DISCOUNT ELECTRIC GENERATORSPORTABLE AND STANDBY MODELS IN THE POWER RANGE 1,000-20,000 WATTS |
| There
are two main types of generators (gensets) for home use: standby
and portable. Standby generators are hardwired to the house electrical system via a transfer switch and permanently connected to an external fuel source (such as LPG or natural gas). They can provide continuous power in case of emergency for as long as the fuel is available (see standby models review and ratings). A portable generator is normally used for temporary powering selected AC loads via extension cords or via a cable plugged to a manual transfer switch. This type is generally cheaper than stationary, but most models get the fuel from an on-board tank and therefore need frequent refueling. Some multi-fuel portables, such as NorthStar 8000 TFG listed below can also be connected to an external fuel source for extended runtime (see portable models review and ratings). Prices for residential gensets range from about $100 per kW to as much as $1000/kW. Here are my picks of the popular models at discount prices in various genset categories. |
Eastern Tools 1200 watt peak (1,000 W run). OHV engine, 1 gallon tank, 5.5 hours run at 100% load; 120 volt (THD<6%), weight 45 lb; manual recoil start. |
TG8250: 8.25kW peak, 7.25 kW run, 6.4 gal tank, 10.5-hr runtime at half load (longer then Generac Wheelhouse 5500 1646). Electric start. Also see a similar lower cost BlueMax 8,000 Watt with 3-year warranty. |
Contractor Line 4000 W peak/ 2800 W rated portable. 120 V outlets, 9.5 hours run time per tankful at half load; 6.5 HP OHV engine. Weight: 60 lb. Also see a similar Eastern Tools ETQ TG32P12 (TG4000) with wheels |
Cheap 30A manual transfer switch kit for a portable generator up to 7500 watts; 6 circuits (expandable to up to 10). Dual wattmeters to balance the loads. For higher power see 50A 12.5kW GenTran Powerstay |
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Generac's Guardian automatic system 05873: 17kW propane/ 16kW gas; 29kW (124A) starting. Includes 100A auto transfer switch/16 circuit panel. Works from standard household natural gas pressure. |
EmPower™ 7 #40248 bi-fuel standby system: 7kW run/ 10.5kW start on propane; 6kW run/ 9kW start on NG. Propane quick connect kit gets you up and running immediately from 2 BBQ tanks with option to connect later to gas line. |
Tri-fuel 8000TFG: gasoline, propane (LPG), natural gas. 8.0kW surge/ 6kW run on gasoline. 6.5 gal tank, 9 hrs @1/2 load. Electric start. Switch fuel with no tools. Also see a higher power Winco 8000 Watt HPS9000E |
Guardian Ultrasource® gasoline 5735: 17.5kW run/ 26.25kW surge. 16-gal tank, electric start, battery is inclded. Runs a 5-ton central air conditioner. |
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