Thread: Portable generators - advice

It depends on the pump requirements but most people I have seen mainly have a 2.2Kw unit. We use the same at the bike races for our tire warmers.
One thing though make sure it is a real quiet one as people don't like them when they run for hours on end.

If it is going to be camping use mainly go with to 2 to 2.2 kva. If you want to run computers etc, make sure you get one that functions in pure sin wave. You can get cheap ones that do not, it is risky to use these for computers.

Once you start to research brands you will see what you need. If you want to run more than a pool pump, say fridge etc in a blackout. You are looking at 7.5 to 8 kva. This size will run a goodly part of a house, just turn everything off if you want to run the ketle, you'll see

2000W would be fine for pool pump & camping. I just bought a 6000W as we lost power for 4 days & it easily ran 2 Fridges, freezer, wine cellar, the tank pumps for kitchen, toilet etc, hot showers, cordless landline phone although Telstra were down here for a few days & the 25amp Projecta charger to top up a battery + washing machine. 7.5-8 kva would power a small town

i think the people on here are talking about inverters not generators they are two different things

Originally Posted by richard4u2

i think the people on here are talking about inverters not generators they are two different things

No, generators, some of the cheaper brands put out non regulated power which can serge and some electronics dont like that.

Originally Posted by Saitch

..........7.5-8 kva would power a small town

We've just shared a 6kva genny with our neighbour whilst we were off. Powered 4 fridges/freezers, a few lights, various laptop/iPad/phone chargers and the water pump. Had to unplug everything else when the kettle was used though.

For a house, I would recommend a 4 or 5KVA. That will run everything, including the pool. If you take a generator camping, please don't camp near me. I can't for the life of me work out why people go into our beautiful peaceful outdoors and want to run a generator? With a good battery setup you can get a whole weekend out of a fridge and if you are moving about every few days, you will always have power, and LED lighting is cheap and easy. There are so many options for cooking, so why a genset?

You need 0KVA for basic camping needs. Buy a torch and a gas stove and save your dollars. If you don't like carrying gas, then get a dual fuel stove - the are fantastic.

By all means get one for the house, but PLEASE leave it there....

Originally Posted by sheerluck

We've just shared a 6kva genny with our neighbour whilst we were off. Powered 4 fridges/freezers, a few lights, various laptop/iPad/phone chargers and the water pump. Had to unplug everything else when the kettle was used though.

Yep! We used the billy & little butane bottle single burner.