Portable generator

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tom baker

tom baker

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Need a recomendation on a portable
Generator, 5kw, gasoline, floating neutral, for dwelling unit backup power. Want to avoid a noise and fume generator from hazard fraught.
Hondas are nice, but $$$
 
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tom baker said:
Need a recomendation on a portable
Generator, 5kw, gasoline, floating neutral, for dwelling unit backup power. Want to avoid a noise and fume generator from hazard fraught.
Hondas are nice, but $$$
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$$$ that's the trade-off for quiet. If you don't want to spend the $$$ on a Honda - annoy your neighbors :cool: They won't mind as long as you run an extension cord for their refer.
 
If you can afford Honda that's the way to go but as you've said they are very expensive. They also offer a few with inverter technology for cleaner sine waves if you have sensitive electronics.

I have a Generac 8000/10,000W that I'm happy with but it is noisy, it can easily be converted to floating neutral in a few minutes in a non-destructive way in case you're worried about voiding the warranty. Since using a few months ago when the remnants of a tropical storm ran though here I've been building an enclosure for it to keep the noise down.
 
With all the electronics in everything these days I don't know I would trust everything in my home to a run of the mill portable. I would scrape up the $$$$ for a Honda eu7000is.
 
Todd0x1 said:
With all the electronics in everything these days I don't know I would trust everything in my home to a run of the mill portable. I would scrape up the $$$$ for a Honda eu7000is.
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That would be the gold standard but at nearly $5000, ouch.
 
Alternate is $3000 or you can get 4500s for $800 each with a Parallel cable kit for $40.
The 7500 is 308 pounds, the 4500s are 122.
Todd0x1 said:
With all the electronics in everything these days I don't know I would trust everything in my home to a run of the mill portable. I would scrape up the $$$$ for a Honda eu7000is.
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I had a customer buy what I thought was the lowest end generator to be found some years ago. It worked great for her. It started easily and did what she needed for the week or two required.
 
The biggest issue with portable generators is they don't get exercised. My supply company had a no name 6000 watt gen that they bought and never used. They gave it to me. It works fine and I exercise it once a month..

I had a generac 6000 watt years ago and that piece of junk slowly fell apart. Of course, I never took care of it either. Bolts would rattle loose or get holes in them from the heat. I suppose they have done a better job on them today.

I will also warn you that not all 6000 watt or whatever size you get, are created equal. Many brands say 6000 watts but they really can't handle 6000 watts except for startup or just a minute. I believe a Honda generator operates at the wattage they state.
 
The specs below are from a generac 8125 watt. It is not really, IMO, an 8125 watt gen


  • What's Included: Engine Oil, Oil Funnel, Handle and Wheel Kit, Owner's Manual
    [*]Amps: 54.16 amps
    [*]Bluetooth: No
    [*]Brand Name: Generac
    [*]CARB Compliant: No
    [*]Color: Black/Orange
    [*]Continuous Run Time: 10.5 hr.
    [*]Engine Displacement: 389 cc
    [*]Engine Manufacturer: Generac
    [*]Engine Type: OHV
    [*]Fuel Gauge: Yes
    [*]Fuel tank capacity: 6.9 gal.
    [*]Low Oil Shutdown: Yes
    [*]Volts: 120/240 volt
    [*]Wheel Kit Included: Yes
    [*]CO2 Shutdown: Yes
    [*]Running Watts: 6500 watt
    [*]Starting Watts: 8125 watt
    [*]Generator Type: Portable
    [*]Click here to see the Safety Data Sheets for this product.
    [*]
    Click to expand...
 
My uncle had a Honda, and really liked it, but I had to defeat the ground fault protection on it to work with his cabin. If you can find a used RV generator such as a Onan, they are pretty quiet and reliable. I have one on the lake cabin in a shed about 50’ away. Took it out of an old Winnebago someone scrapped. Only problem, is a lot of them are only 120 volt.
 
I run my Honda EUI2000 once a month and only used non ethanol gas. which is available at marinas or at a farm store. But one of issues with Hondas and any small gas engine is using ethnol gas. The new EUI2000 have a drain valve on the gas line maybe its for the carb
 
texie said:
In my view Honda is worth the money. They really are that good.
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My Honda is 15 years old, it's a EU2000 (they don't make it anymore, it's an EU2200 now). I used it on the job sites and ... really didn't take care of it. Two years ago we were out of power for 5 days, and that was the inverter that could. I ran it non stop for 5 days (except for fuel and checking oil). 1600 watts continuous is not a lot to play with, but man I was glad to have it.
 
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