Westinghouse Generator Model No: WGen9500DF review

[Torvy]

Portable generators CAN cover power outages, but that doesn't mean they should. They were engineered for job site power. Marketing types tried to sell more units by appealing to people who wanted a cheap alternative to an actual home generator.

Sometimes, it is better to use the tool designed for the job. Get yourself a Generac or similar generator that runs on propane or natural gas.

 

[jkk04]

I emailed westinghouse to see if thats correct. Seems horrible to me. My briggs and stratton 6500 watt standard gas generator (non inverter) is rated between 3-6% THD. ANYTHING OVER 8 they say can damage sensitive electronics. My generac whole house is rated less than 5%.


mind you, even public utility power isnt free of harmonics.

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My previous Firman T07571 generator's THD was <25% and never had any problems for computers, 3 ASUS routers (AI Mesh system), 6 security cameras, electric gate opener etc., while it was running
My understanding of the most conventional generators THD is between 15-25%.
less than that has to go to the inverter generator.
Of course, the cost is 3-4 times more and it is hard to find that size.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

I have a Champion Model 100520 Open Frame Inverter generator, 7000W continuous / 8750 starting watts (surge) I patch it into the 240V house wiring via the 30A Locking (NEMA L14-30R) with an appropriate extension cord.
Runs the well, several refrigerators and a few electronics, including the internet equipment.
Never any problems with it, and I'm conservative with what I run on it. Ran the microwave once for giggles, but usually don't.
I switch off the electric water heater while using it, no need to torture it into submission. Nor do I use the AC.

Many of you have installed an interlock to safely switch between mains and generator power. Unfortunately, my electrical panel is rather old and uses cartridge fuses, so I have had to improvise. At least when I pull the fuse carts, I KNOW I'm disconnected from the mains!
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Thanks for the info.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Portable generators CAN cover power outages, but that doesn't mean they should. They were engineered for job site power. Marketing types tried to sell more units by appealing to people who wanted a cheap alternative to an actual home generator.

Sometimes, it is better to use the tool designed for the job. Get yourself a Generac or similar generator that runs on propane or natural gas.

Yes, starting to look that way. Very expensive though. My goal at first was to not have to run extension cords for fridge and freezer and internet, not whole house. We get few long term outages. The recent 24 hr outage was the longest in over 10 years.

Generac means getting propane tank, etc which really adds to the cost. $10k solution instead of $1200.

 

[grsthegreat]

My previous Firman T07571 generator's THD was <25% and never had any problems for computers, 3 ASUS routers (AI Mesh system), 6 security cameras, electric gate opener etc., while it was running
My understanding of the most conventional generators THD is between 15-25%.
less than that has to go to the inverter generator.
Of course, the cost is 3-4 times more and it is hard to find that size.

not true...most non inverter conventional generators keep it below 8% THD. My portable briggs keeps it below 6%. Most non inverter whole house units keep it less than 5%.

Inverter units can get it down to 2%. Public utility lines are only regulated to keep it below 5%.

 

[grsthegreat]

i got a response back from westinghouse....the figure is correct. im not too impressed with that gen any longer.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

The WGen20000 gas only is rated <5% THD.
It looks like the low cost solution for me is 2 generators, although I’m concerned about running my geothermal system on such high harmonics.

I have an old 5000 or 6000 Coleman generator I used to build my house. It doesn’t supply 240V. I used it once to power my pellet stove and it messed up the control board.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

I did submit form to get Costco price on whole house generac installed.

 

[LittleBill21]

not true...most non inverter conventional generators keep it below 8% THD. My portable briggs keeps it below 6%. Most non inverter whole house units keep it less than 5%.

Inverter units can get it down to 2%. Public utility lines are only regulated to keep it below 5%.

do you actually have a thd meter?

 

[grsthegreat]

do you actually have a thd meter?

No, just use manufacturers specs.