[fordy]

.........Honda makes the best engines and the best generators in my opinion. They are also more expensive but that is a given. The best "medium" duty genset that Honda makes is a 6.5 kw, water cooled , 2 cylinder, 12hp unit that will run about $2,700 to 2,900. Water cooled translates into a stable temperature operating environent which means long engine life with regular oil changes.
.........A 6.5 kw gen set will operate.....(2) 8,000 btu window airconditioners running continuously, a med. fridge , 2 ceiling fans , several lights, a 1 hp. water well motor for intermittant recharge cycles( you can't water your yard or fillup your pool!!) , and a computer and TV. In other words it will make life habitable until the power comes bac ON.....fordy...

 

[fordy]

Can someone recommend an Electrician To English guide for explaining all the terms on what you need in a generator? (I'm confused about watts/volts/whatnot.)

Cait

......................amps X volts = watts
1 amp x 100 volts = 100 watts (100 watt light bulb)
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for 240 volt operation
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1 amp x 240 volts = 240 watts
10 amps x 240 volts = 2,400 watts
5 amps x 240 volts = 1,200 watts
10 amps x 120 volts = 1,200 watts
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........for 120 volt operation----you have one hot wire carrying 120 volts and a 2nd. wire for a neutral or ground wire..........
........for 240 volt operation(normally stoves, dryers, & your refrigerated air) you will have (2) hot wires , with Each wire carrying 120 volts and a 3rd. wire for the return path which is a Neutral or ground wire....hence (3) wires.......fordy... :dance: :dance:

 

[fordy]

Well Hoop, my friend....you just said it way better than I ever could. People that buy cheap generators should have arms that look like POPEYE because they'll be Pullin on that son of a hound dog for ever and a Day. Personally, I bought a Northern Tool genset which had a 13 hp Honda engine. It is 3 years old and has about 8 hours total run time. It is also a "pull start"......BUT, it Always starts on the First Pull.........I turn the gas and the ignition off and just let it burn ALL the remaining gas in the carb ....so It doesn't lacquer up on me. But some folks are Penny Wise and Generator Stupid........fordy....