Posted: 5/27/2011 3:11:51 PM EDT
Tired of being without power when it snows, what is your opinion of the Champion generators that Lowes has. Only need to run a few lights ,fridge and tv. I know you are going to reccomend Honda,that is out of my budget. 
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Every generator Lowes sells is complete garbage.
The Kohler 12RES is an excellent residential generator. The best 12kw genset out there. Lowes had Kohler make a "special" edition (aka. cheaper) called the 12RESL. And it is complete rubbish. Unreliable, and it's control board cannot be upgraded to regular 12RES spec. That's just one example of how Lowes cuts corners to bring out substandard products. Google search for your Local Kohler distributers. (Avoid dealers, there is a difference) Even though you are looking for something much smaller than anything Kohler offer, your local dealership most likely will be able to set you up with a small brand that's reliable. Oh yeah forgot to mention my vote: Honda |
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I'm thinking of picking up one of these......I'll probably wait until Giant Eagle does the 2x fuel perks and pick up a couple gift cards if I can use them to order it online. http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=202659853&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&ci_sku=202659853&ci_kw={keyword}&cm_mmc=shopping-_-googleads-_-25-_-202659853&ci_gpa=pla&locStoreNum=4136 |
| First calculate all the watts that you will be using during the storm and go 1.5x that due to startup load, especially with a microwave that can be 1k watt running and 3k startup. You will also need a transfer switch so you do not charge the outgoing power line. |
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First calculate all the watts that you will be using during the storm and go 1.5x that due to startup load, especially with a microwave that can be 1k watt running and 3k startup. You will also need a transfer switch so you do not charge the outgoing power line. Better off clamping the load at your breaker box with everything needed turned on. Then just calcuate for Kw, then double it so you have elbow room. You can also just throw the main breaker off and backfeed your house through a 240v socket. But that's not a very permanent solution. |
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Champions are fine for back-up use. Buy with confidence. Yep. They've developed something of a cult following among RVers and auto racing groupies. There's a 943 page thread on the 3-4KW models over at RV.net. |
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You can also just throw the main breaker off and backfeed your house through a 240v socket. But that's not a very permanent solution. That's also a great way to put a lineman who is out fixing the downed lines in his grave. If you, your spouse, child, neighbor, whoever else might start your generator does things in the wrong order (generator running with the main breaker if even for a second) this setup will backfeed power into the grid. Get the transfer switch. |
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You can get great deals on generators at Govenment Liquidations.
Here's one in Ohio. |