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expireddigThisXL posted Apr 2, 2020 7:55 PM

WEN 56225i 2250-Watt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator w/ Fuel Shut-Off

$400

$549

27% off
+ Free Shipping
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Deal Details
WenProducts.com has WEN 56225i 2250-Watt Peak Portable Inverter Generator with Fuel Shut-Off on sale for $399.99. Shipping is free. Thanks digThisXL

Features:
  • 79.7cc 4-Stroke OHV engine w/ 53 dB operation
  • 2250 surge watts and 1800 rated watts
  • Ports:
    • 2x three-prong 15A 120V receptacles,
    • 2x 5V USB ports
  • Oil access panel
  • 2-year warranty

Original Post

Written by digThisXL
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About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
WenProducts.com has WEN 56225i 2250-Watt Peak Portable Inverter Generator with Fuel Shut-Off on sale for $399.99. Shipping is free. Thanks digThisXL

Features:
  • 79.7cc 4-Stroke OHV engine w/ 53 dB operation
  • 2250 surge watts and 1800 rated watts
  • Ports:
    • 2x three-prong 15A 120V receptacles,
    • 2x 5V USB ports
  • Oil access panel
  • 2-year warranty

Original Post

Written by digThisXL

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117 Comments

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Apr 3, 2020 2:06 AM
270 Comments
Joined Oct 2007
cdhammaApr 3, 2020 2:06 AM
270 Comments
I have two of the 2000 watt units too. I used them for a few extended power outages (several days each) and changed the oil every 24 hours as required. They run great! Mine start on the first pull, but it's not that cold where I live. Run for 8-10 hours on a tank with Eco mode turned on. I recommend picking up a Kill-a-watt power meter to see how much energy you're using.

These are a lot quieter than the bigger 4000+ watt units they sell at Home Depot. It's tolerable in an urban situation, rather than OMG WILL YOU PLEASE TURN THAT THING OFF AT NIGHT?!?
Last edited by cdhamma April 2, 2020 at 07:08 PM.
Apr 3, 2020 2:08 AM
30.2K Comments
Joined Oct 2010
Medic311Apr 3, 2020 2:08 AM
30.2K Comments
Powering your home's electrical panel:


i used an interlock kit so i could power my entire panel (all 120V circuits, not at the same time obviously), just for convenience sake. an interlock prevents you from operating the generator with the main circuit on, thus preventing back feeding your panel by accident. Back feeding is when your generator sends electricity back to the outside lines b/c someone forgot to turn the main circuit breaker off. this mistake could (and has) injure or kill a line worker who is out there making repairs. direct feeding a panel without interlock or transfer switch sub panel is illegal due t potential for back feeding. here are some steps regarding interlock. as always, check your local codes for adherence to regulation.

Step 1: Find an interlock kit that's compatible with your panel. Chances are the model in HD/Lowe's will not fit your. You can buy them here https://www.geninterlock.com/ or here http://www.interlockkit.com/

Step 2: Buy a double pole breaker that's compatible with your electrical box. Home Depot or your local electric supply house will have this.

Step 3: Buy generator inlet: http://www.amazon.com/Reliance-Controls-PB30-Generator-Generators/dp/B000BQT47S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&q... [amazon.com]

Step 4: Buy L14-30 to L5-30 adapter cable where both hots are crossed so you can power BOTH sides of your panel even though you have a 120V generator: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/...ge_o02_s00 . You could make your own cable for $10, but it's nice to have a factory molded rugged cable that you don't have to worry about. One end of this cable will go into the L14-30 inlet in #3 and the other end gives you a L5-30 connection. See step 5.

Step 5: Buy a 25ft or 50ft L5-30 extension cord (length is up to you). This cord is what will go from your adapter in your inlet in Step 3 to your generator. I bought this: http://www.amazon.com/Conntek-20571-Generator-Extension-Eextension/dp/B003HUYK5Q/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8... [amazon.com] . The reason why I am suggesting that you buy the L5-30 cord instead of a regular 5-15 cord + L5-30 to 5-15 adapter, is to future proof your setup should you ever decide to buy a 2nd Inverter generator and use the parallel kit (which has a L5-30 plug for 3000W output power), it's up to you really and what you think you generator power needs might be in the future. if you only plan on using single 120V inverter gens like this (1 of them), save the money and use a 5-15 cord and a L5-30 to 5-15 adapter

Step 6: Buy L5-30 to 5-15 adapter plug which goes into the generator if you want to run directly from a single generator and not the parallel kit (you should have the option of doing both, as a fall back, so you aren't forcing yourself to run both): http://www.amazon.com/Conntek-Locking-Adapter-Female-Connector/dp/B002YB108Y/ref=sr_1_5?tag=slickdea... [amazon.com]

Step 7: Either do it yourself per the Youtube videos or pay an electrician. You can buy the rest of the materials at Home Depot (romex, wall anchors, conduit, etc). Since you are providing all materials or most of them, the electrician should only be charging you a labor rate. This job should not take longer than 2 hours. If you are running across long distances or through thick masonry...ok add an hour. You should not have to pay more than 2-3 labor hrs for this job. If you want to save money, you can do all of the labor intensive work of mounting the inlet, running the conduit, and running the romex...then all he has to do is install the interlock panel, the double pole breaker for the generator, and make the final connection to your box. Figure he'll charge you (1) labor hour to do all of that. if you have never done anything electrical before, just hire the electrician for peace of mind.






NOTE 1: You will not be able to power any 240V appliances with this generator.Turn OFF all 240V circuits (except the double pole circuit you are using with your generator inlet and interlock). This is to prevent the possibility of overloading the neutral

NOTE 2: i attached photos. don't pay attention to the fact there are (2) inlets. it's b/c where i installed these, it's a multi residence with 2 service panels

NOTE 3: since i had the panels open, i threw on whole house surge protectors. bought them from a slickdeal back in 2012 i think

NOTE 4: you can fit (2) of these on a harbor freight large dolly, using scrap deck boards across.

NOTE 5: it's good practice to install run meters on these. installation simple the meter itself is only $5-6 on ebay or amazon. the run meter wire is what you see on the last pic of the 2 red generators, coming out from the front vent
Apr 3, 2020 2:22 AM
30.2K Comments
Joined Oct 2010
Medic311Apr 3, 2020 2:22 AM
30.2K Comments
Quote from Logan_71 :
Thanks for the summary, but WTF is a 'window shaker'..? Some cajun term for a window A/C unit?
what we used to call window A/Cs when they were loud AF and would vibrate
Apr 3, 2020 2:28 AM
39.4K Comments
Joined Nov 2005
Dr. JApr 3, 2020 2:28 AM
39.4K Comments
Quote from Medic311 :
what we used to call window A/Cs when they were loud AF and would vibrate
Do you have any comment on the meter hookup kits? Seems like. MUCH simpler way of connecting a generator temporarily.


http://www.generlink.com/generlink.html

As for me, I need to run power to a shed and am thinking of including heavy gauge wiring such that I could park a generator in the shed (it's large enough for ventilation); my main panel is on the outside wall of a garage and should be easy to run direct power to. My only hesitance is sizing the wire sufficiently but not wasting money on too much copper.
Apr 3, 2020 2:31 AM
3.9K Comments
Joined Jun 2016
Logan_71Apr 3, 2020 2:31 AM
3.9K Comments
Quote from Medic311 :
what we used to call window A/Cs when they were loud AF and would vibrate
Appreciate the insight.

As the resident expert on generators (no, not kidding), what's your thought on this one? Tempted to order as we're moving into summer storm season. Not looking to power much - likely just a 'fridge and switch over to a window A/C unit I have in storage as a 'just in case'.

FWIW, I checked around and couldn't find anyone offering CB.
Apr 3, 2020 2:32 AM
3K Comments
Joined May 2005
ucbengrApr 3, 2020 2:32 AM
3K Comments
Quote from Medic311 :
Powering your home's electrical panel:
Good info. Thanks and repped
Apr 3, 2020 2:33 AM
1.4K Comments
Joined Jan 2011
wussApr 3, 2020 2:33 AM
1.4K Comments
Quote from mpc11 :
Yes. Sold at a lot of places, including Home Depot and Lowes.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/WEN-S.../308025806
How does where its sold answer the question of if this thing is good or not?
1

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Apr 3, 2020 2:46 AM
157 Comments
Joined Jun 2011

This comment has been rated as unhelpful by Slickdeals users.

Apr 3, 2020 2:59 AM
94 Comments
Joined Oct 2014
Pepe134Apr 3, 2020 2:59 AM
94 Comments
Quote from jjbrooks75 :
It's really good. I have two. Just make sure to break them in and get a magnetic dip stick.
I second that. Best copy of yamaha engine .
Apr 3, 2020 3:09 AM
887 Comments
Joined Nov 2015
EdOzApr 3, 2020 3:09 AM
887 Comments
I have the 1200 watt version of this unit - for which I paid almost as much as this on Amazon a year ago. I would buy it again - best generator have ever owned and sips gas. Just re-started after 3 months off and it took 3 pulls - but I had drained the carb so it should have.

The power ratings on these are very accurate. Mine is rated for 1000 watt continuous and I have run 1000 watts all day long. The fact you can hook 2 of these together is a great bonus PLUS the power is clean and should be safe with almost all electronics.
Apr 3, 2020 3:18 AM
266 Comments
Joined Sep 2012
jmadamsApr 3, 2020 3:18 AM
266 Comments
Man think I might sell my Honda eu1000i for one of these
Apr 3, 2020 3:25 AM
8 Comments
Joined Aug 2019
Mahmud25Apr 3, 2020 3:25 AM
8 Comments
Quote from dubkatz :
Do they charge sales tax in CA?
Yes they do
Apr 3, 2020 3:32 AM
146 Comments
Joined Apr 2013
superdad3dApr 3, 2020 3:32 AM
146 Comments
Quote from Medic311 :
Powering your home's electrical panel:


i used an interlock kit so i could power my entire panel (all 120V circuits, not at the same time obviously), just for convenience sake. an interlock prevents you from operating the generator with the main circuit on, thus preventing back feeding your panel by accident. Back feeding is when your generator sends electricity back to the outside lines b/c someone forgot to turn the main circuit breaker off. this mistake could (and has) injure or kill a line worker who is out there making repairs. direct feeding a panel without interlock or transfer switch sub panel is illegal due t potential for back feeding. here are some steps regarding interlock. as always, check your local codes for adherence to regulation.

Step 1: Find an interlock kit that's compatible with your panel. Chances are the model in HD/Lowe's will not fit your. You can buy them here https://www.geninterlock.com/ or here http://www.interlockkit.com/

Step 2: Buy a double pole breaker that's compatible with your electrical box. Home Depot or your local electric supply house will have this.

Step 3: Buy generator inlet: http://www.amazon.com/Reliance-Controls-PB30-Generator-Generators/dp/B000BQT47S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&a... [amazon.com]

Step 4: Buy L14-30 to L5-30 adapter cable where both hots are crossed so you can power BOTH sides of your panel even though you have a 120V generator: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0050PQ0UO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s... [amazon.com] . You could make your own cable for $10, but it's nice to have a factory molded rugged cable that you don't have to worry about. One end of this cable will go into the L14-30 inlet in #3 and the other end gives you a L5-30 connection. See step 5.

Step 5: Buy a 25ft or 50ft L5-30 extension cord (length is up to you). This cord is what will go from your adapter in your inlet in Step 3 to your generator. I bought this: http://www.amazon.com/Conntek-20571-Generator-Extension-Eextension/dp/B003HUYK5Q/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8... [amazon.com] . The reason why I am suggesting that you buy the L5-30 cord instead of a regular 5-15 cord + L5-30 to 5-15 adapter, is to future proof your setup should you ever decide to buy a 2nd Inverter generator and use the parallel kit (which has a L5-30 plug for 3000W output power), it's up to you really and what you think you generator power needs might be in the future. if you only plan on using single 120V inverter gens like this (1 of them), save the money and use a 5-15 cord and a L5-30 to 5-15 adapter

Step 6: Buy L5-30 to 5-15 adapter plug which goes into the generator if you want to run directly from a single generator and not the parallel kit (you should have the option of doing both, as a fall back, so you aren't forcing yourself to run both): http://www.amazon.com/Conntek-Locking-Adapter-Female-Connector/dp/B002YB108Y/ref=sr_1_5?tag=slickdea... [amazon.com]

Step 7: Either do it yourself per the Youtube videos or pay an electrician. You can buy the rest of the materials at Home Depot (romex, wall anchors, conduit, etc). Since you are providing all materials or most of them, the electrician should only be charging you a labor rate. This job should not take longer than 2 hours. If you are running across long distances or through thick masonry...ok add an hour. You should not have to pay more than 2-3 labor hrs for this job. If you want to save money, you can do all of the labor intensive work of mounting the inlet, running the conduit, and running the romex...then all he has to do is install the interlock panel, the double pole breaker for the generator, and make the final connection to your box. Figure he'll charge you (1) labor hour to do all of that. if you have never done anything electrical before, just hire the electrician for peace of mind.






NOTE 1: You will not be able to power any 240V appliances with this generator.Turn OFF all 240V circuits (except the double pole circuit you are using with your generator inlet and interlock). This is to prevent the possibility of overloading the neutral

NOTE 2: i attached photos. don't pay attention to the fact there are (2) inlets. it's b/c where i installed these, it's a multi residence with 2 service panels

NOTE 3: since i had the panels open, i threw on whole house surge protectors. bought them from a slickdeal back in 2012 i think

NOTE 4: you can fit (2) of these on a harbor freight large dolly, using scrap deck boards across.

NOTE 5: it's good practice to install run meters on these. installation simple the meter itself is only $5-6 on ebay or amazon. the run meter wire is what you see on the last pic of the 2 red generators, coming out from the front vent
For the sake of convenience, this 7 step program seems a bit inconvenient.
2
Apr 3, 2020 3:41 AM
2.9K Comments
Joined Dec 2008
drew2moneyApr 3, 2020 3:41 AM
2.9K Comments
Why would you want a gas only inverter.... LP is so much easier and give you a longer run time

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Apr 3, 2020 3:49 AM
108 Comments
Joined May 2017
KillyMcGeeApr 3, 2020 3:49 AM
108 Comments
Quote from sixtyfive_ford :
The Honda 2000 watt generators have been out long enough you can find them used for $400-500 in the local classified. The Hondas will outlive these copy cats 10x over. Don't waste your money on these junk generators, you'll hate yourself in a year.
I wish you were right. The cheapest I can find a similar used Honda on marketplace is $700 and an hour and a half drive

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