On 11/26/2011 10:29 AM, Bill Horne wrote:
Thanks for the info. That's a good comparison.

Now what I need is information about the /reliability/ of the various
products and models. What /really/ scares me is the chance of finding
out that I bought a "light duty" engine that has just thrown a rod in
the middle of Field Day. Does anyone have a side-by-side
comparison of the various makes and models, along with a "plain
English" explanation of what code words like "emergency service"
mean?

That takes a bit of digging and interpretation.

Simply put though, All 5000 watt generators claim to put
out 5000 watts. Most will say "Peak" NOT "continuous."

Secondly, check the physical HP size of the motor they
use for said "continuous" output.

As an example... Three generators rated at 5000 watts.

Brand X 4000 watts continuous. 8 HP

Brand Y 4500 watts continuous. 10 HP

Brand Z 3500 watts continuous. 7 HP

I would go with Brand Y. Brand X has a smaller engine so
it's going to work harder, even at 4000 watts, and Brand
Z is just an engine failure waiting to happen.

"Emergency Service" either means it's a reliable set up,
or it's marketing speak for unreliable. It can also mean
the engine/generator isn't really designed for continuous
duty. Which is kind of silly considering that in the event
of an emergency, you NEED to run the stuff continuously.


Jeff-1.0
wa6fwi

--
"Everything from Crackers to Coffins"