Comments for Review Portable Generators http://www.reviewportablegenerators.com Completely unbiased review of portable generators capable of home backup with emphasis on quiet generators. Sun, 29 Jan 2012 03:58:11 +0000 hourly 1 Comment on Generac 5606 XP Series XP8000E Review by ugh http://www.reviewportablegenerators.com/generac-5606-xp-series-xp8000e-review/#comment-645 ugh Sun, 29 Jan 2012 03:58:11 +0000 http://www.reviewportablegenerators.com/?p=285#comment-645 John, like I said, I was simply repeating info from the Generac web site (I think it was the Q&A for the XP8000E). The same info had been on Lowe's web site before they removed the XP-series generators. The information was specific to the 5708 model that this page is reviewing. What model number is yours? (I think I've seen close to a dozen variants of the XP8000E including models specific to California and Canada regulations) Do you know if yours has the "full-panel" (240V) GFCI? If it does, please read the "Standby Generators – Best" review on this site. I hope your experience means Lowe's is selling the XP again... John, like I said, I was simply repeating info from the Generac web site (I think it was the Q&A for the XP8000E). The same info had been on Lowe’s web site before they removed the XP-series generators. The information was specific to the 5708 model that this page is reviewing.

What model number is yours? (I think I’ve seen close to a dozen variants of the XP8000E including models specific to California and Canada regulations)

Do you know if yours has the “full-panel” (240V) GFCI? If it does, please read the “Standby Generators – Best” review on this site. I hope your experience means Lowe’s is selling the XP again…

]]> Comment on Standby Generators – Best by Michael J http://www.reviewportablegenerators.com/standby-generators/#comment-643 Michael J Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:49:48 +0000 http://www.reviewportablegenerators.com/?p=132#comment-643 These are my choices, which is the best portable generator for me? Please help, Thank you Michael <ul> <li>Sportsman 7000 Watt Portable Electric Generator with Electric Start, AVR Model # GEN7000 Internet # 100662088</li> <li>LIFAN 5500W Energy Storm Electric/Recoil Start Portable Generator with Wheel Kit, CA Approved Model # ES5500E-CA Internet # 202854522</li> <li>Westinghouse WH7000E 7000-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Generator with Electric Start Model # WH7000E Internet # 203198832 </li> <li>Westinghouse WH7000EC 7000-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Generator with Electric Start Model WH7000EC </li> <li>Generac GP7500 Electric Start Portable Generator Model # 5943 Internet # 202851447 Store SKU # 559347 Store SO SKU # 126496 </li> <li>Valsi 8000-Watt Kohler Command Powered Portable Electric Start Single Phase Contractor Generator Model G80MG1500KVAE</li> <li>LIFAN 8500W Pro Series Contractor 15 HP Generator with Electric Start, Idle Control Switch to reduce gas consumption Model LF8500iE-wk</li> </ul> These are my choices, which is the best portable generator for me? Please help, Thank you Michael

  • Sportsman 7000 Watt Portable Electric Generator with Electric Start, AVR Model # GEN7000 Internet # 100662088
  • LIFAN 5500W Energy Storm Electric/Recoil Start Portable Generator with Wheel Kit, CA Approved
    Model # ES5500E-CA Internet # 202854522
  • Westinghouse WH7000E 7000-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Generator with Electric Start Model # WH7000E Internet # 203198832
  • Westinghouse WH7000EC 7000-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Generator with Electric Start Model WH7000EC
  • Generac GP7500 Electric Start Portable Generator Model # 5943 Internet # 202851447 Store SKU # 559347 Store SO SKU # 126496
  • Valsi 8000-Watt Kohler Command Powered Portable Electric Start Single Phase Contractor Generator Model G80MG1500KVAE
  • LIFAN 8500W Pro Series Contractor 15 HP Generator with Electric Start, Idle Control Switch to reduce gas consumption Model LF8500iE-wk
]]> Comment on Generac 5606 XP Series XP8000E Review by John http://www.reviewportablegenerators.com/generac-5606-xp-series-xp8000e-review/#comment-642 John Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:41:37 +0000 http://www.reviewportablegenerators.com/?p=285#comment-642 @ugh: I'm not sure where you are getting your information. I just purchased an XP8000e from lowes and it DOES have TruPower for a THD of less than 5%. Mine also came with a nice 30 amp power cord to power 4 recepticals in addition to the CGFI duplex recepticals on the side (for a total of 60AMPs from that one cord, if properly balanced of course!). Of course the plug can still be used to power a 240 Volt load at 30Amps. You are correct abou the idle control, the older XP8000 do not have that, but for backup power purposes for a house, I doubt you will encounter many times when the demand for power is absolutely 0 watts. Both models vary the amount of gas depending upon load to maintain the proper engine RPM. The runflat tires are a nice addition. I think I can stand for a little flat spot when the alternative might be a completly flat tire. Thump thump is a minor thing. The fuse is behind the pannel, I had to change it when some idiot tried to start the generator while it was still charging. To access it pop off the 4 torx bolts, then pull it out enough to access the little nuts behind (there are 8) You may have to remove or disconnect a few items like the fuel shutoff knob. Once you get back there you will see a small fuse container behind the charging jack. I think it's nice they protect the fuse so well, but it is a little inconvenient if you errantly blow it. While it does seem odd that they keep the charging circuit completley seperate, I'm glad that they did to ensure that the charging circuit does not interfere with the generator operation if it were to fail. Usually these units are used intermittantly, so pluggin in the charger probably wouldn't be enough to fully charge the battery, and a more powerful charger would shorten the lifespan of the battery. All in all I think Generac thought it out well. @ugh: I’m not sure where you are getting your information. I just purchased an XP8000e from lowes and it DOES have TruPower for a THD of less than 5%.
Mine also came with a nice 30 amp power cord to power 4 recepticals in addition to the CGFI duplex recepticals on the side (for a total of 60AMPs from that one cord, if properly balanced of course!). Of course the plug can still be used to power a 240 Volt load at 30Amps.

You are correct abou the idle control, the older XP8000 do not have that, but for backup power purposes for a house, I doubt you will encounter many times when the demand for power is absolutely 0 watts. Both models vary the amount of gas depending upon load to maintain the proper engine RPM.

The runflat tires are a nice addition. I think I can stand for a little flat spot when the alternative might be a completly flat tire. Thump thump is a minor thing.

The fuse is behind the pannel, I had to change it when some idiot tried to start the generator while it was still charging. To access it pop off the 4 torx bolts, then pull it out enough to access the little nuts behind (there are 8) You may have to remove or disconnect a few items like the fuel shutoff knob. Once you get back there you will see a small fuse container behind the charging jack. I think it’s nice they protect the fuse so well, but it is a little inconvenient if you errantly blow it.

While it does seem odd that they keep the charging circuit completley seperate, I’m glad that they did to ensure that the charging circuit does not interfere with the generator operation if it were to fail. Usually these units are used intermittantly, so pluggin in the charger probably wouldn’t be enough to fully charge the battery, and a more powerful charger would shorten the lifespan of the battery. All in all I think Generac thought it out well.

]]> Comment on ETQ Portable Generator by steve http://www.reviewportablegenerators.com/etq-portable-generator/#comment-637 steve Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:15:31 +0000 http://www.reviewportablegenerators.com/?p=62#comment-637 I have a unit barley used and it has a broken compression ring. this unit has very little hours and no one at ETQ can tell me where to get parts or a breakdown for the part number. No parts on line and no phone calls or emails are answered. Do not buy these units. service is not available I have a unit barley used and it has a broken compression ring. this unit has very little hours and no one at ETQ can tell me where to get parts or a breakdown for the part number. No parts on line and no phone calls or emails are answered. Do not buy these units. service is not available

]]> Comment on Standby Generators – Best by mike http://www.reviewportablegenerators.com/standby-generators/#comment-622 mike Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:48:31 +0000 http://www.reviewportablegenerators.com/?p=132#comment-622 Yes, the Generac XP is ok. You just HAVE to have a transfer switch that switches neutrals is all. An electrician will know what you mean....just tell him it is a neutral bonded generator and you need a MANUAL transfer switch that switches neutrals. Yes, the Generac XP is ok. You just HAVE to have a transfer switch that switches neutrals is all.

An electrician will know what you mean….just tell him it is a neutral bonded generator and you need a MANUAL transfer switch that switches neutrals.

]]> Comment on Standby Generators – Best by Bear http://www.reviewportablegenerators.com/standby-generators/#comment-615 Bear Sun, 01 Jan 2012 20:05:10 +0000 http://www.reviewportablegenerators.com/?p=132#comment-615 OK, so what is the break down? Do we bother with the Generac XP8000E Portable Generator or not? I have read all the postings and now I am back at position number 3. Position 1 is I know I need power to my vacation spot in South Carolina (An Trailer). Position 2, Whatever Portable Generator I do purchase I want it hooked up with a manual transfer switch. I don’t have the concern as many posters because I am not connected to the City Power as of yet. However while I am traveling back and forth doing work on it, I will need power. Thanks!!! OK, so what is the break down? Do we bother with the Generac XP8000E Portable Generator or not?

I have read all the postings and now I am back at position number 3. Position 1 is I know I need power to my vacation spot in South Carolina (An Trailer).

Position 2, Whatever Portable Generator I do purchase I want it hooked up with a manual transfer switch.
I don’t have the concern as many posters because I am not connected to the City Power as of yet. However while I am traveling back and forth doing work on it, I will need power.

Thanks!!!

]]> Comment on Standby Generators – Best by Doug C http://www.reviewportablegenerators.com/standby-generators/#comment-609 Doug C Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:52:09 +0000 http://www.reviewportablegenerators.com/?p=132#comment-609 I have a 5 year old Generac 100kw Elite generator with 1000 hours and cannot find anyone who will give me a fair market value on the unit. Any help would be appreciated. I have a 5 year old Generac 100kw Elite generator with 1000 hours and cannot find anyone who will give me a fair market value on the unit. Any help would be appreciated.

]]> Comment on Home Generator Gas Service by George Grenier http://www.reviewportablegenerators.com/home-generator-gas-service/#comment-605 George Grenier Sat, 24 Dec 2011 20:43:18 +0000 http://www.reviewportablegenerators.com/?p=125#comment-605 I recently purhased a Gentron by UPS 6000P Propane Gas Generator. It runs on bottled gas but I want to run it on my house propane and they say the decompression valve is rated for high pressure propane but the propane in my house is low pressure. Am I able to change the decompression valve to accomodate the low pressure propane. Thank you I recently purhased a Gentron by UPS 6000P Propane Gas Generator. It runs on bottled gas but I want to run it on my house propane and they say the decompression valve is rated for high pressure propane but the propane in my house is low pressure. Am I able to change the decompression valve to accomodate the low pressure propane.

Thank you

]]> Comment on Standby Generators – Best by Garence Lee http://www.reviewportablegenerators.com/standby-generators/#comment-598 Garence Lee Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:46:21 +0000 http://www.reviewportablegenerators.com/?p=132#comment-598 My situation: I live in a rental condo, therefore doubt that I want to hardwire an generator into my powerbox in the basement. <ul><li>What would be the most practical setup if I bought a portable generator [electric start because of health problems - no exertion], placed in my attached garage [with exhaust hose to the outside] and ran an applicable extension cord setup into the house?</li> <li>I live in Wisconsin where near zero weather is not uncommon; therefore the worst case scenario might be: [3] 1000 watt portable heaters, [1] refrigerator [don't know the wattage], lights, microwave and a backup UPS system for computers.</li> <li>The most maintenance-free & reliable electric start generator?</li></ul> Any thoughts on the Stanley 8000 watt generator as opposed to the Generic XP8000E? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! My situation:
I live in a rental condo, therefore doubt that I want to hardwire an generator into my powerbox in the basement.

  • What would be the most practical setup if I bought a portable generator [electric start because of health problems - no exertion], placed in my attached garage [with exhaust hose to the outside] and ran an applicable extension cord setup into the house?
  • I live in Wisconsin where near zero weather is not uncommon; therefore the worst case scenario might be: [3] 1000 watt portable heaters, [1] refrigerator [don't know the wattage], lights, microwave and a backup UPS system for computers.
  • The most maintenance-free & reliable electric start generator?

Any thoughts on the Stanley 8000 watt generator as opposed to the Generic XP8000E?

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!

]]> Comment on Standby Generators – Best by UGH again http://www.reviewportablegenerators.com/standby-generators/#comment-599 UGH again Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:42:46 +0000 http://www.reviewportablegenerators.com/?p=132#comment-599 I just notice that the NEW XG series Generators are NEUTRAL BONDED ALSO. That's about it for Generac! I got my new XP8000E that INTERNATIONAL TOOL STUCK ME WITH AND WOULD NOT CANCEL today. INTERNATIONAL TOOL..... WISH I HAD NOT BOUGHT FROM THEM NOW I AM SORRY! I just notice that the NEW XG series Generators are NEUTRAL BONDED ALSO.

That’s about it for Generac!

I got my new XP8000E that INTERNATIONAL TOOL STUCK ME WITH AND WOULD NOT CANCEL today.

INTERNATIONAL TOOL….. WISH I HAD NOT BOUGHT FROM THEM NOW I AM SORRY!

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