On Fri, 24 May 2019 23:44:36 -0400, Ed Pawlowski wrote:

On 5/24/2019 11:11 PM, Ralph Mowery wrote:
In article , says...

I'm considering buying a generator. Just a portable that would keep the
refrigerator going, maybe the TV or internet. Nothing of higher power
demand and only for a few hours a day if power goes out after a
hurricane. AFAIK, this is not a really bad area for that and out lines
are underground so that help. But stuff happens. I'm in Florida now and
they do get hurricanes.

The inverters run a couple of hundred more from what I've seen. I'd
like to keep it down to less than $1k. I'm thinking 2,000 to 3000 watts
should handle my needs.



I would not worry one way or the other about an inverter or not for the
equipment no matter what the hype is. I run a large TV and computers on
a regular 5 kw generator all the time during the power outages. It will
burn though a lot of gas if left running.

The main thing is how much gas do you want to use and store. The
inverters usually use less , especially if not loaded too much.

I think Honda makes an inverter generator that is about 2 kw for right
at $ 1000.




I have to do some more checking, but mostly the fridge is the big value
thing to keep going. Gas range and grill takes care of cooking, city
water.

A natural gas house should run fine on a little 2kw inverter. Look at
any 240v (2 pole) breakers in the panel because those pieces of
equipment are not going to work. The other issue is trying to put
transfer equipment on your panel will be tough too since you will only
be able to feed one phase. You also would have to be sure all 240v
breakers were tripped.
You might find it easier to just run on cords.
I suppose you could put in transfer equipment for a few circuits
pretty cheaply. It might be as easy as a 4" square box with 4 "3 way"
switches in it to move 4 circuits.