While we are talking generators
09-03-2019, 11:56 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
While we are talking generators
A few weeks before all of the hurricane craziness, I was supposed to have a generator power inlet plug added to my home. My plan is to purchase a rather large output portable generator 10KW or higher running power (not surge). Well, the electrician that was going to do the work screwed me
and never came to give estimate to begin work. So here
I am and will be running extension cords for this storm if we lose power. BUT I will be having the electrical work done once all of this passes. Enough of the background (which is my fault for not being diligent). We were sitting here discussing different generator options at work, and a coworker told me he was thinking about gettin a large dual-fuel DuroMax 13KW unit. I started looking into them (my plan was to purchase a Caterpillar RP12000 generator). They aren’t getting bad reviews and the price is a fair amount
cheaper. I know, get the quality unit, you say. I want to know real world experience/opinions on the Duromax units. Keep in mind that whatever I get will not be used for extreme or extended duty cycles - Just temporary power outages.
and never came to give estimate to begin work. So here
I am and will be running extension cords for this storm if we lose power. BUT I will be having the electrical work done once all of this passes. Enough of the background (which is my fault for not being diligent). We were sitting here discussing different generator options at work, and a coworker told me he was thinking about gettin a large dual-fuel DuroMax 13KW unit. I started looking into them (my plan was to purchase a Caterpillar RP12000 generator). They aren’t getting bad reviews and the price is a fair amount
cheaper. I know, get the quality unit, you say. I want to know real world experience/opinions on the Duromax units. Keep in mind that whatever I get will not be used for extreme or extended duty cycles - Just temporary power outages.
09-03-2019, 12:21 PM
#3
Senior Member
I have a Duromax 13k dual fuel. Used in Michigan for the occasional power outage lasting a couple of days. No issues. I have LP, so I liked the option of propane, but in reality I use rec fuel (no ethanol). It's heavy, and I found the wheel kit gets flat spots from sitting, but I put it on a wheeled moving dolly, so I can just roll it out of the garage. Runs the whole house, well, etc. No complaints at all. I try to run it monthly for a few mins, usually when puttering around the garage doing something else. Great unit for occasional use.
Last edited by tbeck7632; 09-03-2019 at 12:26 PM.
09-03-2019, 12:34 PM
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by kennyboy
You need to tell us what you want to run...
09-03-2019, 12:39 PM
#5
Senior Member
I have been the whole house generator route, and I moved and went smaller with a portable AC to run one room, fridge, TV, puter, micro, coffee etc. That is with two of us. If you have more in your family, then I understand the need for more AC My Generac transfer switch caught fire twice and they didn't stand behind it. I would't do it again. imho smaller is better for this subject..
09-03-2019, 12:41 PM
#6
Senior Member
I have a Duromax gasoline 5500 and it has worked flawlessly over 2 storms with multiple-day outages. I didn't run 24/7 but for many hours at a time. I would definitely buy another.
09-03-2019, 12:55 PM
#7
Senior Member
Im not recommending it but a friend of mine and all his neighbours simply put a dryer plug on the wire from the generator and plug into their dryer outlet to energize the house. They turn off the main panel switch however I would pull the meter if I was them. My whole house doesnt run the air conditioner only the hot water heater and pool pump as far as 220 volts. I was going to buy a window unit just for the bedroom if it ever came down to it.
09-03-2019, 01:01 PM
#8
Senior Member
Originally Posted by RipTideBBQ
A few weeks before all of the hurricane craziness, I was supposed to have a generator power inlet plug added to my home. My plan is to purchase a rather large output portable generator 10KW or higher running power (not surge). Well, the electrician that was going to do the work screwed me
and never came to give estimate to begin work. So here
I am and will be running extension cords for this storm if we lose power. BUT I will be having the electrical work done once all of this passes. Enough of the background (which is my fault for not being diligent). We were sitting here discussing different generator options at work, and a coworker told me he was thinking about gettin a large dual-fuel DuroMax 13KW unit. I started looking into them (my plan was to purchase a Caterpillar RP12000 generator). They aren’t getting bad reviews and the price is a fair amount
cheaper. I know, get the quality unit, you say. I want to know real world experience/opinions on the Duromax units. Keep in mind that whatever I get will not be used for extreme or extended duty cycles - Just temporary power outages.
and never came to give estimate to begin work. So here
I am and will be running extension cords for this storm if we lose power. BUT I will be having the electrical work done once all of this passes. Enough of the background (which is my fault for not being diligent). We were sitting here discussing different generator options at work, and a coworker told me he was thinking about gettin a large dual-fuel DuroMax 13KW unit. I started looking into them (my plan was to purchase a Caterpillar RP12000 generator). They aren’t getting bad reviews and the price is a fair amount
cheaper. I know, get the quality unit, you say. I want to know real world experience/opinions on the Duromax units. Keep in mind that whatever I get will not be used for extreme or extended duty cycles - Just temporary power outages.
We are still running on an older Generac that has been pretty faithful. Longest I had to run this one has been 2 weeks.
09-03-2019, 01:21 PM
#9
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Originally Posted by kennyboy
AC My Generac transfer switch caught fire twice and they didn't stand behind it..
09-03-2019, 01:43 PM
#10
Senior Member
Originally Posted by barrell
Im not recommending it but a friend of mine and all his neighbours simply put a dryer plug on the wire from the generator and plug into their dryer outlet to energize the house.
09-04-2019, 07:31 AM
#11
Senior Member
Originally Posted by Shag
I'd rather lose food than die back feeding a dryer. But, Darwin works in many different ways.
09-04-2019, 07:42 AM
#12
Senior Member
Originally Posted by RIDE2GETHER
Please explain how using the dryer plug AFTER opening main breaker is a recipe for certain death?
09-04-2019, 08:24 AM
#13
Admirals Club 
I’ve been using Duromax generators for years. They cheap and very reliable. I put a 50 amp plug on the side of the house. Picked up a 50 amp rv extension cord off amazon, than I just plug the house in when then power goes out. Just need to install a 50 amp breaker that locks out the main. No need to get a transfer switch. Do suggest getting a surge protector. eBay has deals on the 10,000 watts from time to time. Seen it as low as $650.
09-04-2019, 09:22 AM
#14
Senior Member
Originally Posted by RIDE2GETHER
Please explain how using the dryer plug AFTER opening main breaker is a recipe for certain death?
LOL, what could possibly go wrong with a double ended hot cable.
09-04-2019, 09:30 AM
#15
Senior Member
Originally Posted by GravyBoat
Good god man, if you need to ask this question, do not hook up a generator using a hot male plug. Also, please don't do any wiring whatsoever.
LOL, what could possibly go wrong with a double ended hot cable.
LOL, what could possibly go wrong with a double ended hot cable.
09-04-2019, 02:10 PM
#17
Senior Member
See if your electric utility will install a Generlink meter socket adapter that you purchase and have them install. No additional wiring and you are then feeding the entire main panel.
09-04-2019, 02:18 PM
#18
Senior Member
Originally Posted by GravyBoat
Good god man, if you need to ask this question, do not hook up a generator using a hot male plug. Also, please don't do any wiring whatsoever.
LOL, what could possibly go wrong with a double ended hot cable.
LOL, what could possibly go wrong with a double ended hot cable.
You make all your connections with the main breaker in the house OFF and the generator not running.
When your done with genny power 1st step is to shut down the genny, last step is always turning on the main breaker.
