Generator Recommendation

Meh. Where did you invent this random 5% figure? I guess it was marketing for an inverter genset. That 5% is what large utilities are held to and we know electronics can suffer through more than that.

Not even Honda non inverter gensets can do 5%.

Somewhere between 15 and 20% THD is the line of crappy power. Of course, THD gets worse at higher loads and very few people can measure it anyway.

5% or bust is just parroting marketing from inverter manufacturers.

 

I sure like my echo small OPE but making generators is not the same so we can’t really depend on their reputation.

 

Chinese made ECHO products - beware !

 

I get the 5% from exactly where you say.... grid requirements.

We don't know what Hondas can do because they don't publish the number. At least, not that I've seen. Have you?

Here's the Generac model I was referring to. You see they publish THD <5%. Why not get something that produces clean power if you can? And why question cleaner power?

Having owned generators the produce dirty power, and seeing the effects over time, I'm a believer.

 

The local BJs Warehouse has the 7500 unit with e-start and I think a cord as well for $899? I’ve always thought that was a solid price. I paid just a tick under a grand for a Caterpillar 7500 unit with e-start pre pandemic.

 

Lower THD is certainly better but not as important as you seem to think. It’s like emissions ratings on a stove. You don’t need to choose only the best performer. As you found, and for good reason, ultra low THD is exceedingly rare on these larger portable generators.

The Op is running an electric boiler so needs gobs of power and will use gobs of fuel. Also using one of those sub panels instead of an interlock. Ideally, he would be able to shut off the boiler and use a small inverter through an interlock to save fuel, noise, cost, and get a lower inverter THD genset as a bonus.

 

Huh, electric boiler, never knew there was such thing. Interesting.

 

It’s not. My misunderstanding. It’s oil/hot water but requires the electric to run the pump. So it probably doesn’t need as much power from a generator as I was initially thinking.

 

We run pretty much the same stuff off a transfer switch and a 6500 watt generator. Are you on a well? If not 8500 seems like way overkill to me. But if that’s what your to that’s cool.

 

Well kind of an unexpected update. I helped other members of our church yesterday to move a very sweet woman in our congregation (who is widowed and 81) from her home of 50 years to an assisted living apartment. There was a 5000 watt Briggs and Stratton generator earmarked for the dumpster. It was built in 1998, here in the US. Needs a carb cleanup which a buddy and I will do this week. Praying this thing works and can be my solution.

I’m probably still going to pick up something smaller - probably a Champion in the 2500 range. But may save me money now and provide a backup to the backup.

 

Exactly...that would run on a 2500-3000 watt inverter, no problem.

Nice!
That's my setup...a 5000/5250 watt "Coleman" and a 2500 watt Champion inverter form my genny "team"

 

They are actually fairly common...and expensive to run!
And just to be clear, they are not really considered a "boiler" as the water isn't allowed to get over 200* (190?)

 

PS. Really love this community. Every time I’ve asked a question, I’ve learned something.

 

In the hvac world they are boilers. They don’t boil water but that’s what they’re called. The electric ones are pretty common here too due to very low energy prices, low purchase price, hang on wall easy installation, and ultra high dependability.

Some people have electric resistance furnaces too, baseboard heaters.

 

we have fairly reasonable power too...but electric heat is anything but cheap when it gets good and cold...my buddy had electric radiant in the ceiling (stupid place for it) and he had $900 electric bills in January...not an old drafty house either...

 

My oil hot water burner Buderus is on 15 amp breaker; it that helps

 

Thanks, mine is on a 20.

 

I have a el cheapo Champion 3500 watt generator that's runs great. I however don't think it puts out the cleanest power ( lights flicker some ) so I've thought about buying a Predator inverter generator. Our power rarely goes out so I can stomach buying a Honda. Was at a friends house and he has a 3500 watt predator inverter generator and he said it runs great and is really quiet. He also has one of their suitcase generator for camping, and said it's super quiet too.

Saw this Facebook post awhile ago.

 

I'd have no problem running one of these dirty generators if I was on a job site powering a few tools. But for my house, when I see the lights pulse and I know it's dirty azz power, and I'm running the following high-dollar items with that power:
*Well pump - $4,000
*Water heater - $5,000
*Boiler - $7,000
*Fridge - $3,000
*TV, router, cell phones, computers, led lights, etc etc
It made it clear to me that the Westinghouse generator I had been running was not a good investment. When the well pump tripped off line due to some kind of voltage issue, I bit the bullet and made the switch.

 

Interesting thread with lots of opinions .
During sap season I run 4 generators in different woods . These power a vac pump , deep well submersible pump and also charges a remote monitoring system . The vac pump runs as along as it’s above 30 and stays on until a temp controller shuts off the generator.
I use Honda and Westinghouse invertor generators . Both generators will idle running the vac pump so fuel savings over a non invertor generator is huge . Sap season can be 6 weeks long so I’ve put some hours on them .
The Westinghouse invertor generators have been very dependable . With the electric remote start I have them modified so I can start the generator from the sugarhouse 4 miles away with the sap monitoring system . Honda is also a very good generator but pricey .