Honeywell 7500W/9375 Portable Generator W/Electric Start for $749.99+tax at Costco

Quote from DarkAmeba : "Voltage regulation." Hmm I wonder if it would be safe to run my computers on this bad boy. Never been overly interested in portables that I can't run electronics on.

Your biggest issue will be the THD output by the gen set. It will regulate voltage the best it can, but the "noise" over the power is what will hurt electronics.

I ran a TV and DVR off my gen for days without issue, but that was in a pinch. I would get a UPS for anything sensitive you'd plan to run off the gen. At least at that point the sacrificial part becomes a UPS instead of your good electronics and if you get a good UPS you'll have buck/boost built into it so if the gen outputs too high or too low for some reason the UPS can make up for it.

Quote from chrisexv6 : Agreed. Xfer panels/switches are a lot nicer than running extension cords everywhere. I ended up with a Ridgid generator that has the removable control panel so I could at least keep the extension cords inside my house (just the thick cable that comes off the gen running to the panel had to be run through a window). After Irene was over and the cleanup was done the first thing I did was order up a 10 circuit (supports up to 7500W so probably perfect for this generator) Reliance panel. Wired it in myself in a couple hours, works great and is a heckuva lot easier than stringing extension cords everywhere. Also makes it easier to test the unit, I can run stuff in the house off the gen while leaving everything else running off of electric company power.

To get the transfer switch installed, did u asked for a permit or something? Thanks, i have been looking for the same model too. Im in FL.

Quote from DarkAmeba : "Voltage regulation." Hmm I wonder if it would be safe to run my computers on this bad boy. Never been overly interested in portables that I can't run electronics on.

I run just about everything off of my generator.
MOST. I don't have the power to run my clothes dryer or my stove.
The microwave, definitely does not like what comes out of my generator.
My computers run just fine, albeit with UPSs.

Methinks that a pure sine wave is gonna cost you a bundle!

Is there a website that will help me understand what exactly this will power? No central AC, right?

Quote from DarkAmeba : "Voltage regulation." Hmm I wonder if it would be safe to run my computers on this bad boy. Never been overly interested in portables that I can't run electronics on.

and why cant your run electronics on this or any other portable? because everyone i know and their moms have generators down here and they all ran their lcd plasma and computers on them for days..

how will this thing work in rain and snow...? do i need to cover it up?

Quote from xmed : When the power goes out for a 3-day stretch $750 sounds pretty reasonable.

i just spent 4 days without power.. i have a 18k but could not imagine if i didnt have at least this

Quote from gezzuzz : and why cant your run electronics on this or any other portable? because everyone i know and their moms have generators down here and they all ran their lcd plasma and computers on them for days..

They can I'm sure. I'm just concerned with possible damage. Like one of the other posters here has pointed out, some of my appliances act funny when the generator is hooked up. Makes me hesitant to plug sensitive things in (at least with my current generator)

Quote from DarkAmeba : They can I'm sure. I'm just concerned with possible damage. Like one of the other posters here has pointed out, some of my appliances act funny when the generator is hooked up. Makes me hesitant to plug sensitive things in (at least with my current generator)

when you are talking about 1-2kwatts cheapos yes i would be concerned.. 5k range less concerned... the power coming into your house is not the clean anyways.. electronics are built to handle this.. microwave do have issues in the 5k range.. 7.5k you are getting very good power.. electronics have to convert to dc anyways.. which support a wide range of power from 110-240v 50-60hz.. lots of filters..my mom ran her fridge, 60" dlp, lights and a window unit on a simple 5.5k

Quote from meister918 : Is there a website that will help me understand what exactly this will power? No central AC, right?

I believe this gen would have the capacity to run a modern HVAC unit, but ... depends on the size, efficiency, etc of your HVAC. You'd have to connect it thru a panel.

There are many web sites that can help you calculate /estimate how much power you need. I've attached a sample table of power draws.
With 7500 W you'd have to choose what you want to run. For whole house you may need a permanently installed 10-20KW costing $4-6000. They typically run on propane or NG.

The best advice is to avoid powering too many motorized appliances (refrigerators, sump pumps, well pumps). It's best to rotate large motorized appliances. For example, run the refrigerator for an hour. Then run the well pump. Then run the deep freezer, etc.

Quote from BigBlondeViking : how will this thing work in rain and snow...? do i need to cover it up?

Think of it as a lawnmower or snow thrower - an outdoor power tool. If stored outside I'd get a cover for it, something like this [amazon.com]:

GAS generator........ sorry, no diesel = no deal

edit:
Saw it would run 8hrs on 50% load...


Any idea how long this will run using 6000, on a full tank?
12 hours?
24 hours?

How do I winterized? I have a new Gen thats sitting with three month old gas. I want to change the oil, 2. It only ran for 6hr's then the lights came back on. So much for my 1st time and effort to uncrate.

I plan to suction almost all if the gas out, change oil then start it and let the remaining gas run out and cut my machine off. Is that the way or another technique?

I don't like to leave gas in items

Quote from BigBlondeViking : Any idea how long this will run using 6000, on a full tank? 12 hours? 24 hours?

Spec states 8.1 hours @ 50% load w/ 5.8 gal tank, so it's safe to say less time running near max output. I'll let you know next time power goes out!

In my city it's been out half a dozen times since March ( between a couple hours to 5 days. I've had enough already .... )

Quote from ballershanelle : How do I winterized? I have a new Gen thats sitting with three month old gas. I want to change the oil, 2. It only ran for 6hr's then the lights came back on. So much for my 1st time and effort to uncrate. I plan to suction almost all if the gas out, change oil then start it and let the remaining gas run out and cut my machine off. Is that the way or another technique? I don't like to leave gas in items

Run the generator for 10 minutes or so every 2 to 3 months. Definitely drain the gas or use fuel stabilizer. Modern blended gasoline has a very short shelf life before separating and causing corrosion/gumming. I found a couple of helpful sites:
Video Link [youtube.com]
Powermate Tips [powermate.com]
Consumer rpts Video [consumerreports.org]
How to store a Port. Gen [helium.com].
How to Store Fuel For Emergency Gens [ezinearticles.com]