Let’s talk generators...

Thanks. That all makes sense. How much do you allocate to the non heavy stuff? Like just running your lights, normal outlets, etc?

 

On most (maybe all?) devices, you can see a label to show the maximum wattage a device can draw.

Generally, the power draw of things I didn't put in that list are almost negligible in the grand scheme of things. Exceptions are incandescent or halogen bulbs if you've still got them. The can be 50-100 watt each and can add up. LED bulbs are 5-10w each. Gaming desktop computers running at full tilt can be as much as 1000watt, but most computer are much much less than that. Gaming consoles and TV are about 150watt each. Generally, the power hogs are things that heat things up and cool things down. Everything else is small compared to those.

 

I looked at that this past weekend. But its $799 at my COSTCO, how are you getting it for $750? Tri fuel is intriguing since I have a natural gas line running to my grill.

 

Nice! When I look at the most recent email, it says $699.99 if you pick it up at store versus delivery ($799.99 price).

 

Email subject title: STARTS TODAY - Exclusive Member-Only Savings! Shop Online or at Your Local Costco! and was sent at 12:50pm


Here's a paste from the email... if you need the email forwarded to you let me know.



In-Warehouse + Online
Firman Tri-Fuel Generator

$699.99 After $200 OFF

LIMIT 10. Available for delivery at a higher price.

 

Basketball lottery generators are awesome

 

If you work from home and/or have sensitive equipment you want a gen with less than 5% THD. That isn't the one...

 

Pulsar has a 12000 watt for $800 -$900 depending on the model. It’s dual fuel but there are 3rd party adaptors that can make it run off Nat Gas.

The basics specs for both 12000 watt models are the same but one is a slightly newer version. One good thing about them is that their THD runs relatively low at around 5% @ 50% load, however it can get into the 8% THD at higher loads but that’s still pretty solid for the price.
I did get a UPS for the entertainment center as precaution.

Also, the pulsar is fairly efficient and has a solid run time.

 

Anyone know the THD% of the Predator generators at Harbor Freight?

 

True enough but with the Texas electrical grid in the shape it's in we might be running them for more than just emergencies.

 

Thanks... that's one of their invertor generators. They do have a 900 watt invertor model but its around $1200. I was curious about the non-invertor models like the Firman.

 

For tri-fuel, I got this one. Cheaper but smaller than the Firman. Works great on gas. I haven't tried it on NG or propane yet. I thought I had a natural gas hookup in my back yard but apparently I don't for some reason so I'll need to call a plumber.



Sportsman 4,000-Watt/3,500-Watt Recoil Start Tri Fuel Portable Generator, Runs on Natural Gas, Gasoline, or Propane-805420 - The Home Depot

 

I liked this post, then filled out a contact request with their website (Generator Supercenter). After receiving no return call, I've called their number just now - no answer ("the number you called is not working"). They may have gone out of business?