residental generator question

Buck91

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Feb 26, 2007
Messages
1,760
Location
USA
I've been shopping for a reasonably priced, reasonable wattage generator to use for residential back up power. My primary considerations are to provide for my natural gas forced air furnace and sump pump (winter) or fridge/freeze and sump pump in summer. I mention this because I'm looking at two fairly different units due to price/availability and some reward money we have.

Option 1, inverter style.
2900w/3200w running/starting
3% THD
58db
Outlets – TT30R, 2 120V Standard (5-20 Duplex), 12V (W/Battery Charging Cables), USB (5V, 2.1 amps), (1) TT-30R (for RV) 120V-30A, (1) 5-20R Duplex 120V- 20A, (1) DC outlet 12V-8.3A, (1) USB 5V, 2.1A

Option 2, brushed alternator
3650w/4550w running/starting
25% THD (!!!)
67db (I think, hard to find spec)
Outlets

  • 1 x 12V 8.3a
  • 1 x L14-30R 120/240V-30A
  • 1 x L5-30R
  • 1 x TT-30R 120V-30A
  • 5-20R duplex
  • 2 x USB 5VDC-3.1A
  • 1 x L5-30R 30A-120VAC via TT-30P to L5-30R
 

joshk

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Aug 8, 2019
Messages
45
Location
USA
Well I'm probably too new here to drop the name of my generator, but I chose a inverter generator and recommend that. They make your fuel last longer, they run quieter, and claim higher quality power. You're toughest load is the sump pump, and it looks you chose enough watts to start it, so no issue there. It sounds like you know what you are doing.
 

scout24

Flashaholic
Joined
Dec 23, 2008
Messages
8,869
Location
Penn's Woods
No worries with dropping a name, it's more the links to commercial advertising that would perhaps get some attention. Welcome to CPF, by the way... :)
 

joshk

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Aug 8, 2019
Messages
45
Location
USA
Thanks. I just noticed this thread is from February. Oops. It was all new to me :D
 

scout24

Flashaholic
Joined
Dec 23, 2008
Messages
8,869
Location
Penn's Woods
No worries. It all comes back around... Generators and prep topics ebb and flow with the seasons. Snow, hurricanes, tornados, it's all relevant info.
 
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