What size portable generator would I need?

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Lan1684

New Member
Dec 30, 2019
3
Pennsylvania
What size portable generator would recommended to use with a Rinnai direct wall furnace ( natural gas) unit? Or would a kerosene heater work? The size of the building is 594 sq ft.

Thank you
 
What size portable generator would recommended to use with a Rinnai direct wall furnace ( natural gas) unit? Or would a kerosene heater work? The size of the building is 594 sq ft.

Thank you

That thing will use minimal electricity. Few hundred watts tops. It is also a very expensive heater with a computer board on it so you want pretty good power quality.

Get a honda 2000 inverter set which is now a 2200 watt unit for somewhere near 1000$. Yamaha makes a similar model. You don't need this many watts but this is the smallest, common, high quality, inverter genset available that will also allow you to run the refrigerator and some lights. Yes, there are smaller ones but they are only slightly cheaper, less desirable for resale, use about the same fuel, similar size and weight, and are just oddballs.

To save some money, you can also consider the Champion brand of inverter genset. I own one of these and have been very happy with it.
 
That thing will use minimal electricity. Few hundred watts tops. It is also a very expensive heater with a computer board on it so you want pretty good power quality.

Get a honda 2000 inverter set which is now a 2200 watt unit for somewhere near 1000$. Yamaha makes a similar model. You don't need this many watts but this is the smallest, common, high quality, inverter genset available that will also allow you to run the refrigerator and some lights. Yes, there are smaller ones but they are only slightly cheaper, less desirable for resale, use about the same fuel, similar size and weight, and are just oddballs.

To save some money, you can also consider the Champion brand of inverter genset. I own one of these and have been very happy with it.



Thanks for the recommendations. Is there a video to show how to connect the inverter? I'm not great at this kind of stuff.
 
Inverter generator has 110v plug in on it o an extension cord is used. but you must size the gage of cord according to most amperage used and the length of cord you need. If in doubt a 12 gauge 25 cord
should fit the bill- gen set is 20 amp output max at 110v/60cycle 1 phase.
 
Thanks for the recommendations. Is there a video to show how to connect the inverter? I'm not great at this kind of stuff.
I know how I would do it but you might choose another way. I don’t recall for certain but I believe that the rinnai is hardwired so you will need an electrical permit and an electrician unless you want to learn how to do it yourself.
 
Do it right and get Transfer Panel and Pure Sine Wave Generator. I use Harmon Pellet Stove (XXV) and have Inverter with 100ah battery. Gives me 6-8 hours run time (then another battery). I have 7kw non Pure Sine Wave to charge up batteries and long running. Run thru Transfer Panel.
 
The Honda is an inverter genset.
 
Thank s to all for your help. I will get an electrician to help with installing an outlet for the generator. living in the Rockies i need to have a permanent dependable solution.
 
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Sounds like you’d need the assistance of a electrician but this might be simplest way
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Extension cord to generator, other end into this switch. I’d use fattest, read lowest gauge, extension cord available. Also recommend the 2200 watt Honda inverter generator.
 
I have had two of the 2000W Champions for about three years now.

No issues, and two of them cost less than one Honda.

Start on th the first pull.

Is this a backup generator or to power a building? I would look for a gravity type heater if it is in a building and with no power.

If it’s backup, you are wasting your money on a Honda.
 
Harbor Freight as a 2000 watt inverter generator also. Consumer Reports has tested it, and it is as good as the Honda for a fraction of the price.