More on Generators

[MarkT]

Hmm - the wife found this - might be worth considering -

http://eattomorrow.com/blog/2015/09/tesla-unveils-a-battery-to-power-your-home-completely-off-grid/

Not ready for prime time IMHO.  Power output, 2kW continuous for $3500.  You need at least 5 of them for B/U of a normal house with gas heat, just to supply the demand.  $17,500 to compete with a $1000 generator. Pretty spendy.  They don't mention battery capacity before it's drained.  I'm thinking, why is that?  That's the main concern of a battery backup.  Gotta think there's a reason they don't put that in the specs.

[NW roller]

I have a 6500 watt got at Sears maybe 10 years ago. It's electric start and had pull cord. Had my buddy put plug outside and run switch to my breaker box . I shut off main coming to house and switch that on when generator hooked up . I turn off all the 220 breakers . I will say I did run a/c this year with everything thing else turned off . Works for me . If not trying to run a/c keeps fridges and freezers running . Just got to make sure you fire it up every now and again cause the gas with ethinol in sucks for small engines

[Rams]

When I bought my RV/Toyhauler, I kept an eye out for a generator.   There's a huge variety out there to choose from.   I bought a used one for the Toyhauler but, after messing around with it realized that it's just too frigg'n big for what I plan using it for.   7000 amp normal load, 8750 peak load.   Almost big enough to run my whole house.   But, a tad bit too big for my RV/Toyhauler.   

Should have stayed with my plan to get a tri-fuel but, thought I was getting a deal on a gas version.   Live and learn I guess.

[Tundra]

I can't testify to this, I know absolutely zilch about it. I just received this email then saw this thread, thought Id share it. Apparently this is a 48 hour deal. The add gives no indication what its capable of? I do like that it runs silently and requires no fuel.



                                         Have You Ever Wanted To
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                                          Of Free Electrical Power?

If so, this is going to be the most important message you will ever read.

 Solar powered generators are now available and I'm going to show you how to get one for very little money. Solar Generators provide "life-saving" electrical power when you need it most.

 And, unlike gas generators, a solar generator:
 * runs silently,
 * emits no fumes,
 * and produces an endless supply of electricity for free.

It's like having an electric power plant running quietly in your own home.

 Run sump pumps, short-wave radios, computers, and even keep food from spoiling. (Lots and lots of applications for self-reliance.)

 Whether it's hurricanes, ice storms, brownouts or blackouts, when you own a Solar Generator you'll never have to suffer through painful power outages again.

New "Power Problems" President Obama Is Creating

Our President is also working feverishly to destroy the power grid as we know it. For one, he's literally trying to shut the coal industry down which will send electricity prices skyrocketing.

 The coal industry generates a HUGE chunk of our electricity and his insane new initiatives are already forcing rates higher than any time in history.

Even Worse: He's also ignoring the dangers of an EMP event and is doing nothing to protect the power grid from attack!

 That's why I want as many Americans as possible to be able to produce their own electricity. You see, eventually our President's "socialist policies" will cause massive shortages and shortages of electricity will be extremely painful.

 It's just like Obamacare, only it's with electricity. Which means... it's not if there is going to be Obama Blackouts... it's really just a question of when the "Obama Blackouts" will begin.

Your Chance To Prepare For The Obama Blackouts!

That's why we love to encourage like-minded Americans to get off-the-grid and produce their own electrical power.

 And that's my motivation for this email and a very special price on a solar generator. I hate the thought of Americans being dependent on anyone, especially when it comes to energy.

 The fact is, producing your own free electricity from the sun with a solar generator is a great way to be much more independent.

 So, every so often I agree to sacrifice any profit on my end and actually sell a few solar generators below our manufactured costs.
Here's what this means to you...
For 48 hours only -- we will sell 7 brand new, "never-been-out-of-the-box" solar generators for just $995.00 plus shipping and handling.

 Seriously, I can tell you "straight-up" that we lose money on each sale at this price. (The retail price is $3295.00)

 Why only 7 units? Well to put it bluntly, even though I'm excited about getting the word out about solar generators, losing money long term is something I'm just plain uncomfortable with.

 And my accountants, well, they never wanted me to do anything this "crazy" in the first place.

 They say sales like this are just too costly and grossly unprofitable.

 But forget the bean counters for the next 48 hours...

 I'm determined to make today's "The Obama Blackouts Sale" pricing available for two full days.

How To Get One Before They Are Gone!
O.K. Here's how to get a solar generator before my banker and the accountants shut down my crazy offer.

Click here to go to: www.MySolarBackup.com/SH151.html and at checkout use the coupon code: SH151

If you do this, you'll by-pass the accountants and "unlock the system" so it gives you a $3295.00 PowerSource 1800 for just $995.00 plus shipping and handling.

And, even though I trust you, there's a few folks I just can't sell to. You will not be allowed to order IF...

- You plan on reselling the unit. (No dealers may order at this price.)
- You want to order several units. (One per household only - no exceptions.)
- You want to use any other promotion or coupon with this offer. (That's just greedy.)

If that's you... please, don't bother ordering. I simply can't send a solar generator to you at this price.

The rest is up to you. The sale ends in 48 hours with absolutely no exceptions.

Start producing your own supply of electricity today by going to: www.MySolarBackup.com/SH151.html
Make sure you use the special coupon code: SH151

 For Energy Independence,

 Bill Heid
 President, Solutions From Science

P.S. With everything going on in the world, there's a tremendous demand for solar generators. The truth is, we're having a hard time keeping them in stock. So if all of this interests you, you should claim a solar generator as fast as humanly possible. These are truly dangerous times we live in and the old axiom, "he who hesitates is lost," surely applies now more than ever in the history of our country.
 
 
 
 



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[Robert]

I can't testify to this, I know absolutely zilch about it. I just received this email then saw this thread, thought Id share it. Apparently this is a 48 hour deal. The add gives no indication what its capable of? I do like that it runs silently and requires no fuel.

Its more like a proof of concept size than something that could actually be usable. The problems are not enough power, slow charge times, not good on stormy days. It would take a battery pack the size of the ones they use in cars to get any kind of run time at a decent rate of usage.

I didn't see the post on Tesla pretty interesting but MarkT is correct about all the points he brings up. Most of these systems are not meant for the long haul, meaning momentary power outages are ok but sustained power outage is not possible with this. It would take a much bigger battery back up, quite a few solar panels and a generator. Much like the cars are designed to do run the batteries then either charge or start the engine to charge.

[KG]

one of the biggest things to look for is where can I get my generator serviced or fixed. Even a portable if you take it to a small engine shop they could order engine parts but what if something in the generator part goes bad.
Home Standby unit who will come out to it? $100+ an hour and $1.50+ a mile adds up quick before they even get there to look at it.

Cheap contractor grade generators put out dirty power. This doesn't effect things like a computer or tv they have power supplies that convert power but we have found newer control boards in furnaces will not work unless the generator is adjusted correctly.

Inverter style generators put out the cleanest power. also look at UScarb they make kits to TRI fuel most portable generators.

[Tx Bohemian]

I replaced the loud muffler on mine with a much bigger muffler system - just to make it less obnoxious.  However much of the noise comes out of the generator.

Could you expound on the muffler thing?

I bought a 5500/8500 generator, troy bilt I think, after our last hurricane a few years ago and, Thank God, so far I never had to use it for an emergency.
Every couple of months I put gas in it and run it for 15-20 minutes and it is noisy.  I can see where it would be irritating after a time, especially for the neighbors if they didn't have one.

It has a 10 HP b/s motor.

Did you just google "quieter generator mufflers"?

Or just had some laying around the house and experimented?



One thing I would add on all the talk about generators is that once you get one to make sure that not only the motor runs but be sure the outlets have power.
I heard a story of a guy that bought a generator, had it for a few years, and cranked it ever so often to make sure it ran. But when he needed it the generator didn't work! Bad connection or something.

I can see where that would really SUK!!

Yeah.  had some laying around the house and experimented.

Just FYI - I build exhausts.  Over 1500 systems for Valkyries. I have an abundance of mufflers, some lightly used but won't be used again unless for art sculptures.  Might as well make the generator quiet.  Worked on the engine - then found the generator is also noisy.  Don't have a generator muffler.  Could put it in a cabinet with sound deadener, but it's out in the bike barn anyway; can't really hear it off the property.  the engine is pretty quiet with these 2 mufflers inline - one is a Honda Valk muffler.

Thanks for the info.

Neat handywork there.  Ever think about ceramic coating it??  Probably be the best looking generator on the block!!

When I posted my question I was thinking there was maybe a quieter muffler that could be purchased as a direct replacement.
A google search turned up quite a bit about quieting generators but they're all "home grown" ideas, like yours but most not as ingenuous.

And as you, it also mentions generator noise outside of the engine/muffler. There's a few "insulated box" diagrams to quiet down and divert that noise.

For me it seems like a whole lot of work for a "just in case it happens" scenario.

Hope I'll never have to find out but if I ever have to use mine in an emergency situation hopefully it'll be for a short period of time and the convenience of having lights, ac, refrig, tv, etc... will outweigh the noise factor.

[hemmyvalk]

I have been a master electrician for 31 years and have installed numerous alternate source systems.  Do not engergize your house electrical without a transfer switch.  

You can as some has said turn off the main breaker, but there are cases where the main breaker malfunctioned and did not break the circuit just because the handle is thrown.  The main breakers do not always fail on a open position, they also fail in the closed.  I have changed out many main breakers that did not shut off on one or both off the phases when the handle is in the off position (you can not tell be visiually looking at the breaker if it is malfunctioned). If this happens the power will feed back into the lines and will back feed the transformer and will probably create 7200 volts on your power company lines.  Lives could be lost.  If the power company has damaged equipment or someone injured or killed there could be some extreme damages to be paid, as it should.  

It is not always lineman who are at risk of back feeds.  First responders are at risk during down power line accidents where the power company has just shut off power.  

If you do not want to use a transfer switch, use cords to individual appliances from the generator.  I know it is a hassle, with cords through the house, but it would isolate the power from your system.  

The size of your generator is based on watts.  Just add up your load with the watts on the appliances.  It would be best if you run a generator at 80% or lower of it capicity.  So if a generaor is rated at 7000 watts, the maximum continous load would be 7000 x 80% or 5600 watts.  


As for generators, do not buy anything that is not manufactured USA, especially if it says china run from the store.

[MP]

I have been a master electrician for 31 years and have installed numerous alternate source systems.  Do not engergize your house electrical without a transfer switch.  

I think we are beating a dead horse.  Seems like everybody here has hooked theirs up thru a breaker. 

"I have never had a problem"

"Works for me"

"I will never forget to turn the mains off"

are always the answer.  I get the impression that the vast majority of home generators in the US are hooked up illegally.

MP

[Varmintmist]

Good soap box.  So it's a touchy issue for you.  Whatever.  I'm not changing how I do it.  It's not just the cost of the switch.  It's also putting in a building where I don't want it for the generator to live in, next to the circuit panel. And a licensed contractor advised me to set it up this way - which is also how he powers his ranch when the grid is down. I told the power company what I was doing when I asked them to shut off the transformer for the day to install the master breaker - and they said nothing about not doing it. I'm not stupid and the main breaker goes off first, and back on last. I'm the guy who installed the main breaker panel. Know something about electric, having taught analog circuits in USAF Weapons Tech school.  I have a checklist and use it. So don't come work on the lines in my area if you think I will fry you.  Backfeeding into the grid would blow the breaker on this little generator immediately, if it tried to power the neighbors with all their lights still on.

In order:
Not touchy, illegal. Its illegal because people like you have killed people through arrogance.
Hope you dont kill anyone being wrong.
It is the cost of the switch. You run a cord to the switch and put the gen at the other end of the cord. No building involved. They sell cord in 1K' spools http://lockingpowercords.com/Products/513-104-soow-wire.aspx
Your contractor was wrong. He is a licensed builder, not electrician. In my experience, the only thing they know less about than electricity is phone service.
The person at the power company was wrong or you didnt provide all of the information.
 Breakers fail in on or off position, neutrals can become hot, have you meggered your ground recently?.
If I knew I was working your area, I would pull your meter first. But no one knows where they will be. It might be a guy from a different power co that has a agreement with your co working the storm.
If you backfed into the line and it MIGHT blow, depending on if you are feeding neighbors or just energizing the line. Remember potential voltage? You dont know where it is broken.

[Varmintmist]

I have been a master electrician for 31 years and have installed numerous alternate source systems.  Do not engergize your house electrical without a transfer switch.  

I think we are beating a dead horse.  Seems like everybody here has hooked theirs up thru a breaker. 

"I have never had a problem"

"Works for me"

"I will never forget to turn the mains off"

are always the answer.  I get the impression that the vast majority of home generators in the US are hooked up illegally.

MP

Not everybody, and it looks like the OP is going to do his correctly.

[Patrick]

It seems to me that all generators today of any size have a low amp 220 outlet.


As far as 3 phase, I'm not aware of any household water pump [or household appliances] that run on 3 phase. I'm not aware of any houses around with 3 phase. I have 3 phase equipment but no 3 phase service.

You have 3 phase equipment, but no 3 phase service?  How does that work?  You need 3 phase power to power 3 phase equipment, unless you use a converter.

MP

I'd like to know more about this "converter" of which you speak.

You can convert single phase to three phase with it.

https://www.americanrotary.com/?gclid=CLfJspO0_8cCFQ6paQodIycHzw

Just run an idler motor [ 3 phase] and pull off a leg. 3 phase will run off 2 phase but/and a convertor can be made for the 3rd leg. Its been so long don't ask what I used for the convertor, but, the pieces are readily available and its easy to make. The motors do run better on 3 rather than 2.

[Oss]

I am not an electrician but I can NOT imagine an EMP event that would not fry the transistors and electronic brain of the solar unit

great advice about disconnecting the meter before working and measuring the ground

Can someone with electrical knowledge tell me if I am wrong about the likelihood that the solar systems need backup electronic stored in a faraday cage or otherwise shielded

I have given thought to putting a small solar battery charger in a metal cabinet in my basement with a spare inverter in case of such a disaster so that I could run low amp devises if need be off 12V batteries

here is a linky
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0ggWv_Gz4s

I understand that a faraday cage is only effective on electrostatic pulses and that you need some kind of wrap like Mu-metal to draw out magnetic pulses or perhaps a better way to say it is to direct the magetic pulse around and past the cage

[hemmyvalk]

Oss,

I am not familiar with that system.  But if you are planning on using a wet cell battery for  your storage, be aware that while charging batteries they produce Hydrogen Gas.  The charging should be in a separate room with an exhaust system, there is a section of the National Electrical Code that covers battery charging rooms.  The gas can be a health issue in breathing and also if in large enough amounts can be explosive.

Bill

[MarkT]

Good soap box.  So it's a touchy issue for you.  Whatever.  I'm not changing how I do it.  It's not just the cost of the switch.  It's also putting in a building where I don't want it for the generator to live in, next to the circuit panel. And a licensed contractor advised me to set it up this way - which is also how he powers his ranch when the grid is down. I told the power company what I was doing when I asked them to shut off the transformer for the day to install the master breaker - and they said nothing about not doing it. I'm not stupid and the main breaker goes off first, and back on last. I'm the guy who installed the main breaker panel. Know something about electric, having taught analog circuits in USAF Weapons Tech school.  I have a checklist and use it. So don't come work on the lines in my area if you think I will fry you.  Backfeeding into the grid would blow the breaker on this little generator immediately, if it tried to power the neighbors with all their lights still on.

In order:
Not touchy, illegal. Its illegal because people like you have killed people through arrogance.
Hope you dont kill anyone being wrong.
It is the cost of the switch. You run a cord to the switch and put the gen at the other end of the cord. No building involved. They sell cord in 1K' spools http://lockingpowercords.com/Products/513-104-soow-wire.aspx
Your contractor was wrong. He is a licensed builder, not electrician. In my experience, the only thing they know less about than electricity is phone service.
The person at the power company was wrong or you didnt provide all of the information.
 Breakers fail in on or off position, neutrals can become hot, have you meggered your ground recently?.
If I knew I was working your area, I would pull your meter first. But no one knows where they will be. It might be a guy from a different power co that has a agreement with your co working the storm.
If you backfed into the line and it MIGHT blow, depending on if you are feeding neighbors or just energizing the line. Remember potential voltage? You dont know where it is broken.

Really?  You think you will march on my property and tamper with anything on the property?  Guess again.

Arrogance?  Look in the mirror pal. 

You or anybody else are not coming on my property for ANY REASON without an invitation.  You will be forcibly ejected or arrested for trespassing / malicious mischief.  Or you better bring the sheriff with you.  Pretty touchy about sovereignty around here.  I have not lost all of my rights yet, in spite of the wishes of the current administration.

This property was compliant with code when it was built.  I am not required to update it to current code standards at my expense.  Though I have selectively done so in some issues.  Like adding the master breaker - was not required originally but I saw the utility and added it.  I call Bull on your claim that my generator would backfeed the grid without being overloaded by the first or second household it encountered, who left their power use turned on - and immediately blow the breaker on the generator.

[MP]

I do believe the Electric Utility has the right to come on our property and inspect their equipment, i.e. lines, poles, transformers, and meters.  They do here.  Do not know about your state laws, Mark. Here, an easement was granted, so that they could run their lines to each place.  That easement gave them the right to access their property that is installed on my land.

Just a few:

http://www.homesteadingtoday.com/country-living-forums/shop-talk/226280-back-fed-generator-kills-line-man.html

https://books.google.com/books?id=ICx-BAAAQBAJ&pg=PA586&lpg=PA586&dq=lineman+killed+by+generator&source=bl&ots=B2NRFCvKtY&sig=nvKjq9zmrv7X-YdIwx1R85wEIzQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CD4Q6AEwBTgKahUKEwinkfnuroHIAhXWEJIKHY3XCtI#v=onepage&q=lineman%20killed%20by%20generator&f=false

http://thesurvivalpodcast.com/forum/index.php?topic=5884.40;wap2

MP

[Serk]

Man, and I thought "Which oil to use" and "Darkside vs. motorcycle specific tyre" threads could get contentious!

Good thing no one mentioned politics or religion at least...

[Cracker Jack]

It seems to me that all generators today of any size have a low amp 220 outlet.


As far as 3 phase, I'm not aware of any household water pump [or household appliances] that run on 3 phase. I'm not aware of any houses around with 3 phase. I have 3 phase equipment but no 3 phase service.

You have 3 phase equipment, but no 3 phase service?  How does that work?  You need 3 phase power to power 3 phase equipment, unless you use a converter.

MP

I'd like to know more about this "converter" of which you speak.

You can convert single phase to three phase with it.

https://www.americanrotary.com/?gclid=CLfJspO0_8cCFQ6paQodIycHzw

Just run an idler motor [ 3 phase] and pull off a leg. 3 phase will run off 2 phase but/and a convertor can be made for the 3rd leg. Its been so long don't ask what I used for the convertor, but, the pieces are readily available and its easy to make. The motors do run better on 3 rather than 2.

Never heard of "2 phase". Lose one leg of 3 phase service and you're back to single phase.

[MarkT]

I do believe the Electric Utility has the right to come on our property and inspect their equipment, i.e. lines, poles, transformers, and meters.  They do here.  Do not know about your state laws, Mark. Here, an easement was granted, so that they could run their lines to each place.  That easement gave them the right to access their property that is installed on my land.

Just a few:

http://www.homesteadingtoday.com/country-living-forums/shop-talk/226280-back-fed-generator-kills-line-man.html

https://books.google.com/books?id=ICx-BAAAQBAJ&pg=PA586&lpg=PA586&dq=lineman+killed+by+generator&source=bl&ots=B2NRFCvKtY&sig=nvKjq9zmrv7X-YdIwx1R85wEIzQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CD4Q6AEwBTgKahUKEwinkfnuroHIAhXWEJIKHY3XCtI#v=onepage&q=lineman%20killed%20by%20generator&f=false

http://thesurvivalpodcast.com/forum/index.php?topic=5884.40;wap2

MP

I'm sympathetic - you can't fix stupid.  Talking about the bozo who shouldn't have set up a system he was too stupid to operate.  Add to that, the lineman who should have treated every line as hot.  I won't touch a powerline without insulation protection even when I have tested it is powered off.  I would think a power company should have devices you can clip onto a line to indicate status continuously while it's being worked on.  Maybe with a loud alarm and lights. In addition to grounding the line.

Obviously, for the backfeed to happen and not overload the generator immediately in the incident above, implies it encountered pretty much no load downstream.  Strange I'm thinking.  My neighbors here really like their power use - have those big farm lights on all the time with photo sensor, and the ones across the road have to have a horrendous electric bill as their place is usually lit up like Vegas.

The power companies have the ability to remote-read meters via radio systems and I suspect perform other functions.  Don't know the latter details as I'm not a lineman.  Surely if I was, I would adhere to safety procedures without fail.  Electric power scares me as it's insidious, sitting there invisible and waiting to kill you - I have a healthy respect and fear of it.

As I said before - my house is still in compliance with code, if my very occasional power application hookup isn't.  Looking into it, I see the possibility of running a dedicated cable to the generator and an exclusive switch at the main breaker - That is, it breaks the connection to the grid before it makes the same to the generator.  There's a project I can add to the honey-do's.  That would make it easy for wifey or whomever to power up if I'm not here.

However I still maintain sovereignty over my property; anyone coming on the property will at least be challenged the moment I am aware.

[cookiedough]

fudgie,  I see you are in Indiana.  If there are Farm and Fleet's there like in WI,  I just saw the local ad and 2 peeked my interest as well:

Champion 5000w/6250w Generator for 398 was 589 (191 off)

Bit pricey but a Champion also 2800w/3100w inverter/generator for 750 was 980 (230 off)

No expert, but someone posted on here an inverter/generator runs cleaner or something like that but no idea why?  Wondering at near double the wattage of the 398 one,  why so much at 750 for the inverter/generator one?

Both should do the trick and pretty good savings at Farm and Fleet.  I've been thinking of one myself soon as well since I will be getting a 7x23' new enclosed trailer in a few weeks and would be nice to have a power supply in case we want to go ATVing and park it at a campsite (or just stay parked in the ATV parking lot with no electricity in the middle of nowhere to run say a fan or two and to charge cell phones, etc., or an electric heater needing electricity to run the basics. 

Am thinking the Champion one for 398  is a good buy as long as not made in China like most everything else is nowadays?  Should do plenty enough for most applications letting it sit outside the trailer at night so we can get some sleep and running 25' electrical cords into the 12x12 fuel door on side of the trailer.  The noise of the generator should scare off hopefully any critters nearby in the woods?

[cookiedough]

update,  went to local farm and fleet today and looked at that nicely priced Champion brand generator rated at 5000 watts running, 6250 starting watts.  MAN, that thing is huge. Is a 292cc Champion (never heard of Champion making an engine?) OHV engine with a 5.7 gallon gas tank with a 9 hour running time at 50% load but pretty loud at 78dba from 23 feet away.   Biggest thing is it has to be on wheels of course since is 153lbs., way too big for my trailer/needs.

I picked up a brochure stating running/starting  watts for each of the bigger appliances:

well pump - 1000 watts running, 2000 watts starting
fridge - 700/2200
belt sander - 1200/2400
hammer drill - 1000/3000
12000 BTU WINDOW A/C - 3250/3950  (AC is a biggie)
1 hp air compressor - 1600/4500
water heater - 4000/0
heat pump - 4700/4500
40,000 BTU Central A/C - 6000/6700  (AC is a biggie probably won't be able to run the central air on nothing but the biggest generator out there)

For home use,  I'd go this 5000/6250 watts size for sure and this one at farm and fleet is discounted pretty well under 400 bucks about 200 bucks off

For me and my trailer just using for a few fans and cell phones and maybe an electric heater,  I'm for sure going smaller in the 3500 watts range and under will be plenty so is more portable and under 100 lbs. for sure.  

[Jess Tolbirt]

never seen 3 phase power in a residential environment,  single phase is 2 hots and a neutral..

also a 5000 watt generator is only rated at about 3500 watts continuous

i back feed mine into a spare 2 pole breaker in my panel.. TURN OFF THE MAIN!! and only turn on the refrig, and the tv and the computer and one or two lights..

you do not want the power coming back on with the generator connected, so TURN OFF THE MAIN BREAKER!!!

did i mention to TURN OFF THE MAIN!!!

turn off all breakers including the main,, start the generator and
turn on the generator breaker,,
turn on just the necessity breakers like the kitchen and living room

when power is restored,,
turn off all breakers
kill the generator and this breaker stays off
turn on the main and all others EXCEPT THE GENERATOR breaker..

did i mention that you do not want the generator to be able to back feed to the main power? it will explode and burn down your house...

[fudgie]

Bought one today at HF. Lot of good reviews.

Ill be posting about transfer switched later. That should get things rolling! 

[fudgie]

Where do you all get your battery for it? I need a 12 v 9ah.

[MarkT]

I don't know Fudgie.  About HF generators that is.  Chicago Electric, right?  If you look at the internals of their other stuff - like MIG welders, anything with complex circuits - the build quality ain't there.  No doubt why I have had a number of their products fail ON THE FIRST USE.  And I've given up on Chicago Electric brand. However if your product came from Taiwan instead of mainland, you could be golden. I've seen that repeatedly with other HF products.  Also some of their stuff is not from China.  Like my Campbell Hausfeld compressor, which is also sold at Home Depot / Lowes (or was at one time don't know now).  Got it at HF and it has given me 15 years service with high duty cycles.  Had to replace the pump once.  Not the motor. Hopefully your gen will start and run a long time and the power won't be dirty.

[cookiedough]

agree,  Harbor Freight stuff can be good or bad.  If made in China,  probably not so good.  I bought nice looking drill from not HF, but one of the other similar competitors at a dirt cheap price.  Worked good for 3-4 uses, then trigger would not make the drill spin and of course by then was after the 1 year warranty.    Worst 20 bucks I ever spent.  If a basic 1/2" drill won't last with limited use,  I'm not so sure about a generator say from same company.

Same as my former electric pressure washer buying OFF brand one leaked oil after first use.  At least I got my money back on that one under warranty and was within 30 days buying it from store, so just got my money back vs. fighting it out with the mfg.

What I would recommend to do is make sure you USE this generator 3-4 times (or lots more) the next 30-60 days just in case it fails (leaks oil, etc.) and can return back to HF store in case it fails. 

Some products there are cheap and good, others are cheap and bad from the beginning. 

On larger expensive purchases,  I consider sometimes to extend the 1 year warranty to 3 years including labor if reasonably priced say another 20-30 bucks or so just in case it fails you are not out say 500 bucks or more.  Usually in my experience, products fail within the first 1 year warranty though as long as you USE it say 5-10 times prior to the 1 year is up. 

I never buy extended warranties on vehicles though since I figure in the 3 year warranty if bought new,  you will either like or hate the vehicle and usually know if in that 3 years you want to keep it after warranty is up.  I bought a new 2007 RAV4 got suckered into 7/100K warranty for 1 grand from dealer since I was planning on keeping it a very long time.  Well,  1 1/2 years later and 26K miles is all, the water pump and other things went wrong with it all of a sudden,  so got rid of it soon afterwards.  I was out over 600 bucks of my 1000 bucks paid on the ext. warranty since the warranty is pro-rated day ONE of delivery NOT after the 3 years is up, plus cancellation fee added in there as well. 

Best of luck on the generator from HF,  get some use out of it soon and surely hope all goes well and it last 10-20 years from now. 

[Varmintmist]

Really?  You think you will march on my property and tamper with anything on the property?  Guess again.

Arrogance?  Look in the mirror pal. You or anybody else are not coming on my property for ANY REASON without an invitation.  You will be forcibly ejected or arrested for trespassing / malicious mischief.  Or you better bring the sheriff with you.  Pretty touchy about sovereignty around here.  I have not lost all of my rights yet, in spite of the wishes of the current administration.

If I have to I will bring the state police. From experience, they come pretty quick when folks start threatening utility workers. Its amazing how they can change attitudes in just a couple of seconds. Been at this for more than 28 years, and you would not be the first person to give it a try. You gave permission, its called Right of Way or easement. You signed a ROW with any and every utility granting them access to their equipment, and you DO NOT own the meter, the telephone demark or the CATV splitter. The ROW gives utility workers the right, because they have your permission, to enter the property as long as they are on a valid work order or engaged in restoration of service, and as long as you have service, you are bound by the ROW agreement. If you are creating a hazard that affects the safety of the workers or restoration of service, it is well within the bounds of the ROW to disconnect the hazard. After that, you deal with the business office and a inspector, and in your case, likely a magistrate or judge.

This property was compliant with code when it was built.  I am not required to update it to current code standards at my expense.  Though I have selectively done so in some issues.  Like adding the master breaker - was not required originally but I saw the utility and added it.  I call Bull on your claim that my generator would backfeed the grid without being overloaded by the first or second household it encountered, who left their power use turned on - and immediately blow the breaker on the generator.

You are required to make any moves, adds or changes up to code. Your generator was not installed with your house or you wouldnt be back feeding it.

Like I said, hope you dont kill anyone with your attitude. Who says the break is after a few households? Are those households disconnected from the line with back up generators? It is the law for a reason. Because you-dont-know for sure.

Seriously,  is it OK to drive drunk because you got away with it for years? A lic. electrician told you not to do it, a guy who works on power poles told you not to do it, and you say are going to threaten a lineman you just tried to fry? If you hurt someone, you wont have to worry about throwing people off of your property, because it wont be yours. Dewey Cheatem and Howe would own a third and the lineman or his widow would own the rest. If you draw down on a utility worker you will be in the rebar motel and you dont have to take care of the yard anyway there.

Have a good day.

[Varmintmist]

Where do you all get your battery for it? I need a 12 v 9ah.

Should be a regular lawnmower battery. Tractor supply, wally world .....

[KG]

if you buy the cheap one from HF make sure you pick up extra spark plugs. One guy after hurricane gustoff had one that ate a plug about every 15 hours.

[MarkT]

Really?  You think you will march on my property and tamper with anything on the property?  Guess again.

Arrogance?  Look in the mirror pal. You or anybody else are not coming on my property for ANY REASON without an invitation.  You will be forcibly ejected or arrested for trespassing / malicious mischief.  Or you better bring the sheriff with you.  Pretty touchy about sovereignty around here.  I have not lost all of my rights yet, in spite of the wishes of the current administration.

If I have to I will bring the state police. From experience, they come pretty quick when folks start threatening utility workers. Its amazing how they can change attitudes in just a couple of seconds. Been at this for more than 28 years, and you would not be the first person to give it a try. You gave permission, its called Right of Way or easement. You signed a ROW with any and every utility granting them access to their equipment, and you DO NOT own the meter, the telephone demark or the CATV splitter. The ROW gives utility workers the right, because they have your permission, to enter the property as long as they are on a valid work order or engaged in restoration of service, and as long as you have service, you are bound by the ROW agreement. If you are creating a hazard that affects the safety of the workers or restoration of service, it is well within the bounds of the ROW to disconnect the hazard. After that, you deal with the business office and a inspector, and in your case, likely a magistrate or judge.

This property was compliant with code when it was built.  I am not required to update it to current code standards at my expense.  Though I have selectively done so in some issues.  Like adding the master breaker - was not required originally but I saw the utility and added it.  I call Bull on your claim that my generator would backfeed the grid without being overloaded by the first or second household it encountered, who left their power use turned on - and immediately blow the breaker on the generator.

You are required to make any moves, adds or changes up to code. Your generator was not installed with your house or you wouldnt be back feeding it.

Like I said, hope you dont kill anyone with your attitude. Who says the break is after a few households? Are those households disconnected from the line with back up generators? It is the law for a reason. Because you-dont-know for sure.

Seriously,  is it OK to drive drunk because you got away with it for years? A lic. electrician told you not to do it, a guy who works on power poles told you not to do it, and you say are going to threaten a lineman you just tried to fry? If you hurt someone, you wont have to worry about throwing people off of your property, because it wont be yours. Dewey Cheatem and Howe would own a third and the lineman or his widow would own the rest. If you draw down on a utility worker you will be in the rebar motel and you dont have to take care of the yard anyway there.

Have a good day.

I don't respond in a good way to threats pal.  Tend to double down.  

You want to thump your chest - well if it makes you feel better.  But if you have any idea you are coming on my property to do anything negative you BETTER bring the law with you. I have never tolerated anything of the kind and even less now as I'm getting old and am really pissed at government and big business and just don't care anymore.

Try it here. We'll see what happens.  Maybe you can be The Big Hero and make an example of me.  Since their are tens of thousands who are doing the same thing - some too stupid to do it with care not to backfeed.

Congrats - you have joined the short list of ignorees.  So post again - I won't see it - (with apologies to Jack Nicholson) - LAST WORD FREAK.

Have a good day yourself.

[MarkT]

agree,  Harbor Freight stuff can be good or bad.  If made in China,  probably not so good.  I bought nice looking drill from not HF, but one of the other similar competitors at a dirt cheap price.  Worked good for 3-4 uses, then trigger would not make the drill spin and of course by then was after the 1 year warranty.    Worst 20 bucks I ever spent.  If a basic 1/2" drill won't last with limited use,  I'm not so sure about a generator say from same company.

Same as my former electric pressure washer buying OFF brand one leaked oil after first use.  At least I got my money back on that one under warranty and was within 30 days buying it from store, so just got my money back vs. fighting it out with the mfg.

What I would recommend to do is make sure you USE this generator 3-4 times (or lots more) the next 30-60 days just in case it fails (leaks oil, etc.) and can return back to HF store in case it fails.  

Some products there are cheap and good, others are cheap and bad from the beginning.  

On larger expensive purchases,  I consider sometimes to extend the 1 year warranty to 3 years including labor if reasonably priced say another 20-30 bucks or so just in case it fails you are not out say 500 bucks or more.  Usually in my experience, products fail within the first 1 year warranty though as long as you USE it say 5-10 times prior to the 1 year is up.  

I never buy extended warranties on vehicles though since I figure in the 3 year warranty if bought new,  you will either like or hate the vehicle and usually know if in that 3 years you want to keep it after warranty is up.  I bought a new 2007 RAV4 got suckered into 7/100K warranty for 1 grand from dealer since I was planning on keeping it a very long time.  Well,  1 1/2 years later and 26K miles is all, the water pump and other things went wrong with it all of a sudden,  so got rid of it soon afterwards.  I was out over 600 bucks of my 1000 bucks paid on the ext. warranty since the warranty is pro-rated day ONE of delivery NOT after the 3 years is up, plus cancellation fee added in there as well.  

Best of luck on the generator from HF,  get some use out of it soon and surely hope all goes well and it last 10-20 years from now.  

Hand tools from HF, no problem.  Though sometimes the ratchet will break on a wrench, it's not much lost.  Things that require precision or I'm going to use with high duty cycles - I spend the money and buy American.  I do have from HF, a bandsaw, several belt/disc sanders, two drill presses, a bench grinder, two hydraulic presses, hydraulic jacks, and lots of hand tools and air tools.  On air tools, buy their "Professional Grade", they actually had more power and outlasted Craftsman die grinders, for one. Quite a few power hand held drills - especially the ones they call "Professional" - seem to be pretty stout. All of the above, I've had many years of service w/o problems.  I did have to take the big drill press apart and repair it a couple times but it was then servicable again. Expendables - grinding, cutting wheels, sanding discs & belts, fluids like air tool oil, cutting oil, WD40 by the gallon, drill bits - all of that has been good value.  Wouldn't buy carbide cutters from them though.  I've given up on their battery powered tools -  they are just junk.  I don't buy top shelf American like Snap On and the like - Craftsman is good enough, costs a lot less and has the same warranty.  Do buy Home Depot and Lowes house brands, had good service thwere too.  Milwaukee tools, Ryobi, DeWalt when I need really good stuff - have a lot of those too.

[fudgie]

Got around to installing the transfer switch this weekend. Got it all hooked up, easy to do, and fired up the generator. I flipped on all the circuits and turned on all the lights and tv and it barely bogged down when the well kicked on. I should be good to go this winter.  Thx guys.