Generators

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clapiana

clapiana

Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2011
Messages
596
Location
Merrimack, New Hampshire
After loosing power for a week...yes 7 days....a few weeks back due to some heavy snow which turned NH into a war zone of broken tree limbs. I am looking at getting a generator likely a portable unit around $300-$400. Seems champion units are well liked. Any suggestions?
 
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If you plan to run the whole house off it, make sure you fit an isolator to the house so that you are not powering the neighbourhood, also if the line workers touch it, they might get an electric shock, or they put something across the line and short out you generator!!!!!!:mad:
Kryn
 
After going through much the same senario, I am replacing my 20 year old generator with a new one. Besides sizing, I believe the most important issue is the Engine. Buy a generator with an engine that you or your close servicing dealer is familiar with. By that I mean Briggs & Stratton, Tecumseh, Yamaha or Honda. The bitterness of poor quality is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten. Not an easy choice, but if the engine needs service, you need to find parts for it. I doubt if Harbor Freight will be of much help.
 
I am a devoted believer in Honda generators. I have had mine for over 20 years without a hiccup during that time. It has gotten me through many storm events over the years. Another piece of equipment that "you get what you pay for."
 
Understand the issue - my wife has been nagging me about a generator for some time.

Something to keep in mind with portables - what is the fuel? If power is unavailable over a widespread area, will you be able to find a place to purchase gasoline? That consideration has led me to conclude that if (or perhaps when) I give in to my wife's requests, it will be a natural-gas machine rather than a gasoline engine.

You MUST have an isolator. If you don't, your generator presents a potentially fatal threat to the utility employees who will be trying to restore power. If you do a generator, be sure to do it right.
 
Another point to consider-- noise of operation. Some of these run quite loudly, and it makes it easy for roaming thieves to note the location of your unit. We had a large power outage in our city about 10 years ago, and many generators were stolen during that event.
 
Craig:
In the portable price range you mentioned there is a lot of junk out there.
I would look at upping my budget by a few dollars and look at the portable that Sam's Club sells.

It is powered by a Honda engine and it is mostly bullit proof. Additionally, should you have a problem years down the road, most any lawnmower or motorcycle shop can repair it AND LIKELY have parts in stock. With many of the "off" brands, repair and parts are non existent after a year or so of ownership.

With a gererator, think long term purchase. I have a 20 year old Honda that works perfectly every time.
 
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