Looking for Automatic Engaging Generator

[dnoyeB]

Looks like power is going to be bad this year. I have a active sump pump
and a finished basement so I think a few grand is a worthy investment.

So, I been reading the ng and it seems that Hondas are the best. However,
they dont seem to make the permanent install versions, or I didnt see any.
I'm interested in one like what I see at home depot and Lowes. Guardian
and Centurions which both seem to be re-badged Generacs.

Are these any good? I believe 7000w will be more than enough. Im in MI and
only need to keep my sump going, some TV and computer perhaps. Maybe a bit
of A/C but the basement stays ~65 year around so not necessary.

With the computer the Hondas with the invertors seemed like the wya to go,
but I didnt see any invertors on the Generac 7000w versions!? Did I miss
them? Would it be better to buy a few power conditioners for my computers.
Replace my cheap UPS with a UPS that conditions power as well?

Anyway, looking for direction and searching as much as I can to find it.
Thanks for any help!


dnoyeB

 

[William P.N. Smith]

Looks like power is going to be bad this year. I have a active sump pump
and a finished basement so I think a few grand is a worthy investment.

You may want to check your pricing carefully, a good automatic
transfer switch can cost more than a cheap generator, and will only
interface with generators that have specific interfaces.

You really are better off buying a package of permanently-installed
generator, matching transfer switch, and sufficient fuel supply,
installed by a reputable company with 24-hour service...

 

[Harry Chickpea]

If
you have utility supplied water you can use an automatic eductor unit to
keep the basement from flooding while your away from the house.

Never heard 'em called that. We just called 'em water powered sump
pumps. I'll vouch for them. I once had a house where the basement
was more like a leaky ark than a basement. Thorosealed cement block
walls, a double floor to drain water to the sump, and a water table
that sometimes approached ground level. My first backup to the sump
pump was a battery and RV water pump, and float valve with
microswitch. It just barely kept up with the water inflow. Sears had
a closeout sale on water powered sump pumps about that time and I
bought one and plumbed it in. The durned thing was as fast at
draining the sump as the main pump, and I could finally sleep at night
without worrying about the basement flooding.

 

[dnoyeB]

Never heard 'em called that. We just called 'em water powered sump
pumps. I'll vouch for them. I once had a house where the basement
was more like a leaky ark than a basement. Thorosealed cement block
walls, a double floor to drain water to the sump, and a water table
that sometimes approached ground level. My first backup to the sump
pump was a battery and RV water pump, and float valve with
microswitch. It just barely kept up with the water inflow. Sears had
a closeout sale on water powered sump pumps about that time and I
bought one and plumbed it in. The durned thing was as fast at
draining the sump as the main pump, and I could finally sleep at night
without worrying about the basement flooding.

I have one. But its no where near as good as the electric. it seems very
inefficient. Maybe I need it serviced.

 

[dnoyeB]

You may want to check your pricing carefully, a good automatic
transfer switch can cost more than a cheap generator, and will only
interface with generators that have specific interfaces.

You really are better off buying a package of permanently-installed
generator, matching transfer switch, and sufficient fuel supply,
installed by a reputable company with 24-hour service...

What do they call these companies that install backups? I don't need
24-hour service as this is only for the rare occasion when power goes out.
I don't want to pay an arm and a leg. I dont have any critical
infrastructure to protect with it. Its mainly for convenience. So if it
goes out I can wait till next day to get fixed.