow Delta Max 2. I can easily connect that Ecoflow to the 30A genny inlet that runs into the house panel, essentially taking the place of the generator. Later on I can run the generator direct into that Ecoflow to charge it up and continue letting the Ecoflow deal with the ups and downs of lights, refrigerator, microwave, etc. My one catch, and I even bought parts and such, is making the platform and rain shelter for the generator so I can leave it running outside while there is rain lol. |
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Posted: 8/5/2024 9:43:22 AM EST
[Last Edit: wesr228]
[#5]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By danpass: I've got the Champion 2500, been sitting in the garage. With Tropical Storm Debby the power went out around 4pm here in my neighborhood in Naples, FL. (came back in about 30 minutes) My router battery was good for about 2hrs so I was debating about taking the genny out and setting it up. During that mental debate I made the decision to finally pursue an Ecoflow Delta Max 2. I can easily connect that Ecoflow to the 30A genny inlet that runs into the house panel, essentially taking the place of the generator. Later on I can run the generator direct into that Ecoflow to charge it up and continue letting the Ecoflow deal with the ups and downs of lights, refrigerator, microwave, etc. My one catch, and I even bought parts and such, is making the platform and rain shelter for the generator so I can leave it running outside while there is rain lol. Nice! That's very similar to a setup I have. Besides a Generlink, I have a small, 4 circuit transfer switch that is tied into a sub-panel. I have a power inlet to the closet that holds the MTS, as well as Ecoflow Delta 2 with Max Extra Battery, for about 3kwh total. It's come in very handy. When there's a severe weather forecast, I'll flip those circuits on while pass through charging on the Ecoflow. It'll last about 4 hours of high use, 8 if my wife's not home  . It certainly is nice to not have to go out to the shed and hookup immediately or worry about going out in the rain. This setup powers the fridge, Living Room with Ceiling Fan and Entertainment Center, Bathrooms and Master Bedroom. Uber convenient and it has replaced my old "outage kit." |
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PA, USA
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Posted: 9/17/2024 8:10:58 PM EST
[Last Edit: mattdoc]
[#6]
In true GD fashion, I got both. I have an interlock setup that I can feed the panel with, and have a 7500 W Generac loud non-inverter and a 3200 W closed-frame Firman inverter (recently picked up on the $350 refurb deal https://firmanpowerequipment.com/products/wh03242f).
The inverter is nice for multiple reasons, one of which is the clean power I can feed the whole house with. If I use the Generac, I can't use my gas oven and the UPS I have my router/modem on is unhappy because the power is too dirty for the electronics. I haven't tried the inverter on the house yet but assume it will work for that, and cover the rest of my house except the electric dryer and central AC. Which brings me to an idea to use both if I want central AC instead of using my backup window unit. With a soft start kit, my Generac could power my outdoor unit. What would be the best (budget) way to power the 240V AC outdoor unit separately, at the same time I have the inverter hooked up to the inlet/transfer switch I already have? Any reason that's dumb/unsafe? I'm not sure the ground implications of this idea, but otherwise it sounds like it would work. My outdoor unit does not have a neutral come out to it. The ground wire is connected to the housing. I'm fully set up to use either generator for the panel/whole house, it's the "power the outdoor AC unit separately" idea that I just had that I'm wondering about. Since it's outside already, I am looking at how to power it right from the large generator, not through my interlock/panel setup. Maybe run power right into the correct terminals on the exterior 240V disconnect if there's an adapter for this, or wire L14-30 plug and receptacle into the line that powers the AC from the disconnect, so I can unplug it and plug it into a generator extension cord. Or maybe get a box that can switch between 2 power inputs like some people have for their whole panel, but this one would just be for the AC outdoor unit and be outside. |
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Posted: 9/28/2024 8:43:53 PM EST
[#7]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GTLandser: I know it is a ton of work, but can some enterprising soul create an index of topics, so that we can update the OP and jump to certain pages? 106 pages is a lot to sort through. Whenever you’ve got it done let me know and I’ll put in the OP 
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Posted: 9/28/2024 10:49:30 PM EST
[#8]
I don't know if this is appropriate for this thread but I learned of this thing here and I've found it very helpful in using my predator during this storm.
 Attached File |
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Posted: 9/28/2024 11:46:55 PM EST
[Last Edit: Cobalt135]
[#9]
Edited for fuel useage hours....
I have a Honda EU6500is for nearly a decade now that can power the whole house minus the hard start of the AC which is not important in the summer as far as I am concerened in an emergency. Preserving the reefer/freezer food and the ability to draw water from the 220 well pump which starts fine using it and have gas water heater and stove and it has run them for days during outages is key to me. Will run for about 14 hours on around 4.5 gallons of fuel under normal useage here (runs at lowest rpm unless well or microwave/ air fryer is running). Have the ability to store about 75 gallons of fuel. Looking for a small quiet genset to power refrigerator and freezer plus a few lights and sip less fuel and the 2000 W seem to be the focus for maximizing fuel useage during a long term outage. A gallon of fuel will last around 8-10 hours at 25% with a 2000w unit from researching. Run the large genset to power the 220 well pump a few minutes a day for water neeeds and switch over to a small 2000ish unit when needed for any other laod. |
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USA
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Posted: 9/29/2024 8:41:27 AM EST
[Last Edit: brcarls]
[#10]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Cobalt135: Looking for a small quiet genset to power refrigerator and freezer plus a few lights and sip less fuel and the 2000 W seem to be the focus for maximizing fuel useage during a long term outage. A gallon of fuel will last nearly 24 hours with a 2000w unit from researching. I need a link to this 2000W generator that will run 24 hours on a gallon of gas. My EU2200i will only run about 8 hours on a gallon and that is basically at idle when tailgating. That's the same fuel burn as you're getting with a EU6500is... |
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Posted: 9/29/2024 8:49:56 AM EST
[Last Edit: fxntime]
[#11]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Cobalt135: I have a Honda EU6500is for nearly a decade now that can power the whole house minus the hard start of the AC which is not important in the summer as far as I am concerened in an emergency. Preserving the reefer/freezer food and the ability to draw water from the 220 well pump which starts fine using it and have gas water heater and stove and it has run them for days during outages is key to me. Will run for about 24 hours on around 4 gallons of fuel under normal useage here. Have the ability to store about 75 gallons of fuel. Looking for a small quiet genset to power refrigerator and freezer plus a few lights and sip less fuel and the 2000 W seem to be the focus for maximizing fuel useage during a long term outage. A gallon of fuel will last nearly 24 hours with a 2000w unit from researching. Run the large genset to power the 220 well pump a few minutes a day for water neeeds and switch over to a small 2000ish unit when needed for any other laod. 2400-3000w inverter. Still sips fuel pretty well but will handle starting loads far better then a 2K. Or 2 2K's and the ability to pair them. Use one most of the time, both as needed. I just bought a Firman 4K inverter shipped to my house for $335 with 2 year warranty. That'll give me a small medium large choice, between 2K, 4K and 10K generators, and using the one that gives me the power I need but at the fuel savings when I don't need a bigger one. The 4K is still light enough for me to put in my truck and run my Lincoln welder off it. The 10K, not so much, it's pretty heavy. |
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Posted: 9/29/2024 10:38:42 AM EST
[#12]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By brcarls: I need a link to this 2000W generator that will run 24 hours on a gallon of gas. My EU2200i will only run about 8 hours on a gallon and that is basically at idle when tailgating. That's the same fuel burn as you're getting with a EU6500is... Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By brcarls: Originally Posted By Cobalt135: Looking for a small quiet genset to power refrigerator and freezer plus a few lights and sip less fuel and the 2000 W seem to be the focus for maximizing fuel useage during a long term outage. A gallon of fuel will last nearly 24 hours with a 2000w unit from researching. I need a link to this 2000W generator that will run 24 hours on a gallon of gas. My EU2200i will only run about 8 hours on a gallon and that is basically at idle when tailgating. That's the same fuel burn as you're getting with a EU6500is... Was up too late posting, changed numbers I was looking at some Westinghouse units, they claim 12h @25% but I would bet 10 unless proven otherwise...  Attached File |
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Posted: 9/29/2024 10:50:11 AM EST
[#13]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By gitarmac: I don't know if this is appropriate for this thread but I learned of this thing here and I've found it very helpful in using my predator during this storm. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/7067/Screenshot_20240928-224503_png-3335200.JPG |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 9/29/2024 11:03:28 AM EST
[#14]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By brcarls: I need a link to this 2000W generator that will run 24 hours on a gallon of gas. My EU2200i will only run about 8 hours on a gallon and that is basically at idle when tailgating. That's the same fuel burn as you're getting with a EU6500is... During the power outage of Hurricane Ian I used my WEN 2350W. I started it at 6:00 in the morning and ran it until power came back on at 10:00 that night. I ran the refrigerator, a 32 inch flat screen TV and a fan the entire time. During the evening we hooked up some lights and charged up our phones. I used a little less than half the gas in the tank for the 16 hrs it ran. I think the gas tank is one gal. I didn't need to power the 5K BTU backup window AC so I don't know how that would have affected the load. It pulls about 350W under load. I suspect that if it was hooked up with the refrigerator and the other things we were running a gallon would not have lasted the entire 24 hrs but it would have been close. |
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USA
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Posted: 9/29/2024 5:09:51 PM EST
[Last Edit: brcarls]
[#15]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Cobalt135: Run the large genset to power the 220 well pump a few minutes a day for water neeeds and switch over to a small 2000ish unit when needed for any other laod. This is exactly what I do. My small generator is a EU2200i which has a fuel pump. This is key because I hook it up to a jerry can with a fuel hose adapter and can run for 2 days and "refueling" is just swapping the adapter to a full jerry can (a lot safer than pouring fuel into a hot generator). You can do a similar thing with gravity feed generators, but the fuel pump makes it bulletproof. I plug it into my 220V generator inlet with a cord with both phases shorted together so that all circuits are powered, not just half of them. I can run my whole house except well pump, HVAC and electric stove with the small generator. I just have to be mindful to not do something silly like run the microwave and air fryer at the same time. also, your edited numbers make sense now :) |
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Posted: 9/29/2024 6:47:15 PM EST
[#16]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 7: No more picking up the heavy cans to fuel up devices. They are great! I switched to 2 1/2 gallon cans years ago. |
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Posted: 9/30/2024 7:14:29 AM EST
[#17]
I am still using a pretty old Honda powered 6500W set.
This past week (Helene) I used it 11 or so hours. I have a small house on a mountain spur and we lose power for more than a few minutes a few time a year. My setup is a dedicated generator inlet box that backfeeds a 240V breaker in my main panel. I can run 3 mini-splits (inverters FTW) 2 chest freezers, 2 refrigerators, any lights and such. I have to cycle most things off to run the well pump. I am thinking I will invest in a large pressure tank to allow more water use with less power cycling needed. A 100 gallon tank would probably be a good start. I am thinking about a propane water heater, either OD or tank so hot showers can be a thing. I am going to change a few things before long but all in all the setup I have now works well. I plan to buy a dual-fuel conversion carb to be able to run my current gen on propane. I am still wanting to buy a big inverter generator and will if I catch one on sale. |
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Posted: 9/30/2024 11:30:05 AM EST
[#18]
Considering adding a portable gen set. 8-10K size propane. Not exactly portable but not physically attached to the house like a standby would be.
Wondering if anyone is using one of the meter base adapters that allow for gen feed and switch from Line to Gen Set? |
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Posted: 9/30/2024 11:31:25 AM EST
[#19]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SandHillsHillbilly: Considering adding a portable gen set. 8-10K size propane. Not exactly portable but not physically attached to the house like a standby would be. Wondering if anyone is using one of the meter base adapters that allow for gen feed and switch from Line to Gen Set? Right now I am sitting with a house full of people from NC and SC because they all lost power or were flooded. We were lucky here this time. Maybe not so much next time. |
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Posted: 10/2/2024 8:41:47 PM EST
[#20]
How much does this one run when it goes on sale? The 5k is on sale the coming week for $849.
 Attached File |
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Posted: 10/5/2024 2:13:40 PM EST
[Last Edit: ponykilr]
[#21]
What is the best deal in a 9kw or so size inverter?
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Posted: 10/5/2024 4:29:56 PM EST
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ponykilr: What is the best deal in a 9kw or so size inverter? Do you want fuel options or just gasoline? I'm waiting for the Champion 9000W Tri Fuel Inverter 201176 to drop back down after hurricane season. |
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Posted: 10/5/2024 7:48:49 PM EST
[#23]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By PKT1106: Do you want fuel options or just gasoline? I'm waiting for the Champion 9000W Tri Fuel Inverter 201176 to drop back down after hurricane season. |
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Posted: 10/7/2024 12:20:52 AM EST
[Last Edit: Fiyero]
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By PKT1106: Do you want fuel options or just gasoline? I'm waiting for the Champion 9000W Tri Fuel Inverter 201176 to drop back down after hurricane season. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By PKT1106: Originally Posted By ponykilr: What is the best deal in a 9kw or so size inverter? Do you want fuel options or just gasoline? I'm waiting for the Champion 9000W Tri Fuel Inverter 201176 to drop back down after hurricane season. Is it possible to still use the Parallel Kit with the 9000W and another smaller unit such as a 4500W? |
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Posted: 10/7/2024 12:31:22 AM EST
[Last Edit: Gamma762]
[#25]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Fiyero: Is it possible to still use the Parallel Kit with the 9000W and another smaller unit such as a 4500W? The larger inverters that do 240v can't do paralleling with a smaller 120v only unit. You're talking about way more power than a connector can handle. People need to get some sense over the amounts of power that people throw around with some of this stuff. A whole lot of it is just money (and fuel, and weight) wasted for capability that can't be used, just because they're overbuying out of ignorance. If you actually need 15 kilowatts of power you need to be looking at something beyond a portable generator IMO. |
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Posted: 10/7/2024 8:47:08 AM EST
[#26]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GlocksareGood: How much does this one run when it goes on sale? The 5k is on sale the coming week for $849. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/60593/Screenshot_20241002-213851_png-3338801.JPG Damn, just got the email showing it's on sale for $850. I already have that same model, but I'm wondering if I want a duplicate of the same or go for a smaller unit (the 3500 for example). The 5k is the only one they sell that's Dual Fuel though, so I'm torn. I like the flexibility/security of both options, but I do suspect I'm already giving more power than I need. 1) Forced hot air furnace 2) Pellet Stove 3) Monitor heater in the garage 4) Fridge/Freezers as needed 5) Lights |
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Posted: 10/7/2024 9:10:05 AM EST
[Last Edit: zoe17]
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Gearsoup: Damn, just got the email showing it's on sale for $850. I already have that same model, but I'm wondering if I want a duplicate of the same or go for a smaller unit (the 3500 for example). The 5k is the only one they sell that's Dual Fuel though, so I'm torn. I like the flexibility/security of both options, but I do suspect I'm already giving more power than I need. 1) Forced hot air furnace 2) Pellet Stove 3) Monitor heater in the garage 4) Fridge/Freezers as needed 5) Lights Two is one, one is none. |
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Posted: 10/7/2024 9:13:00 AM EST
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By zoe17: Two is one, one is none. Absolutely agree. That said, some of the conversations above give me the idea that I might be a bit overboard on the kw output and just wasting fuel 
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Posted: 10/7/2024 12:47:46 PM EST
[#29]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Gearsoup: Absolutely agree. That said, some of the conversations above give me the idea that I might be a bit overboard on the kw output and just wasting fuel I always tell people to use the smallest inverter generator they can get by using. I can’t run my 5-ton HVAC, so small is fine. |
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Posted: 10/7/2024 1:06:49 PM EST
[Last Edit: Gamma762]
[#30]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Gearsoup: Absolutely agree. That said, some of the conversations above give me the idea that I might be a bit overboard on the kw output and just wasting fuel This is just my opinion but when you get above say 6000 watts or so I start to get queasy about amperages, wire gauges, plugs, etc. If you're genuinely splitting things up with multiple cords that's better, if you have a 240 generator and part of that load is on 240 that helps also. But a lot of the time I think people are just buying power because they're scared of the unknown and want extra, but without an understanding of the hazards of overloading something, more fuel use, heavier generator, higher cost, and a lot of the time that extra is going to waste. Above 6kw I'd put real thought into all the steps in the power delivery process. As an example off the top of my head I think I figured up once that two 4000w peak inverter generators in parallel when connected in a bridged 120v configuration to a 240v generator input or high-amp 240 connection could put as much as 67 amps on the neutral wire which doesn't have a circuit breaker. Let's say that's a 30 amp circuit and you're right at the limit of tripping one or both 30 amp breakers, that means the neutral wire is carrying 50~60+ amps without a breaker. Power is great until it starts to do something you don't want. And I think many simply overestimate the amount of power they actually need to run the things they want to run. It's not trivial but putting a wattmeter/ammeter on the whole house so that you can see what your actual usage looks like would be pretty instructive I think. |
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Posted: 10/7/2024 2:59:44 PM EST
[#31]
It is my understanding that something along the lines of a 9kw inverter gen will throttle down under lower loads and only go full throttle when approaching max load.
I am thinking that upgrading my 30A input receptacle to a 50A and a 9kw inverter would allow me to run my well pump at will without cycling other loads off. My 6.5kw set I have now runs all I want to run, simultaneously (2 freezers, 2 refrigerators, 3 mini-splits) except I have to fiddle to keep water flowing when needed. |
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Posted: 10/8/2024 10:06:08 PM EST
[#32]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GlocksareGood: How much does this one run when it goes on sale? The 5k is on sale the coming week for $849. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/60593/Screenshot_20241002-213851_png-3338801.JPG I use mine for 2 freezers, side by side fridge, TV and router, fans, and various and sundry other items. The way my house is layed out, I can put it on my back patio, which is open, run a three way cord into the mudroom. The freezer in there is plugged in, another two cords go to the den where I use a power strip for the TV and router, a longer cord to kitchen for the fridge and other freezer. I have another cord that is in that part of the house in the day, and goes down the hall into the bedroom at night. That one gets moved around depending. All of this sounds like a lot more trouble than it is. I have a piece of plywood from the patio table to a sawhorse to cover the generator if needed. It's very easy to roll out for refueling. And it would be very hard to steal, you would have to find the gates and get past the beagles, plus I'm a light sleeper. Also my neighbor would see. It's right outside my bedroom but not really too loud. Other than not having AC, which isn't a priority for me, it was pretty normal. I was amazed at how little gas I used, I would guess about 10 gallons running non-stop for 6 days. |
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Posted: 10/9/2024 10:56:04 PM EST
[Last Edit: danpass]
[#33]
Not sure if Prime Day Deal counts as budget but I finally pulled the trigger on a battery bank and the most recent blink in power here in Naples just now sealed it.
Ecoflow Delta 2 Max ordered  I’ve been watching these for 8 months or so, to put into my electrical chain for the purpose of having a buffer between electrical load and electrical generator. The battery bank would handle the peaks and valleys of the house load (just the 120v stuff through the interlock in the panel) and the generator would simply charge the battery bank directly when necessary, instead of having the genny running 12+ hrs at a time between propane tanks. There are medical devices involved as well so some type of power source would need to continue running overnight. The battery bank would likely meet that need. Using a kill-a-watt suggests it would but if not then a second battery can be linked to the main unit. |
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TN, USA
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Posted: 10/11/2024 5:25:02 PM EST
[#34]
Kinda torn
A refurbished FIRMAN 1,600 watt (2,000 surge) inverter generator for $299 or... A new wen 3,500 watt (4,000 surge) open frame inverter generator for $299 What should I do in this price bracket? |
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Posted: 10/11/2024 5:37:23 PM EST
[#35]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Burncycle: Kinda torn A refurbished FIRMAN 1,600 watt (2,000 surge) inverter generator for $299 or... A new wen 3,500 watt (4,000 surge) open frame inverter generator for $299 What should I do in this price bracket? You need watts or portability? A 2k generator typically is about 40 pounds and reasonable for one person to pick up and move. The Wen is going to be too heavy for one person to just pick it up and move it. Figure in the cost of a Harbor Freight utility wagon to set it on, or a wheel kit if you have smooth surfaces to roll it around on. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 10/15/2024 10:06:33 AM EST
[Last Edit: shadycoh]
[#36]
I hate harbor freight.
I have been in the market for a gen for a while now. Went to HF to get some cut off wheels On sat durring the parking lot sale. They had a return/repaired 8750 inverter gen marked down to 750 and a sign that said all return/repaired items discounted up to 55% of the marked price. So silly me asked at the register what the cost would be. They said 590 out the door. I asked how do I know it works or am I taking a 600 buck gamble. The manager said you have 5 days to try it but if it takes you 7 I will not say anything. Took it home oil and gas hit the start button nothing well maybe a slight click Pulled the choke and second pull of the cord it fired up. Hit up the internet and it said the switches are notorious for failing. So 6 bucks on amazon and 24 hours latter new switch installed and click noda. Took some pliers and jumped the starter solenoid and she roared to life. Hit up amazon and solenoid was 7 bucks. Ordered that and now that its narrowed down to the wire from the switch to the solenoid or the solenoid its self I will check the wire before replacing the solenoid but did not want to do anything till I had the parts. The display said U120 so I figured it was jacked up as it should say 220 :( checked both legs and each was at 120 the 220 plug had 2 legs of 120. Hit up the internet and find out they had to change the display to 120 because they had to many calls from people not wanting to plug in a 120 item when the generator was making 220 lol. According to a FB group lots of people returned them for that reason it only showing 120. Shows it had 32 total hours on it. and it did not have the wheel kit but I can live with it on a garden cart. And my Yeswelder ran great on it I had some fence repairs to do. |
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Posted: 10/15/2024 10:37:47 AM EST
[#37]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By shadycoh: I hate harbor freight. I have been in the market for a gen for a while now. Went to HF to get some cut off wheels On sat durring the parking lot sale. They had a return/repaired 8750 inverter gen marked down to 750 and a sign that said all return/repaired items discounted up to 55% of the marked price. So silly me asked at the register what the cost would be. They said 590 out the door. I asked how do I know it works or am I taking a 600 buck gamble. The manager said you have 5 days to try it but if it takes you 7 I will not say anything. Took it home oil and gas hit the start button nothing well maybe a slight click Pulled the choke and second pull of the cord it fired up. Hit up the internet and it said the switches are notorious for failing. So 6 bucks on amazon and 24 hours latter new switch installed and click noda. Took some pliers and jumped the starter solenoid and she roared to life. Hit up amazon and solenoid was 7 bucks. Ordered that and now that its narrowed down to the wire from the switch to the solenoid or the solenoid its self I will check the wire before replacing the solenoid but did not want to do anything till I had the parts. The display said U120 so I figured it was jacked up as it should say 220 :( checked both legs and each was at 120 the 220 plug had 2 legs of 120. Hit up the internet and find out they had to change the display to 120 because they had to many calls from people not wanting to plug in a 120 item when the generator was making 220 lol. According to a FB group lots of people returned them for that reason it only showing 120. Shows it had 32 total hours on it. and it did not have the wheel kit but I can live with it on a garden cart. And my Yeswelder ran great on it I had some fence repairs to do. Seems like a score. Change oil, spark plug( Torch brand sucks) and fuel filter. The metal aux tank seems nice for those. |
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TN, USA
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Posted: 10/15/2024 10:49:25 AM EST
[Last Edit: Burncycle]
[#38]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Gamma762: You need watts or portability? A 2k generator typically is about 40 pounds and reasonable for one person to pick up and move. The Wen is going to be too heavy for one person to just pick it up and move it. Figure in the cost of a Harbor Freight utility wagon to set it on, or a wheel kit if you have smooth surfaces to roll it around on. Ended up getting the Wen for now just because $299 is a nice price for a 3,500 watt inverter generator.... but I do want portability too so I'll pick up a refurb Firman thursday. Apparently the only major downside is the air intake is located on the bottom so I just gotta keep it away from anything that can get sucked in there. Thanks for the tip on the utility wagon that's a good idea! I'll attach a retractable extension cord reel to the wagon too |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 10/15/2024 11:40:20 AM EST
[#39]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By zoe17: Seems like a score. Change oil, spark plug( Torch brand sucks) and fuel filter. The metal aux tank seems nice for those. Ya it came with no oil so it has fresh in it now. I had not thought of the spark plug and filter will order them now. Thanks. |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 10/15/2024 11:41:41 AM EST
[#40]
Here's my before and after.
Previous generator was a westinghouse 6000/8500. It ran me $700 shipped in jan 2016. I wired it into the panel using an 30 amp outlet, breaker, and the wire to support that. When I moved, I brought the generator with me and wired my new house the same. Its still chooching like a champ. Got us through Helene and 10 days of no power. It was enough to run the important stuff, and even the extras like the dryer and the AC. I removed the wheel and handle to make it harder to steal. My experience from Helene pushed me to get a tri-fuel model. Even though I had shitloads of fuel on hand, there was anxiety about not being able to easily get more when I ran out. When gas stations don't have power, you can't buy more. That led to the decision to run the generator 1hr out of every 4 to ration fuel, which meant getting up in the middle of the night to turn it on, then again an hour later to turn it off. This one is 9500/12500 on gas and 7500/9500 on natural gas. So it doesn't give up any wattage vs my old one no matter what fuel I run it on. I swapped the parts on my house to a 50a breaker, 6/3 wire, and a SS2-50R inlet. That lets me use the bigger capacity of the new generator. I ordered up a L14-30P to SS2-50R cable so the old generator can still plug into the house in case I need it. There is a HF version that is pretty much a copy/paste of this generator's specs and price. I wouldn't feel bad getting either one of them. The westinghouse happened to be the one that was in stock and easier to get. What I'm not clear on is the natural gas hookup. Are you guys using quick connects on the house end of the line? The NG hose has a quick connect on the generator end, but threads on the house end. It seems odd to have threads that you'd have to tape and then install a hose and check for leaks during a power outage. It also seems odd to connect a hose and leave it hanging on the wall, waiting for the power to go out so you can tote it outside.  
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Posted: 10/15/2024 11:48:40 AM EST
[Last Edit: SandHillsHillbilly]
[#41]
They make a Natural Gas quick connect female that will thread on to the house pipe. Probably 1/2" or 3/4" NPT threads. The quick connect part should be female too.
Should be 3/4 inch pipe for a generator of that size. |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 10/15/2024 12:07:23 PM EST
[#42]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SandHillsHillbilly: They make a Natural Gas quick connect female that will thread on to the house pipe. Probably 1/2" or 3/4" NPT threads. The quick connect part should be female too. Should be 3/4 inch pipe for a generator of that size. This is what I'm working with. The gas line coming into the house is a nuthair over 1" OD. It tees off, and the tee looks a bit smaller, maybe 3/4" OD. There's an existing petcock that was for a gas dryer. I think the outlet off the petcock may be even smaller. I'm using electric, so its capped off. The generator came with a gray hose that says 1/2" on it. I guess I could pull off the cap and see what threads it is and that would tell me if I could start there, or if I would have to replace the petcock to get a larger outlet. 
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Posted: 10/15/2024 12:22:29 PM EST
[Last Edit: SandHillsHillbilly]
[#43]
Read the top of the page for size suggestions. You can get by with using 1/2" with short runs like that hose. I would just uncap that fitting and use the 1/2" NPT quick connect. Look at the connector on the hose and see if you can identify it. It should at least have a part number on it. I don't know if different brands are compatible with each other. Maybe it is in your manual what brand or type to get.
https://centuryfuelproducts.com/parts/propane-and-natural-gas-quick-connectors |
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Posted: 10/15/2024 2:08:57 PM EST
[Last Edit: bendigo78]
[#44]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By giantpune: Here's my before and after. Previous generator was a westinghouse 6000/8500. It ran me $700 shipped in jan 2016. I wired it into the panel using an 30 amp outlet, breaker, and the wire to support that. When I moved, I brought the generator with me and wired my new house the same. Its still chooching like a champ. Got us through Helene and 10 days of no power. It was enough to run the important stuff, and even the extras like the dryer and the AC. I removed the wheel and handle to make it harder to steal. My experience from Helene pushed me to get a tri-fuel model. Even though I had shitloads of fuel on hand, there was anxiety about not being able to easily get more when I ran out. When gas stations don't have power, you can't buy more. That led to the decision to run the generator 1hr out of every 4 to ration fuel, which meant getting up in the middle of the night to turn it on, then again an hour later to turn it off. This one is 9500/12500 on gas and 7500/9500 on natural gas. So it doesn't give up any wattage vs my old one no matter what fuel I run it on. I swapped the parts on my house to a 50a breaker, 6/3 wire, and a SS2-50R inlet. That lets me use the bigger capacity of the new generator. I ordered up a L14-30P to SS2-50R cable so the old generator can still plug into the house in case I need it. There is a HF version that is pretty much a copy/paste of this generator's specs and price. I wouldn't feel bad getting either one of them. The westinghouse happened to be the one that was in stock and easier to get. What I'm not clear on is the natural gas hookup. Are you guys using quick connects on the house end of the line? The NG hose has a quick connect on the generator end, but threads on the house end. It seems odd to have threads that you'd have to tape and then install a hose and check for leaks during a power outage. It also seems odd to connect a hose and leave it hanging on the wall, waiting for the power to go out so you can tote it outside. https://iili.io/2JS1Mx9.png https://iili.io/2JS1VVe.png I used a quick connect hose system like this. Nat gas hose qc. Hose stays attached to genset. Just added another tee to the inspection tee and a valve.  Attached File Attached File |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 10/15/2024 2:41:24 PM EST
[Last Edit: giantpune]
[#45]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bendigo78: I used a quick connect hose system like this. Nat gas hose qc. Hose stays attached to genset. Just added another tee to the inspection tee and a valve. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/26018/20210912_105001_jpg-3350204.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/26018/20211009_150147_jpg-3350206.JPG Sweet. I'll try to cook up something like that. Are you running a dual fuel, gasoline/propane generator off natural gas? I saw the gas meter there with the hose coming off and it got me scratching my head.
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FL, USA
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Posted: 10/15/2024 3:39:15 PM EST
[#46]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By danpass: I've got the Champion 2500, been sitting in the garage. With Tropical Storm Debby the power went out around 4pm here in my neighborhood in Naples, FL. (came back in about 30 minutes) My router battery was good for about 2hrs so I was debating about taking the genny out and setting it up. During that mental debate I made the decision to finally pursue an Ecoflow Delta Max 2. I can easily connect that Ecoflow to the 30A genny inlet that runs into the house panel, essentially taking the place of the generator. Later on I can run the generator direct into that Ecoflow to charge it up and continue letting the Ecoflow deal with the ups and downs of lights, refrigerator, microwave, etc. My one catch, and I even bought parts and such, is making the platform and rain shelter for the generator so I can leave it running outside while there is rain lol. Anyway, did you get a chance to use that 2500 yet, maybe during Milton? I'm in Sarasota, so I got hammered twice. My main setup is the Duramax XP12000EH through an interlock on my panel. It's great but it's a fuel hog. Eco-mode no help. So I've also now gotten a Champion 2500 (model 201323), and I ran this for essentials when LP supplies were scarce. It runs 3x longer on the same size LP tank as that Duramax. The 2500 has a "CO Shield" sensor that is a pain in the ass on mine. It even shuts down out in the middle of my yard. Sometimes it ran for 7hrs, most times it ran for 5 minutes and shut off. I just kept relocating it. Curious to know if yours behaves in a similar fashion. Mine seems over sensitive. |
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Posted: 10/15/2024 4:08:27 PM EST
[Last Edit: bendigo78]
[#47]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By giantpune: Sweet. I'll try to cook up something like that. Are you running a dual fuel, gasoline/propane generator off natural gas? I saw the gas meter there with the hose coming off and it got me scratching my head. Lol. Yeah added the NG regulator to the propane inlet off the carb. Only issue is the programmed auto throttle startup on the propane is a bit fast to get it started on the NG. I have to catch it and hold it open a second longer to get it to fire. Also can't run it on eco mode. All the electronic stuff just isn't calibrated for NG but it works. Only used it once for a power outage. Ran for 24 hours over a couple days. Worked well and motivated me to get the softstart on the ac unit so it'll run the whole house.  Attached File |
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Posted: 10/15/2024 6:52:18 PM EST
[Last Edit: ScottyPotty]
[#48]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By giantpune: This is what I'm working with. The gas line coming into the house is a nuthair over 1" OD. It tees off, and the tee looks a bit smaller, maybe 3/4" OD. There's an existing petcock that was for a gas dryer. I think the outlet off the petcock may be even smaller. I'm using electric, so its capped off. The generator came with a gray hose that says 1/2" on it. I guess I could pull off the cap and see what threads it is and that would tell me if I could start there, or if I would have to replace the petcock to get a larger outlet. https://iili.io/2JUJCrl.png Before you go messing with that cap.....I'm not sure, maybe its the angle, but check it out as that looks strange. Almost looks like some kind of pressure relief valve. |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 10/15/2024 7:01:28 PM EST
[#49]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ScottyPotty: Before you go messing with that cap.....I'm not sure, maybe its the angle, but check it out as that looks strange. Almost looks like some kind of pressure relief valve. Its the old dryer hookup with a turney-onny-turney-offy valve. When I moved in, I put the cap on it just to be extra sure nothing was leaking into the house. |
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Posted: 10/15/2024 7:47:41 PM EST
[#50]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By giantpune: Its the old dryer hookup with a turney-onny-turney-offy valve. When I moved in, I put the cap on it just to be extra sure nothing was leaking into the house.
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