- This topic has 9 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 11 months ago by
joec.
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May 18, 2014 at 11:50 AM #21085May 18, 2014 at 12:24 PM #774123
spdrun
ParticipantFor a few lights, some electronics, and a fridge (what’s really needed in SD unless you’re on a farm with well water), I’d go with a reputable 1500-2000W portable and a good-quality, long extension cable. i.e. 12 or 10 ga copper wire.
Do you keep gasoline around for yard tools? It can also be siphoned from a car if you keep the tank full — that way it will be fresh.
May 18, 2014 at 5:45 PM #774126joec
ParticipantI’ve been considering the “portable” 2000W generators myself from Honda and Yamaha for the longest time…if funds ever permit…
I figure they can both be connected together for 4000W and they are movable if you had to evacuate anywhere (like one for you and the missus). They are also quieter (like 53dB) or something so they won’t be as annoying in a crowded “city” environment.
You could also bring them on camping trips for off-grid electronic use, etc (they seem popular for that).
Costco sells one that uses a Yamaha engine that you can also daisy chain, but isn’t as name brand…
Wouldn’t mind other suggestions as well.
Downsides I see is they can be stolen easily since they can be grabbed by hand.
If you wanted to power everything at home, you can google how some people hook up a generator to their home circuit and flip a switch, etc to power the whole house. Once you get one big enough, you might as well get bigger since I don’t think they are that different in price and noise levels. Also, a lot of times they are rated at 50% use so you may need more than you expect. Connecting a fridge alone probably surges to 2000W.
No idea on propane since I don’t see much about them in my old searches.
May 18, 2014 at 6:06 PM #774128NotCranky
ParticipantI hate small engines. They die if you use them and die faster if you don’t.
My generator plan is to run to the store and buy one if I need it …why have it sit around dying before you need it?
May 18, 2014 at 6:36 PM #774130ParticipantConnecting a fridge alone probably surges to 2000W.
You’d be surprised — fridges don’t use a lot of power (there’s probably a startup surge). They’re well-insulated, so they don’t actually need a lot of energy to keep cool, and the space is much smaller than an air-conditioned room or whatever.
May 18, 2014 at 6:42 PM #774131Hatfield
Participant+1 on the Honda and Yamaha generators. They’re reliable and quiet. If you wait till you need one and run out and buy a Harbor Freight piece of shit, you’re not gonna be happy.
May 18, 2014 at 7:32 PM #774132ParticipantPbbbbbt, if you want a long-lasting generator, see below. Bonus points since it would probably run on the foulest, worst-quality gas in existence…
May 20, 2014 at 11:06 PM #774141patb
Participantwhy not get a Solar PV system and a say 8 KWH of battery.
In an emergency you don’t need much and it will be earning for you year round
May 21, 2014 at 1:01 PM #774145CDMA ENG
ParticipantKing of the Small Engines…
Honda Honda Honda…
Excellent products… Used them for years when turning apartments never failed once in hundreds of hours of operation.
CE
May 21, 2014 at 5:40 PM #774157Participant[quote=CDMA ENG]King of the Small Engines…
Honda Honda Honda…
Excellent products… Used them for years when turning apartments never failed once in hundreds of hours of operation.
CE[/quote]
They also hold their value really well and I see used ones selling for 70-80% of the lowest cost new one normally…
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