Is this a good deal?

Cappy Z. · Mar 9, 2011

I was in a pawn shop today. The guy has two 3500 generators for sale. He's asking $400. for each.

Is this a bargain price? What kind of questions should I ask? I want to have one up and working before hurricane season. I want to be able to keep the refrigerator and TV going during the storm.

Thanks for any and all feedback.

CZ

hammered · Mar 9, 2011

Hi cappy

, I'm researching generators at the mo', if can you give me the specs I will compare it to the ones I'm looking at :icon_thumleft:

hammered

Cappy Z. · Mar 9, 2011

hammered said:
Hi cappy , I'm researching generators at the mo', if can you give me the specs I will compare it to the ones I'm looking at

hammered

I'm at home..and I am mechanically challenged...no, actually I'm ignorant. But thanks.

Dave44 · Mar 9, 2011

I think it is if they bought it yesterday and selling today. Have you looked at the box stores?

Treasure_Hunter · Mar 9, 2011

Cappy,

That price is high for a used 3500 watt generator, what is the brand? I have seen 5000 watts used for that price...Pawn shops will negotiate......

flip flop · Mar 9, 2011

If it's in good shape, runs well, and produces juice....offer them 300. I would go to 325 on it TOPS.
But the previous posts hold merit - do your homework.
FF

Cappy Z. · Mar 10, 2011

Thanks everyone. I'm thinking maybe I should go bigger? Don't plan on juicing the central AC ..but the more I think about it..I could add the hot water heater and a few lights.

Treasure_Hunter · Mar 10, 2011

Cappy Z. said:
Thanks everyone. I'm thinking maybe I should go bigger? Don't plan on juicing the central AC ..but the more I think about it..I could add the hot water heater and a few lights.

Cappy you do know you can fix a power cord so it pluggs into your wall outlet from the generator and feeds electric back into your home's power grid....You just have to be sure it is off if the electric company comes to your home to do any work.....We both know durring and after a hurricane that is a long time before that happens though...

Jeep · Mar 10, 2011

Treasure_Hunter said:
Cappy Z. said:

Thanks everyone. I'm thinking maybe I should go bigger? Don't plan on juicing the central AC ..but the more I think about it..I could add the hot water heater and a few lights.

Click to expand...

Cappy you do know you can fix a power cord so it pluggs into your wall outlet from the generator and feeds electric back into your home's power grid....You just have to be sure it is off if the electric company comes to your home to do any work.....We both know durring and after a hurricane that is a long time before that happens though...

Treasure Hunter this is correct but not for electrical or mechanical challenged people :laughing7:

If you do this please remember you are backfeeding the main and there is no circuit protection.

With a large enough generator your risk of overheating those wires to the burning point is a very real consideration.

Also you will be backfeeding downline if you have not disconnected the main to the power grid.
so any stray cat, person or utility worker blocks away from your house will have to deal with a live wire.

You can buy a transfer switch with an install DVD from the big box stores for about $280 and have it installed in a hour or so.

Safety First :icon_thumright:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_182534-4801...pl=1&currentURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=transfer+switch

Jeep · Mar 10, 2011

Also Cappy, ALDI is selling 6,000 watt generators this week for $349. Its a good buy and there are ALDI
stores in florida.

http://aldi.shoplocal.com/aldi/default.aspx?action=entryflash&WT.z_src=main

Dave44 · Mar 10, 2011

And a typical water heater on full bore in use is about 7000 watts, thats over rating. A 6 kw is for your refrigerator, tv, and selected lights

Jeep · Mar 10, 2011

Dave44 said:
And a typical water heater on full bore in use is about 7000 watts, thats over rating. A 6 kw is for your refrigerator, tv, and selected lights

Use separate circuits or parallel the generator sets if your generator savvy. :wink:

xasp61 · Mar 10, 2011

use the eight hundred to search for one generator with low hours and a higher output. 8000 watts continuous will run the average house with a well - the water heater and electric clothes dryer. use this calculator.

http://www.generatorsales.com/wattage-calculator.asp?gclid=CKPt0uj3h6cCFQFM5Qod2lGzeg

Good Luck and don't shock yourself :sign13:

Jeep · Mar 10, 2011

xasp61 said:
use the eight hundred to search for one generator with low hours and a higher output. 8000 watts continuous will run the average house with a well - the water heater and electric clothes dryer. use this calculator.

http://www.generatorsales.com/wattage-calculator.asp?gclid=CKPt0uj3h6cCFQFM5Qod2lGzeg

Good Luck and don't shock yourself

Yup, thats why I installed a Generac NG/LP years ago.

Power goes out and I never notice...........

Cappy Z. · Mar 10, 2011

Thank you all. Right now I am learning and looking. My step son saids to buy a 15,000 watt and use propane. He says I can get one for about $1000 on Craigslist. Frankly, I find this whole endeavor 'shocking' lol. I can feel 'bad luck' heading my way like a runaway freight train...lol.
:icon_thumleft:

To all.

centfladigger · Mar 10, 2011

I bought my 9k Baldoor gen. back when the state was reimbursing people for these . I have mine hooked up in my shed so no fumes in my house and I can run what I want. Best bet is to save some pennies and get you a 10-15k that runs on LP and has the transfer switch

Treasure_Hunter · Mar 11, 2011

Jeep said:
Treasure_Hunter said:

Cappy Z. said:

Thanks everyone. I'm thinking maybe I should go bigger? Don't plan on juicing the central AC ..but the more I think about it..I could add the hot water heater and a few lights.

Click to expand...

Cappy you do know you can fix a power cord so it pluggs into your wall outlet from the generator and feeds electric back into your home's power grid....You just have to be sure it is off if the electric company comes to your home to do any work.....We both know durring and after a hurricane that is a long time before that happens though...

Click to expand...

Treasure Hunter this is correct but not for electrical or mechanical challenged people

If you do this please remember you are backfeeding the main and there is no circuit protection.

With a large enough generator your risk of overheating those wires to the burning point is a very real consideration.

Also you will be backfeeding downline if you have not disconnected the main to the power grid.
so any stray cat, person or utility worker blocks away from your house will have to deal with a live wire.

You can buy a transfer switch with an install DVD from the big box stores for about $280 and have it installed in a hour or so.

Safety First

http://www.lowes.com/pd_182534-4801...pl=1&currentURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=transfer+switch

Sorry Jeep, your correct I just assumed people would know to disconnect the main breaker to the home....This works great for 8000k or less gen.

Frankn · Mar 11, 2011

gensets around here are in the cost area of $100 per 1000W.
My motorhome has a 3500W genset. It workes the lights, the micro, the toaster oven, the coffee maker, and the tv. The trick in an emergency is to remember that it is an emergency situation and conserve energy. Only run what you need at the moment, not everything at once.
I was an electrician for a couple of years and saw some nasty rube goldburg setups that caused nasty problems. Just run a 12 gauge extension in the window and towel in the crack. It's only temporary!