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FreeMan
FreeMan
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So, I am in Ireland and I want to get a generator for backup. I want at least 2500 w continuous power, as that ensures that I can use any one of my appliances (washer, dryer, dishwasher); with 2800 W I have a bit spare for the router and the fridge. I also want an inverter generator because I would power computer equipment.

But I want to minimize spending because this is a backup for cases that are rather rare, and also maybe a portable solution for camping. I don't think a full-scale professional installation, with a switch for the main house network, is worth it; besides, with a switch, we could accidentally turn on two appliances (or the shower) and overload the generator. And finally, I am worried about theft from the shed. So I am looking at a portable generator which would normally be stored in the house, and in case of emergency brought outside, with a 25 m extension cord (which we have, just need to remember to unwind it fully for serious power use) supplying any particular appliance we want to use. The electricity from the generator will NOT cross over into the main house wires at any point.

So, there are two principal generator options with these requirements:

The price difference is huge but what is the utility difference? The only one I know if is the noise, which is very significantly stronger for an open frame. And we live in a housing estate so noise is certainly not welcome. But maybe I can mitigate this by building a small enclosure out of concrete blocks? Also would the closed-frame be quiet enough to run at night, which is where noise makes most difference?

And is there any other utility difference except noise? As I understand none of these can run in the rain and none of these are safe indoors, right?

So, I am in Ireland and I want to get a generator for backup. I want at least 2500 w continuous power, as that ensures that I can use any one of my appliances (washer, dryer, dishwasher); with 2800 W I have a bit spare for the router and the fridge. I also want an inverter generator because I would power computer equipment.

But I want to minimize spending because this is a backup for cases that are rather rare, and also maybe a portable solution for camping. I don't think a full-scale professional installation, with a switch for the main house network, is worth it; besides, with a switch, we could accidentally turn on two appliances (or the shower) and overload the generator. And finally, I am worried about theft from the shed. So I am looking at a portable generator which would normally be stored in the house, and in case of emergency brought outside, with a 25 m extension cord (which we have, just need to remember to unwind it fully for serious power use) supplying any particular appliance we want to use. The electricity from the generator will NOT cross over into the main house wires at any point.

So, there are two principal generator options with these requirements:

The price difference is huge but what is the utility difference? The only one I know if is the noise, which is very significantly stronger for an open frame. And we live in a housing estate so noise is certainly not welcome. But maybe I can mitigate this by building a small enclosure out of concrete blocks? Also would the closed-frame be quiet enough to run at night, which is where noise makes most difference?

And is there any other utility difference except noise? As I understand none of these can run in the rain and none of these are safe indoors, right?

I am in Ireland and I want to get a generator for backup. I want at least 2500 w continuous power, as that ensures that I can use any one of my appliances (washer, dryer, dishwasher); with 2800 W I have a bit spare for the router and the fridge. I also want an inverter generator because I would power computer equipment.

But I want to minimize spending because this is a backup for cases that are rather rare, and also maybe a portable solution for camping. I don't think a full-scale professional installation, with a switch for the main house network, is worth it; besides, with a switch, we could accidentally turn on two appliances (or the shower) and overload the generator. And finally, I am worried about theft from the shed. So I am looking at a portable generator which would normally be stored in the house, and in case of emergency brought outside, with a 25 m extension cord (which we have, just need to remember to unwind it fully for serious power use) supplying any particular appliance we want to use. The electricity from the generator will NOT cross over into the main house wires at any point.

So, there are two principal generator options with these requirements:

The price difference is huge but what is the utility difference? The only one I know if is the noise, which is very significantly stronger for an open frame. And we live in a housing estate so noise is certainly not welcome. But maybe I can mitigate this by building a small enclosure out of concrete blocks? Also would the closed-frame be quiet enough to run at night, which is where noise makes most difference?

And is there any other utility difference except noise? As I understand none of these can run in the rain and none of these are safe indoors, right?

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Mikhail Ramendik
Mikhail Ramendik
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Backup/portable inverter generator - open frame or not?

So, I am in Ireland and I want to get a generator for backup. I want at least 2500 w continuous power, as that ensures that I can use any one of my appliances (washer, dryer, dishwasher); with 2800 W I have a bit spare for the router and the fridge. I also want an inverter generator because I would power computer equipment.

But I want to minimize spending because this is a backup for cases that are rather rare, and also maybe a portable solution for camping. I don't think a full-scale professional installation, with a switch for the main house network, is worth it; besides, with a switch, we could accidentally turn on two appliances (or the shower) and overload the generator. And finally, I am worried about theft from the shed. So I am looking at a portable generator which would normally be stored in the house, and in case of emergency brought outside, with a 25 m extension cord (which we have, just need to remember to unwind it fully for serious power use) supplying any particular appliance we want to use. The electricity from the generator will NOT cross over into the main house wires at any point.

So, there are two principal generator options with these requirements:

The price difference is huge but what is the utility difference? The only one I know if is the noise, which is very significantly stronger for an open frame. And we live in a housing estate so noise is certainly not welcome. But maybe I can mitigate this by building a small enclosure out of concrete blocks? Also would the closed-frame be quiet enough to run at night, which is where noise makes most difference?

And is there any other utility difference except noise? As I understand none of these can run in the rain and none of these are safe indoors, right?