What kind of generator?

[bdare]

Hello all,

I started a 220 a few months ago. As I ponder what it will cost to stock this thing I figure I'd better invest in some insurance. I live in Texas as sometimes we get bad storms that knock the power out for awhile. I've considered battery backups, but I think I'd like to opt for a generator to guarantee I can run the tank for several days if necessary.

I've never shopped for a generator before so I'm not sure what to look for. What specific requirements do I need to look for to ensure it can run my tank w/o damaging any of the components? I really don't have a preference for gas or propane. Some of the "dual fuel" options seem cool.

I'm assuming I can just run the generator in my garage and run an extension cord to the tank?

Any comments or feedback are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Ben

 

[TheHarold]

Gotta be more specific than “generator”. I have a whole home unit with 1000g propane, and then a backup 8000w generator that runs on gas.

Make sure to do your oil changes. That’s everything, for a generator.

 

[WVNed]

I went to Walmart and bought a gas generator that makes 3500 watts. I have used it for about 16 hours already this year. It was less than 300 dollars as I recall.
I just drag an extension cord in the back door and run it on the back porch.

 

[Dragon52]

Mine runs my tank, 2 refrigerators & a freezer. 3500 watts

edit; Bought at Home Depot

 

[WVNed]

Add up the total watts you want to run. Heaters, lights, pumps, and anything else. Pay attention on how often you have to refuel it. The one I bought will run more than eight hours. I dont run electronics beyond charging my phone on mine.
Maintain it.
Piece of cake.

 

[Loggerhead]

Depending on what type of generator you get, you can NOT run it in the garage. Exhaust fumes can enter your house and kill you and your family. I don’t know about propane ones or if there is a way to vent them outside. There are natural gas ones that can be connected to your furnace if you run natural gas. If you want to run one in your garage I would consult a contractor and see what the options are.

I have a gas generator that I keep in my garage and wheel it out if I ever need it.

 

[bubbasguppies]

The motor must run at a constant speed (usually 3600 rpm) to produce the standard current that most household uses require (in the U.S., typically 120 Volts AC @ 60 Hertz). If the engine’s rpm fluctuates, so will the frequency (Hertz) of the electrical output.Inverter generators are a relatively recent development, made possible by advanced electronic circuitry and high-tech magnets. These are generally 3-phase generators that output AC current like most traditional generators, but that current is then converted to DC, and then “inverted” back to clean AC power that maintains a single phase, pure sine wave at the required voltage and frequency.

So a regular generator equals bad electrical signal, while an inverter generator provide a clean electrical signal.

 

[Brian_68]

I bumped up to a 3500 watt inverter from the Honda EU2000. It is a Harbor Freight Predator 3500 and seems to get great reviews. The Honda was just too small to run the furnace. I added a transfer switch so it can run my whole tank plus furnace, bedroom, bathroom, refrig and freezer and of course the internet with the flip of a switch. Used it a few times since and it has been great. Can't run the central AC so that is the only downfall.

 

[deahttub]

Id buy an inverter generator that way electrical flucuations dont burn your expensive equipment...

 

[bdare]

The motor must run at a constant speed (usually 3600 rpm) to produce the standard current that most household uses require (in the U.S., typically 120 Volts AC @ 60 Hertz). If the engine’s rpm fluctuates, so will the frequency (Hertz) of the electrical output.Inverter generators are a relatively recent development, made possible by advanced electronic circuitry and high-tech magnets. These are generally 3-phase generators that output AC current like most traditional generators, but that current is then converted to DC, and then “inverted” back to clean AC power that maintains a single phase, pure sine wave at the required voltage and frequency.

So a regular generator equals bad electrical signal, while an inverter generator provide a clean electrical signal.

This is what I'm looking for! Thank you!

 

[bdare]

Depending on what type of generator you get, you can NOT run it in the garage. Exhaust fumes can enter your house and kill you and your family. I don’t know about propane ones or if there is a way to vent them outside. There are natural gas ones that can be connected to your furnace if you run natural gas. If you want to run one in your garage I would consult a contractor and see what the options are.

I have a gas generator that I keep in my garage and wheel it out if I ever need it.

My plan was to keep the garage door open. Would just be in the garage to keep it out of the elements.

 

[AiKkz]

Gotta be more specific than “generator”. I have a whole home unit with 1000g propane, and then a backup 8000w generator that runs on gas.

Make sure to do your oil changes. That’s everything, for a generator.

+1 I have a whole home 23k generator with a 1000g propane tank and it’ll run my house for around 8-10 days!! Big upfront cost but totally worth it!!!

 

[amazongb]

I have a Honda 2000, it’s basically one 20 amp circuit, enough for my tank.. you can buy knock offs of the same generator for half the price..although they aren’t quite as quiet..

 

[AZMSGT]

Buy a name brand unit like Honda. It costs much more but you will always be able to sell it for a high price too. The main reason is parts support, if you ever need anything for it you’ll be able to find it. Unlike Harbor freight or Costco stuff.

Other brands to consider, Yamaha, Generac and Champion. In that order.

Also consider getting an extended run fuel tank. These give you allot more run time on the fuel on hand.

Some generators are multi fuel and can run on gasoline or Propane. Nice feature if you have allot of propane available.

 

[mfinn]

I used a Generac generator for 20+ years.
It worked perfectly for most of that time.
I had a couple times where it ran almost continuously for 4-5 days.
It gradually started having small issues so I replaced it with a Harbor Freight brand. Predator 8750 watt.
My generator is wired into it's own circuit box called a gentran.
There have been a couple winters where the generator was never used, but it's always there.
It's the best insurance you can have.

And, it's already been mentioned, but not enough.
DO NOT run a generator in your garage.
Even with the door open, the fumes can build up in your house and kill everybody inside.
There are stories like that in the news every year.
IT CAN HAPPEN!

 

[KStatefan]

I like the Yamaha and Honda generators. In my opionon if you are using a portable generator you also need some type of automatic system on your tank until you can get the generator going.

 

[TheHarold]

Upped to Cat 4! So I bothered to make sure the generator and backups were all running well.

 

[alton]

Some one came on here and posted this a few months ago

RYOBI 900 Starting Watt Propane Powered Inverter Generator-RYi911LP - The Home Depot

The RYOBI Propane Gas Powered Inverter Generator is the perfect power solution for home and recreational use. Offering 900 starting Watt / 700 running Watt of clean power, this generator is ideal for powering all of your sensitive electronics. The auto-idle feature provides longer run time and...

www.homedepot.com

I love it. On a 20lb bottle of propane it will run for almost 60 hours. And it runs my wife's margarita machine when we hit the beach! 80 watts return pump, power head 40 watts, 150 watts heater on my 180 gallon tank. Lights being off for a day won't hurt. If I had to I could run one of my leds and still have room to spare.

 

[mrjoev]

28kW whole home dual fuel wifi generator, hooked up to my gas line with a automatic transfer switch. The Wify thinks its to Power the house, the inground pool, outdoor kitchen, fridges, ac's for hurricane parties, pass some juice to the neighbors, etc. but we all know its for the Fish tanks!!! LOL. oh and if you pay cash they bump you to the top of the list. 2 day turn around instead of months. I previously used a 10kW gas generator when ever we lost power to run the house. I gave that to the inlaws

 

[bdare]

Not looking for whole house. I'm just looking for something to run the tank and the refrigerator.