What should I consider when purchasing a generator?
What should I consider when purchasing a generator? I have been looking at generators in the 3500-5000watt range. What things should I consider when making a decision? are certain brands and types more reliable? I will use it to power a welder and act as a household back up during power outages (power the fridge, a few lights, etc.)
Generators Using a generator to power a welder is questionable. Apparently the back EMF as the result of striking an arc with the welder raises havoc with the generator. (kind of an ignition coil effect backfeeding into the generator).
My neighbor tried using that combination and wiped out his new generator in less than an hour. I have seen gas powered welders that also provide 120 volts AC. Those are usually rather expensive but you do get a 2 for 1 deal with them.
If you plan on going the seperate component route, I would suggest you get the extended warrantee on the generator and buy one local for exchange reasons.
I am not fond of Techumse engines so an OHV B/S or preferrably Honda powered generator would be my suggestion. Bigger is better for reserve capacity to start motors and cooler operation under load.
My neighbor tried using that combination and wiped out his new generator in less than an hour. I have seen gas powered welders that also provide 120 volts AC. Those are usually rather expensive but you do get a 2 for 1 deal with them.
If you plan on going the seperate component route, I would suggest you get the extended warrantee on the generator and buy one local for exchange reasons.
I am not fond of Techumse engines so an OHV B/S or preferrably Honda powered generator would be my suggestion. Bigger is better for reserve capacity to start motors and cooler operation under load.
For continuous duty you probably want forced oiling and
a spin-on oil filter. Though my ratty old Coleman 5kW
has gotten me through a few hurricanes, the oil needs
changed every 10 hours or so by the book (if I run it
all day, change it every other, looks like gray soup
when it comes out). I have a Generac with the V-twin,
15kW continuous, spin-on filter, for the house and the
Coleman for the workshop now.
Brushless type alternators are what's gonna get hurt
by weird electrical loads. They are more reliable when
things go smoothly, but it's harder to hurt a carbon
brush with a momentary spike than a pod full of fancy
fussy electronics. Not too easy to find old-style brush
alternators anymore. Those do want more maintenance
in continuous use but are just dumb and tough.
Maybe consider looking for a generator/welder combo.
I found Northern Tool had the best prices on the big
gasoline generators. Though up north, probably see
local sales once ice storm seaon is over and before
they start shipping everything they've got down south
for hurricane season.
If I knew anything about diesels, I'd seriously consider
one of those Chinese diesel gensets for a stationary,
like poured slab generator shed and hard house feed,
installation. Some come with a complete rebuild kit,
though maybe that's not a good sign?
a spin-on oil filter. Though my ratty old Coleman 5kW
has gotten me through a few hurricanes, the oil needs
changed every 10 hours or so by the book (if I run it
all day, change it every other, looks like gray soup
when it comes out). I have a Generac with the V-twin,
15kW continuous, spin-on filter, for the house and the
Coleman for the workshop now.
Brushless type alternators are what's gonna get hurt
by weird electrical loads. They are more reliable when
things go smoothly, but it's harder to hurt a carbon
brush with a momentary spike than a pod full of fancy
fussy electronics. Not too easy to find old-style brush
alternators anymore. Those do want more maintenance
in continuous use but are just dumb and tough.
Maybe consider looking for a generator/welder combo.
I found Northern Tool had the best prices on the big
gasoline generators. Though up north, probably see
local sales once ice storm seaon is over and before
they start shipping everything they've got down south
for hurricane season.
If I knew anything about diesels, I'd seriously consider
one of those Chinese diesel gensets for a stationary,
like poured slab generator shed and hard house feed,
installation. Some come with a complete rebuild kit,
though maybe that's not a good sign?
Staging Lane
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Coastal NC
If welding is important to you buy a portable welder that can be used as a generator.
I have an Onan 7500w generator (runs on propane or gasoline) that was bought new in 1988. It still runs like a new one. I once ran it for 11 days, and only stopped it once a day to check the oil and it only burned about ½ quart during that time. We use the generator when we go camping and for power out emergencies. It runs one small AC, some medical breathing equipment, and by switching it back and forth it keeps the refrigerator cold and the freezer frozen. My brother in law has a trailer mounted military surplus diesel welder/generator, that is ideal. He can run his entire house on it, I think its rated at about 15KW.
Either way buy the best you can afford. Most of the generators in the 3000W-6000W range, that cost in the area of $400-$700 are not ment for continous 24 operation. Down here on the coast where we loose power for several days at a time when the hurricanes hit the types of Generators sold by Home Depot, Lowes, Pals, etc don't last more than a few storms and they are so noisy your neighbors will throw rocks at you every time they see you.
I have an Onan 7500w generator (runs on propane or gasoline) that was bought new in 1988. It still runs like a new one. I once ran it for 11 days, and only stopped it once a day to check the oil and it only burned about ½ quart during that time. We use the generator when we go camping and for power out emergencies. It runs one small AC, some medical breathing equipment, and by switching it back and forth it keeps the refrigerator cold and the freezer frozen. My brother in law has a trailer mounted military surplus diesel welder/generator, that is ideal. He can run his entire house on it, I think its rated at about 15KW.
Either way buy the best you can afford. Most of the generators in the 3000W-6000W range, that cost in the area of $400-$700 are not ment for continous 24 operation. Down here on the coast where we loose power for several days at a time when the hurricanes hit the types of Generators sold by Home Depot, Lowes, Pals, etc don't last more than a few storms and they are so noisy your neighbors will throw rocks at you every time they see you.
