Posted: 1/21/2007 11:31:49 AM EDT
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Ok, I've decided to buy a generator. (I looked thought the Survival threads, but didn't see any general info tips in there. I'm sure there may be a thread in GD, but since I can't search. . . . so forgive me if this is a dupe request, which I'm sure it is. If someone can link me to a previously posted thread of this nature, I'd appreciate it.) Had an electrician friend come over to give me an estimate to install a transfer switch to our main breaker panel. After confering with him on what we were most likely going to need to power (NG furnace & refrig), and the the small size of our house, I've decided that a 5000 watt unit (or thereabouts) would be sufficient. So, I'm looking at different brands and looking for some advice as to: Quietest Possible Unit--(we are in "townhouse" style arrangement) Idle Control (good thing or unnecessary?) Electric Start--- worthwhile? I'll be storing the unit in an unpowered shed--no access to power, so I'm not sure I could keep the battery juiced up. And obviously, best durability and reliabilty for the $. And any other things those who've had experience can point out to either stay away from or make sure I get. Main use will be as back up power in the event of power loss. Like I said, we are going to have a transfer switch put in, as well as an outlet outside the house so I can run the power into the main breaker box. My electrician friend has done this for several people. |
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From what Ive heard, Honda is the quietist. But more $. I just got a 5000w/6200peak coleman. ($650) Its got a Subaru motor. I decided not to do a hookup /transfer switch to the house wiring. I just run the cable through the dog door and I already had extension cords (Use the 12ga heavy duty ones) Of course, power hasnt gone out since I got it, but we usually loose power about 4x year for periods long enough to want a gen to keep freezer/frige going. we live in a rural/housing development not a condo so noise isnt a issue. If noise is a issue, id check out Honda. Check out the web. I think electricgeneratorsdirect.com has a pretty good FAQ about generators ie: how big do you need, figuring out wattage etc. |
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USP: Yes, it does look like Honda has the "quiet" market locked up----but at a steep price. Like I said in my post, I've already figured out how much wattage I need, but was just looking for specific info on different brands, etc. Thanks for your input. hanau: since I'm not a "team" member, my searching abilities don't allow me to search that forum. . . but I did scan all (19) pages and did find some info---specifically the Honda EU6500iS. But besides having a small house, I also have a tight budget, and that unit, at around $3,700.00, is a bit out of my reach. . . I see some B&S units for about $700-$800 in the power range I'm looking for. . but they don't have the idle control feature, which seems to be desireable as it saves fuel and helps with the noise issue. Looks like I'll have to keep saving . . . . We have enough $ to do the electrical work for now. . . |
The Generator FAQs thread has been moved to the Archives section. Here's a link to it. |