Power Generators

[m0nkie]

Hi guys. I got offered a good deal on a gasoline generator. I don't know much about them, so I'd like to ask here.

How big of a generator is usually needed for a random power outage? To power couple major equipment in the house, including the fish tank return pump. Power outage here last usually less than 10hrs.

thanks!

brand: champion generator 4000w

 

[bobbravo2]

Depends on what you want to run. 3500w is overkill unless you have multiple 15a breakers in your tank (IE 400w metal halides, 1Hp chiller, etc)

For reference, my 65 Gallon tank with Radions etc draws at most 600watts - that'd be with full LED and both heaters on, which I prevent during a power outage with my Apex (LEDs go off during outages)

 

[neiltus]

You need to read up before buying the 'good deal'.

What do you want to run other than the tank? Window Unit, central AC, squirrel cages? How many fridges do you have? Freezers? Electric Heat? Electric Water? 1500 sq foot house or 6000 sq foot house? Transfer box? How much gas do you store? triple phase anything?

It's not a one size fits all.

I live in a 3K house, have gas heat & appliances, 4 fridges/freezers and can power all that and the TV with a honda 2kw that probably peaks at more than what your looking at. However if I wanted to run my central AC, well, I would need at least 20kw and three phase.

 

[Hitch08]

Take a look at this Honda website to calculate what you might want to use over and above the tank:

http://powerequipment.honda.com/generators/wattage-calculator

As far as the generator itself, some people don't like Champion because they are Chinese made. Frankly, I bought one after our basement nearly flooded during a hurricane. Power went out and the water kept coming out of the sump. We have a smaller Honda and it was barely enough to run the sump. Each time the sump kicked on, the Honda would sound like a lawnmower that was full of grass. It would nearly die, but held on to get the pump started and running.

Not that I'm knocking the Honda. It's a much better generator. The sump was just borderline for that generator.

You might want to research inverter generators, which are safer to use with more sensitive electronics. Champion does make inverter generators.

IMO, the Yamaha and Honda inverter generators are the cream of the crop.

 

[m0nkie]

Thanks guys. I live in Cali, not much power outage except maybe a few times during summer. There are also planned outages that last a whole day.

House is a typical 2000sqft 3 bedroom. 1 fridge, central AC.. fish tank is 560gal though. 2 8 bulb ATI powermodules. 1.5HP chiller. 2 - 300w heater.

However, I won't need all the equipment running during the minor outage.

I prob just need the return pump and 1 heater running. I'd also like to plug in some electronics like computers, TV, wifi router, etc...

That's all I'm looking for. This is not for any major emergency planning. I have solar panels and I plan to get the Tesla battery someday.

a friend is offering this unit brand new for about 1/2 the price. I figured if it's a good unit, I'll take it. As long as the brand itself is decent and it will support house electronics.

 

[Bluefish9]

I have an 8500w cheapo Predator generator from Harbor Freight. I run my whole 2400sqf house on it with the exception of resistive loads (hairdryers, toasters etc). I simply installed a power inlet outside and wired it to a 30a breaker in my panel with an interlock kit. Very simple and the whole deal ran just under $700. Of course I did it all myself but its really a pretty easy job.

However, If you dont know what your doing inside a panel, PLEASE hire an Electrician to install the inlet, wire, breaker and interlock. Its not a big job and shouldn't cost too much at all.


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[locito277]

I bought this one but had a few people
Warn me that it could burn my sensitive equipment such as the apex and things like that. I know the Honda 2 k inverter is supposed to. E for more sensitive equipment


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[PBAF]

I use a Honda Eu2000i. Very reliable, compact, light, economical, and quiet.

If you need something with more juice, then I'd recommend the Eu3000i.

Both of these are so quiet, you could carry a normal conversation within it's vicinity.