I just bought a 7kw generator for $699.

**HeinousMark** · 01-16-2013, 10:26 AM

Where'd you get the gennie? I was looking at a few since we lost power a few weeks back during a storm, but the affordable ones all looked like crap. I've used the portable Honda ones and they are great but muy expensive. I'd love to have a whole house backup, but they are waaaaaaaay out of my price range, so I'd settle for something to keep the essential stuff going (internet porn, Dawgs, microwave...).

**MatthewT** · 01-16-2013, 10:28 AM

uh, city slicker question, but doesn't the "electric start" kind of defeat the usefulness?

**DrivenByDemons** · 01-16-2013, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by GHP

No

But they sell generators just for homes there. Everything we use is electric (water heater, stove, AC, security lights, grow lights, etc etc) so we want a decent one I figure it will cost around $5000 or $6000

So you have no natural gas hookup. Think about what you want to use for fuel. You're gonna need a good sized unit and a small Diesel generator will be less maintenance and have more torque than gasoline. You're gonna spend some bucks G. Probably double what you're thinking.

**HeinousMark** · 01-16-2013, 10:29 AM

PS: Why do generators and AC power always get rated in Watts, but all your stuff that runs on it is rated in Amps???? Is it just to fuck with us?????

**DrivenByDemons** · 01-16-2013, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by HeinousMark

Where'd you get the gennie? I was looking at a few since we lost power a few weeks back during a storm, but the affordable ones all looked like crap. I've used the portable Honda ones and they are great but muy expensive. I'd love to have a whole house backup, but they are waaaaaaaay out of my price range, so I'd settle for something to keep the essential stuff going (internet porn, Dawgs, microwave...).

CRAZY good deal for this unit. Delivered to your door.

http://www.costco.com/Westinghouse-7...100018803.html

**HeinousMark** · 01-16-2013, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by MatthewT

uh, city slicker question, but doesn't the "electric start" kind of defeat the usefulness?

battery

**DrivenByDemons** · 01-16-2013, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by MatthewT

uh, city slicker question, but doesn't the "electric start" kind of defeat the usefulness?

Dude

Can you start your car when the power goes out?

**Artie Laugh** · 01-16-2013, 10:31 AM

Doesn't look like an electric start to me??? I think you got ripped off budy.

**MatthewT** · 01-16-2013, 10:31 AM

Originally Posted by HeinousMark

battery

**DrivenByDemons** · 01-16-2013, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by HeinousMark

PS: Why do generators and AC power always get rated in Watts, but all your stuff that runs on it is rated in Amps???? Is it just to fuck with us?????

Pretty much

Watts = Volts * Amps. Power factor can skew that but not bad enough for a homeowner.

**MatthewT** · 01-16-2013, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by DrivenByDemons

Dude

Can you start your car when the power goes out?

Maybe

**GHP** · 01-16-2013, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by DrivenByDemons

So you have no natural gas hookup. Think about what you want to use for fuel. You're gonna need a good sized unit and a small Diesel generator will be less maintenance and have more torque than gasoline. You're gonna spend some bucks G. Probably double what you're thinking.

OK that would be alright too. The ones they sell are diesel powered and super quiet. They have maintenance guys and all that. All the resorts use them so it's all set up

**HeinousMark** · 01-16-2013, 10:35 AM

Originally Posted by DrivenByDemons

CRAZY good deal for this unit. Delivered to your door.

http://www.costco.com/Westinghouse-7...100018803.html

Dammit! I'm ~~needing~~ wanting a new smoker/grill, but that is a damn good price...

**newcastlefan** · 01-16-2013, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by DrivenByDemons

I believe the correct term is jiga-watts

1.21 and we can go back to 1955

**fletchman71** · 01-16-2013, 10:41 AM

DBD, how weather-proof are these generators? I am looking to get one just to power my sump pump and a fridge when the power goes out and was just wondering how waterproof these things are. I assume they are made to be run in bad weather but I would like to know for sure.

**newcastlefan** · 01-16-2013, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by fletchman71

DBD, how weather-proof are these generators? I am looking to get one just to power my sump pump and a fridge when the power goes out and was just wondering how waterproof these things are. I assume they are made to be run in bad weather but I would like to know for sure.

the japanese generators are built to withstand the kinds of natural disasters common in Japan, earthquake, tsunami, radioactive steam discharge, Godzilla, Mothra, you know, all the ordinary natural disasters.

**DrivenByDemons** · 01-16-2013, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by fletchman71

DBD, how weather-proof are these generators? I am looking to get one just to power my sump pump and a fridge when the power goes out and was just wondering how waterproof these things are. I assume they are made to be run in bad weather but I would like to know for sure.

I wouldn't store it outside or anything but it'll be fine running in a rain shower. I wouldn't leave it out there if it's storming hard though.

**DrivenByDemons** · 01-16-2013, 10:51 AM

Originally Posted by newcastlefan

the japanese generators are built to withstand the kinds of natural disasters common in Japan, earthquake, tsunami, radioactive steam discharge, Godzilla, Mothra, you know, all the ordinary natural disasters.

Snorkels for underwater operation