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  1. #1
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    Portable generators

    After Sandy, I've decided to invest in a generator to power both houses here. Question is, better to buy one big one, or two smaller ones? I see advantages, and disadvantages to both, wanted to get some feedback. Cost is not much of a consideration, as the expense seems fairly equal.
    Living in the Freedom provided by Bud Conner and his fellow warriors.
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  2. #2
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    Pete, I have owned Generac and Honda and they both have been awesome. The Generac is much louder but has held up very well. The Honda is much quieter and has a much better fuel consumption, it will pay it self off in savings. I would also recommend a transfer switch which is extremely simple to wire.
    I personally like having a backup because like boats and OB's anything can happen at anytime
    BTW, Generac only build generators so IMPO they have a good handle on the needed technology to last, which is probably the most important thing. Another one of their key features is a great generating output motor!

  3. #3
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    Pete, I would buy two, that way if one quits you at least have one left to share as back-up.
    You might get a better deal when buying two also.
    1976 Hydrostream Vector/Merc 200/2.4 sold
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  4. #4
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    I have a generac also and it powered my entire home. I ran it through my ac box on the outside but I think a transfer switch is probably a better way to go. Dont want to kill a lineman by accident.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Phillip Mason View Post
    Pete, I would buy two, that way if one quits you at least have one left to share as back-up.
    Yep, that was my thinking, but also twice the storage space and maintanence. Smaller and lighter is better too, because I do everything alone.
    Living in the Freedom provided by Bud Conner and his fellow warriors.
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  6. #6
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    I still want to develop a snow blower/generator combo or just kill two birds with one stone and get a generator/welder thats what I should have done..

  7. #7
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    I have had many different generators over the years and I currently have one hooked to the house but it is portable and needs to start manually. What I want is a generator that will carry the shop load and the apartment and come one automaticly when power drops out then disco when power returns.

    Rock
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  8. #8
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    Leaning heavily toward a Generac, seems to be the "gold standard". Also considering Briggs and Rigid.
    Living in the Freedom provided by Bud Conner and his fellow warriors.
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  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by rock View Post
    I have had many different generators over the years and I currently have one hooked to the house but it is portable and needs to start manually. What I want is a generator that will carry the shop load and the apartment and come one automaticly when power drops out then disco when power returns.

    Rock
    Our office manager here has that setup, works outstanding, everything is automatic, but it was VERY expensive, even required a zoning change.
    Living in the Freedom provided by Bud Conner and his fellow warriors.
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  10. #10
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    Last edited by HStream1; 01-08-2013 at 09:18 AM.
    Bud Conner "Heathen" "Defending Our Constitution"

    FOR ALL ENGINE APPLICATIONS
    DRY Film Lubricant for Piston Skirts & Cranks + Thermal Barrier Ceramic Coatings for Piston Tops, Combustion Chambers, Valves etc !!



  11. #11
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    Looking into generators also.

    on the portables, obviously they run outside the house. do they need to be protected with a roof? Or does the rain and snow not matter. If its raining and you go to hook it up, I was always told water and electric no no.

    So, whats the logistics of setting the generator up.

  12. #12
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    Yea, they should have some protection from weather. That needs to be thought out a bit, and you need good access for refueling or maintanence. A transfer switch should be installed at your service entry, and a plug outside the house. Power goes off, just roll it to the house, plug in (similar to a shore power station), throw the transfer switch and your running. Your limited by the transfer switch as to how many circuits you can power, 6-8 seems the most common for your "priority circuits".
    Living in the Freedom provided by Bud Conner and his fellow warriors.
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  13. #13
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    Whole House and Stand by's are weather proof, they mount outside. A portable isn't and would need coverage from the elements. Before I installed my Whole house I used a Portable in my shop and back feed my house through the Shop circuit. The main had to be shut off. So I installed a light to the main cables coming in allowing me to know when the power was back on.


    Quote Originally Posted by BoatGoFaster1 View Post
    Looking into generators also.

    on the portables, obviously they run outside the house. do they need to be protected with a roof? Or does the rain and snow not matter. If its raining and you go to hook it up, I was always told water and electric no no.

    So, whats the logistics of setting the generator up.
    Bud Conner "Heathen" "Defending Our Constitution"

    FOR ALL ENGINE APPLICATIONS
    DRY Film Lubricant for Piston Skirts & Cranks + Thermal Barrier Ceramic Coatings for Piston Tops, Combustion Chambers, Valves etc !!



  14. #14
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    I got a 3k generac with my camper and its awesome. Much quieter then the coleman I had (not honda quiet). We stayed at suwannee in the camper and it was fine about 50ft away you could barley hear it in the camper. It starts with about a 4in pull on the cord, cold, every time. I like it especially when compared to honda price
    Quartershot T-3R 15" 3.5L E-Tec 1.62 Sportmaster


  15. #15
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    I back fed my panel thru the outside air conditioner breaker. Again you have to make sure the Main is OFF before you turn the air conditioner breaker on in the house. I also put it along my deck and made a tarp tent over it for the weather during Sandy.

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