Harbour freight Generator

Maybe users have done or thought about this? Could I run a pdvc off a harbour freight 900 watt small generator without damage to control board or functionality!!

If the generator power THD is around 5% you will probably be ok much higher could be bad for sensitive electronics.

Cooper - You should really do a search on here. There are several fairly long and VERY informative threads on this issue. They usually coincide with a big storm of some sort. Like most things, different people have different views. However, there is a fairly large consensus that you should really try to run your stove on an inverter generator.

Sometimes I'm a bit disappointed when I see this type of response, but I just don't have the knowledge that others have shared in those threads. Hope this helps.

Here is a current thread in this subject (scroll down a few threads).

http://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/what-generator-to-buy.105296/

The manual for that generator specifically advises against using it to run sensitive electronics.

Then that gens THD is greater then 6% or has voltage swings outside standard grid power.

Do not, I repeat, do not bother with a cheap generator. I have owned a few, some are decent, some are utter garbage, but NONE of them have any parts support. So if you have the slightest trouble, outside of the warranty period, you are SOL. I have an All Power sitting in the garage that is junk simply because I can't get parts or service for it. You want an inverter generator? Honda or Yamaha. Anything else and you are rolling the dice. RT

I have that same generator. I have a englander pellet stove and have used it to run the stove without a problem. Make sure you have a good surge protector.

A surge protector will not correct harmonic distortion on the line. This is from the manual for the Harbor Freight 900 watt model:

CAUTION: 10. This generator is not intended to power sensitive electronic equipment* without the addition of an appropriate line conditioner and surge protector (both not included). Sensitive electronic equipment should be operated on approved inverter type generators or pure sine wave generators.

* Sensitive electronic equipment includes, but is not limited to, audio/video equipment, some television sets, computers, and printers.

The manual does not state the THD or voltage tolerance. Probably well in excess of 10% given the manuals cautionary statement.

Northern Tool's brand is Powerhorse and they are well priced and all have less that 5% H.D. and are safe for sensitive electronics
Honda is probably the best but you pay for it