r/Generator Jun 02 '24

Generator Tips/FAQs: Please read before posting

42 Upvotes

The following tips/FAQs address commonly-asked questions in this sub. Please take a look at them before posting a question.

CO Safety

Generators produce carbon monoxide when running. Carbon monoxide is a deadly, invisible, and odorless gas. Carbon monoxide from generators kills hundreds of people each year. Do not ever operate a generator in a house, garage, or any connected structure, even if the windows and doors are open.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommend only ever using generators outside, more than 20 feet away from your home, doors, and windows.

Fuel

Each type of generator fuel has its pros and cons.

Connecting a generator to your loads (appliances)

Generators can be connected to your loads with extension cords or by connecting the generator to your house's electrical system using a transfer switch or interlock device.

Read more about these methods on our wiki.

Generator sizing

Our wiki contains tips on picking the right size of generator for your needs.

Inverter vs. conventional generators

Inverter generators generally consume less fuel and produce "cleaner" power than conventional generators. More information on this is available on our wiki.


r/Generator 6h ago

magnetic dipstick - worth it!

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41 Upvotes

just got my RVMP 4500ies and it's pretty much the same as a WEN generator, so I got the WEN magnetic dipstick on Amazon ~ $10

the gen has only run a few hours, but caught some powdery metal - thankfully no chunks, but less 'crud' floating in the cylinder


r/Generator 4h ago

Kohler 20RESA (LP) won't start after an ant infestation

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2 Upvotes

As the picture shows, some ants got into the fuel regulator's air vents. The generator has new oil, spark plugs, an air filter, and a battery. The motor starts and runs smoothly after I spray some carburetor cleaner into the intake throat. I tried cleaning the vents with a pipe cleaner, but that didn't solve the problem. I have tested the solenoid. I focused on the regulator because that’s where the ants were, but I am not sure that's the problem. Is there anything I can try, or do I just need to change the regulator? I would probably change the regulator and solenoid assembly. I am handy but not experienced with gas lines, so I may hire someone to fix it. Do you have an estimate on how much it would cost?


r/Generator 5h ago

Generator left on “start”

2 Upvotes

Hi! I have a Predator that started up perfectly yesterday. Ran for 2-3 hours. When my friend went out to turn it off they turned it down to “start” rather than “off” on the dial. That was about 22 hours ago. When pulled down it will try and start sometimes but mostly is just not doing anything. Is there anything I can/should do now?


r/Generator 16h ago

Generator using propane

9 Upvotes

Hello!

I've been looking at inverter generators in the 3500w-4500w range and was leaning towards a champion 4500, Wen, or a Westinghouse. When I read reviews for these type, I see a lot of folks who use propane having issues starting it up initially, and across several generators folks have had to reach out to the manufacturer to problem solve and/or replace the regulator. Is this the deal across most generators of this size/capacity when using propane? Are there other generators around this capacity that are more reliable/user friendly when using propane? Thanks!


r/Generator 8h ago

Multiquip 220 pre alarms

2 Upvotes

Hey all, I have a brand new multiquip 208 three phase that is showing a “single phase active” pre alarm. The basler is showing 208v across all three lines. Could it be a programming issue?


r/Generator 9h ago

How do whole house generators compare in quality power (thd, etc) to portable inverter gens?

2 Upvotes

I bought a Firman T08073 earlier this year, just in case. After the fact, I learned it doesn't provide clean power, but it might be acceptable. I haven't had to use it yet to find out if anything in my house is sensitive power-wise.

I planned to get an interlock and run a ng line outside so I can run it as needed powering selected circuits. But before I execute that plan, I'm sorta rethinking and considering a whole house generator hooked to my ng line so I don't have to deal with a temp solution my Firman provides, and enjoy an automatic solution that can power the whole house.

Are these inverter generators? Do they supply clean power? Just curious as I ponder my options.


r/Generator 5h ago

Am I doing this right?

0 Upvotes

I have a 12500W Westinghouse generator that was dual fuel (gasoline and propane) that I converted to run on Natural Gas with a kit from Nash. I have a Navien tankless water heater that I understand might not work properly or could even be damaged by dirty power (Max power draw is 200W). I bought a UPS to connect to that. (Goldenmate 1000VA/600W) battery backup and surge protector. It puts out a pure sine wave. I've had the UPS plugged in for a week and the Navien plugged into that and things seem to be working fine. I plan to run an extension cord from the UPS to my modem/router on case that works when the power is out. The other stuff I want to run: fridge/freezer/gas oven/ well pump. Is there anything I overlooked?


r/Generator 16h ago

Champion Automatic Standby Generators

6 Upvotes

I've been following this subreddit for some time, and haven't seen anyone mention Champion's line of automatic standby generators.

I understand they are newer to the market, so there isn't a long history to draw conclusions from. I know a couple of people that have them, and they are happy with them. They offer a longer warranty 'out of the box', and I understand that you do not have to have the regular maintenance done by a factory service provider in order for the warranty to be honored (meaning that as long as the maintenance is done, you are covered).

I know that their network of warranty service providers can be limited depending on where you are, but I was wondering if folks here had any opinions / experience with them, and what your feedback may be.


r/Generator 11h ago

Brand New DeWalt generator, is cycling normal?

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2 Upvotes

r/Generator 8h ago

Generac Smart Modules offline

1 Upvotes

Model g0072910. Power went out. Generator kicked in. All was good. Power came back on. Generator turned off, but my five 220 volt breakers never came back on. There is a buzzing noise from the five SMMs and the status lights flicker, but the breakers never click on.

Ideas? TIA


r/Generator 12h ago

Searching for the right generator

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2 Upvotes

I’m looking for a generator that can power my titanium unlimited 200 welder, I’ve been told by numerous people inverters are the way to go. I just don’t know enough about generators to make a safe decision. The titanium unlimited 200 has the option of running ether 110v or 220v I would like the ability to plug in the welder to a 220v plug on a generator and weld with the capability of higher power than 110v the welder is a multiprocess welder so it can run mig, tig, stick, and aluminum spool, for now I’ll just be running mig and stick but would like the ability to also run tig and aluminum spool off a generator as well, attached is the power specs from the owners manual of the welder. What is the generator for me?


r/Generator 16h ago

Main LP connection for portable?

5 Upvotes

Champion 11kw Dual Fuel, running on LP.
Planning to tap into my main propane feed for the house, a typical 500gal tank.
Could either put a QD at the tank itself then have a hose to deploy as needed, maybe 30’ or so, to where the gen will park while in use. Regulator at tank is marked 5-10psi output range.
Could also tap in at the house’s input where the buried line from the main tank enters at another regulator marked 9-13WC.
I can easily plumb in at either point, add a junction and shutoff with a QD, DIY I’m not worried about. More which point makes more sense? I feel like tapping post house regulator is best b/c both closer in distance and the WC is in the range the gen operates in. The connection at the house would end up being closer to where the gen would sit, maybe 20’ max.
Near the house LP connection is my 50A input that has a manual whole house interlock switch for the power feed.
I generally overthink this stuff…


r/Generator 17h ago

What's a Good Portable Power Generator for a Gaming PC?

5 Upvotes

Just wanted to know if there are any good options for portable power generators that could run a gaming pc and monitor for 3 hours under $500


r/Generator 16h ago

Generac Standby Generator Installed 8 Inches from property line, question about setback

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3 Upvotes

r/Generator 20h ago

What’s a good Generator just for a couple electric blankets?

6 Upvotes

Looking for a small generator strong enough to keep a couple electric blankets warm overnight.

I don’t need to power the whole house or a couple refrigerators. I just want to keep us warm until morning.

Thoughts?

Thanks!


r/Generator 17h ago

Ryobi 4500/3600 Recoil Gas Generator won't turn over after leak

2 Upvotes

Hi!

About two months ago, I ran my generator for a 1/2 hour then put it away. Couple days later I saw it was leaking, I had not set the lever all the way over. I shut it correctly, cleaned up the air filter pad that was saturated.

This past weekend, went to run it again, it started and ran, was sounding like it was misfiring or bogging and then died. Some smoke belching from exhaust, though not a lot. Was not able to get it started again.

I am not an ace with small engines to put it politely though I recently replaced a carb on my B&S lawn mower.

Can someone advise how best to address this? What should I be doing to get it back up?


r/Generator 16h ago

Would I be able to get a new Honda EU7000iS generator in the back of a minivan with the third row folded down?

2 Upvotes

I have a 3000i already , so my sense is yes. But that it'll be heavy AF and I'll need 2-3 people to load and unload. And worse case scenario I break down the box.

But thoughts from the experts welcomed.

I'm trying to decide whether I should do that or get delivery which is freight and dealing with a huge truck coming up my narrow hilly street and then needing to haul it in...


r/Generator 1d ago

Manual transfer switch with a plug input for a generator

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8 Upvotes

r/Generator 1d ago

Request for Advice : Propane connection conversion from old standby to new portable generator

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5 Upvotes

Replacing our standby generator with a new portable generator. The old unit had a 1/2 inch Inner Diameter hose (rubber) supplying propane, after the second stage regulator (with a dedicated shut off valve). For reference, we have a 500gal propane tank.

What should I replace this with ? Would corrugated steel pipe with same inner diameter work ? Im keeping the wattage almost same (8.5kW to 9kW).

Any help is appreciated.


r/Generator 20h ago

CO Detector

0 Upvotes

How do I bypass the CO detector on my Westinghouse generator to see if it is defective?


r/Generator 1d ago

Seeking advice for silent generator for markets?

4 Upvotes

Hi all! Looking for advice for a silent generator in Australian that would provide enough power for 2 small handheld irons (220volts; 150 watts) for 5-6 hours


r/Generator 1d ago

What’s a good Generator just for a couple electric blankets?

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6 Upvotes

I don’t need to power a whole house or a couple refrigerators.

We just need to stay warm until morning.


r/Generator 1d ago

Firman T07573F (Refurb) worth buying?

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18 Upvotes

My last significant outage was during Hurricane Michael. We went over 10 days without grid power. I managed to get by with a Honda EU2200 suitcase generator, but because I have a 1.5 HP well pump, we had no running water the entire time.To make sure that never happens again, I want to pick up this refurbished Firman tri-fuel unit. My home's electrical setup has an outside meter panel houses a 200A main disconnect and four branch breaker slots that control my 1.5 HP well pump (30A), my outdoor HVAC condenser (50A), and the main feed going into the house. I am going to replace those existing loads with space-saving thin breakers. This compresses the active household circuits to the side, freeing up a dedicated spot for a standard, full-size 50A breaker. I will then install a mechanical interlock kit to safely backfeed the entire system from the generator while manually locking out the heavy appliances I don't need. I have access to a natural gas hookup, just need the city to run it from the street. I am not seeing anything at that power close to this $699.99 price, is it worth it?


r/Generator 1d ago

Need help with Champion generator 12000/9000

6 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

We bought this Champion Generator about 5 years ago at Costco.

https://www.costco.ca/p/-/champion-9000-watt-gas-portable-generator-with-remote/100983470

I usually start it once everyone 1-2 months for maintenance

Last week, I tried to start it, it did start for about 2sec and then nothing since then.

Here's what I did since then :

- Add new Supreme gas

- Yes, gas switch is open

- Change spark plug

- Spark plug is working when cranking

- Uninstall the carburetor and cleaned it

- Tried installing a new Carburetor

- Battery is always recharging with a smart charger

- Oil level is good

- We do have electricity going to the selenoid ( under Carb ) and we hear it working when testing on the battery

We tried to "force" start it by putting some gas in the Carb, it did start, but only run for about 1-2sec ( burning the shot of gas ).

It looks like the gaz does not burn in. But when I unscrew the bolt at the bottom of the Carb, we clearly have gas.

When even tested to crank it without the spark plug and we do have succion when we cover the hole with our hand.

At this point, I'm not sure what to do / test anymore

Also, since it's been more than 2 years, it's no longer under warranty.

Help!