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R Q

R Q

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 4, 2005
Location
Charlotte
We lose power occasionally and I'm looking to buy a 6500w generator for those times. I borrowed one (HF Special I think) a few years ago from a friend and it was loud as hell so I want one that's a little quieter.
What do y'all recommend?
 
If you're not wanting to run the entire house, Honda all the way. I've been using the EU7000iS this year for part-time work. It's rated at 5500 watts constant, with startup voltage at 7000. Yes, it's expensive, but it's some of the cleanest power you can get. It's a tried-and-true GX390 engine with fuel injection. Every customer I have interacted with has commented on how quiet it is. Push button start with manual pull backup.

There are plenty of other options from Honda. In a nutshell, you can't go wrong with their offerings.
 
maulcruiser said:
If you're not wanting to run the entire house, Honda all the way. I've been using the EU7000iS this year for part-time work. It's rated at 5500 watts constant, with startup voltage at 7000. Yes, it's expensive, but it's some of the cleanest power you can get. It's a tried-and-true GX390 engine with fuel injection. Every customer I have interacted with has commented on how quiet it is. Push button start with manual pull backup.

There are plenty of other options from Honda. In a nutshell, you can't go wrong with their offerings.
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Yeah I used to sell and service them many moons ago and they were class back then. Maybe someone I know can hook me up!... @Nathaniel Lenfert
 
The eu7000 is a very nice unit.
For the money however you could buy a whole house, autostart and ats...
 
For those using generators to run their house, are you just shutting off main breaker and plugging in a cord from the 220 in to the dryer outlet? Always wondered if that was how it was done and if the one 220 circuit from the generator would back feed a house like that
 
Silverado_Express said:
For those using generators to run their house, are you just shutting off main breaker and plugging in a cord from the 220 in to the dryer outlet? Always wondered if that was how it was done and if the one 220 circuit from the generator would back feed a house like that
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you know where to find that answer.... ;)
 
Silverado_Express said:
For those using generators to run their house, are you just shutting off main breaker and plugging in a cord from the 220 in to the dryer outlet? Always wondered if that was how it was done and if the one 220 circuit from the generator would back feed a house like that
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No, no one here does that because that is illegal... and this is in chit chat :D
 
I bought a reliance manual transfer switch for my house a few years ago. I mainly bought it for its ease of use when I am not home. It’s about fool proof so others can wheel the generator outside, fire it up, and keep the ice cream from turning runny.
 
Silverado_Express said:
For those using generators to run their house, are you just shutting off main breaker and plugging in a cord from the 220 in to the dryer outlet? Always wondered if that was how it was done and if the one 220 circuit from the generator would back feed a house like that
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Ive always wanted to install an interlock kit. Might gave to move some breakers around but seems easier than installing a sub panel in an existing house.

Manual Transfer Switch | Extension Cord | Generator Interlock Kit
 
NCJeeplover said:
Ive always wanted to install an interlock kit. Might gave to move some breakers around but seems easier than installing a sub panel in an existing house.

Manual Transfer Switch | Extension Cord | Generator Interlock Kit
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This is what I did. I moved the breakers down 2 on the interlock side and put an actual square d kit in my panel. I marked all the breakers that need to be on with the generator also to keep from overloading the generator.

I haven't actually run the system yet but you can't turn on the generator backfeed breaker without first turning off the main and vice versa. I did test out that part.

You basically flip all breakers off, main off, hold interlock up and switch generator breaker on. Fireup generator and plug it into the power inlet plug box. Then go back and switch on the marked breakers. While I was moving the breakers around the box I tried to balance the loads across the two legs. For example I have a freezer in the garage and the kitchen fridge on opposite legs where before they were on the same leg. That's supposed to be easier on the generator.
 
Year old thread, ik. But anybody got experience with these generators? Got a line on one, cheap. Was used, put away with a dry tank, and sat for a couple years after the guy died.

Edit: Runs fine. Puts out 124 V, 62 Hz, has 250 hrs on it. Anyone wanna guess what it'd be worth so I dont over pay?

20210703_133352.jpg
 
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JSJJ388 said:
Year old thread, ik. But anybody got experience with these generators? Got a line on one, cheap. Was used, put away with a dry tank, and sat for a couple years after the guy died.

Edit: Runs fine. Puts out 124 V, 62 Hz, has 250 hrs on it. Anyone wanna guess what it'd be worth so I dont over pay?

View attachment 351318
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Not knocking a deal but your not looking at anything speacial. Fairly limited output. Probably not built for noise reduction. Job site beat around tool runner....Sub 200.00 is what I'd be pressing. I am personally curious about parts availability or dry rot of hoses and such.
 
I installed a 30 amp breaker with interlock in my panel with a generator inlet box connected to it with 10-3 romex. Works great.
 
WARRIORWELDING said:
Not knocking a deal but your not looking at anything speacial. Fairly limited output. Probably not built for noise reduction. Job site beat around tool runner....Sub 200.00 is what I'd be pressing. I am personally curious about parts availability or dry rot of hoses and such.
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Well, got it for 100. So I guess that's not bad. You're correct, it's a little louder than I'd like but when I'm inside it's just a dull hum. Looks to be a typical Chinese 196 Cc engine, just with a different breather and muffler.
 
Sold new for 299, good little machine.
that’s a GNRC/vanguard reject engine if it’s been used a bunch a small still running it’ll be good for a while..

champion is a decent compiler. Still in business and parts aren’t a problem for it because others (bigger names) make all of it
 
Ron said:
Sold new for 299, good little machine.
that’s a GNRC/vanguard reject engine if it’s been used a bunch a small still running it’ll be good for a while..

champion is a decent compiler. Still in business and parts aren’t a problem for it because others (bigger names) make all of it
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Good to hear. Main thing is keep the fridge and chest freezer cold and phones/pager/radio going.
 
JSJJ388 said:
Good to hear. Main thing is keep the fridge and chest freezer cold and phones/pager/radio going.
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Order spare brushes and figure out away to keep them attached to it in case the ones in go out.

we had it happen to my dads that is similar, we were outta power for another 8 days with a running generator that wasn’t able to make power. May be a freak thing but for less than 20 bucks it don’t hurt to keep them around
 
JSJJ388 said:
Good to hear. Main thing is keep the fridge and chest freezer cold and phones/pager/radio going.
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Phone chargers radios etc are inconsequential.

fried and chest freezer together is probably pushing(exceeding) the limits of that machine. Might work but I’d both ever cycle same time it won’t.
 
Ron said:
Phone chargers radios etc are inconsequential.

fried and chest freezer together is probably pushing(exceeding) the limits of that machine. Might work but I’d both ever cycle same time it won’t.
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Ok, so would need to run one at a time.

Edit: tested this today. It will start both compressors, but definitely all it wants. Otherwise it seems to be doing good.
 
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