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Small Cabin Forum / Off-Grid Living / She made it! A generator question
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mojo43
Member
# Posted: 15 Apr 2013 11:47
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I am happy to say that my little cabin made it through the Canadian winter safe and sound. No trees down on it and it didn't seem to shift very much. Thanks to everyone here for all of the help (still a lot of work to do .

My next question is that I am looking into investing in a generator to run some lights and a laptop etc.. I was looking at purchasing this generator:

http://www.homedepot.ca/product/2200w-inverter-generator/827630

My question is that I would like to know if anyone has experience running something like this (it is rated at 65 db) near neighbours? I really don't want to be a bad neighbour and have noise going on numerous hours of the day. I am really not sure how loud 65 dbs is and I can't try it out without buying it.

My neighbours are 100 feet away on both sides, but my real problem is that the cabin is in a valley and sound carries. I keep thinking though that seadoos spend hours blasting away in front of our shoreline every so often. I am hoping it would just be a very low droning and wouldn't bother anyone?

Thanks in advance...
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
# Posted: 15 Apr 2013 11:53 - Edited by: toyota_mdt_tech
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Get the Honda EU2000i, wisesales.com it can be had for about $850. You will throw rocks at everything and at full load, is only 59 db, but in eco mode, which is where you will always run it, it will be in the 40's. You cant hear it standing almost next to it. It has an inverter, so you get a clean 60 cycles, perferct for sensitive electronics. It shuts off if its overloaded/ses voltage drop too much.

PS, nice cabin and nice view too.

suburbancowboy
Member
# Posted: 15 Apr 2013 11:58
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And if you need it quieter than that put it in a small power shed. Or even better. In stead of a generator get a small solar set up. You can get a lot for 850 dollars.

mojo43
Member
# Posted: 15 Apr 2013 12:08
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That sounds perfect, but I live in Canada and that generator is expensive here in Canada unfortunately (I'll keep checking). I have an extra shed that I can put it in. Can I run it in there or wouldn't it die out due to no oxygen?

mojo43
Member
# Posted: 15 Apr 2013 12:17
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Oh and I just checked the wisesales site and it costs $999

http://www.wisesales.com/generators-1/honda-generators-1.html

mojo43
Member
# Posted: 15 Apr 2013 12:35
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Do you think a generator like that will power a circular saw?

Sda1c
Member
# Posted: 15 Apr 2013 13:11 - Edited by: Sda1c
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Totally agree with toyota! Buy Honda. Yes it should run a skill type circular saw but some of the wazoo construction professional saws might give it trouble. A balloon pop is 64 db is my memory serves. we use those little genny's in man baskets and can barely hear them run. The smaller one wont run out of O in a shed but a larger genny would.

MJW
Member
# Posted: 15 Apr 2013 17:25 - Edited by: MJW
Reply 


I have built my entire cabin with a Honda. It ran the compressor, chop saw, table saw, sanders and all assorted tools with no problems.

It also runs my entire cabin (lights, ceiling fans, fridge and freezer, TV and computers) with some power management used.

I bought 2. I love them.

Alaskaman
Member
# Posted: 15 Apr 2013 19:18
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I agree with the others, I myself got the Yamaha version, but they are very similar. Sipps fuel and will run so quiet you won't even notice it, especially around back. I run mine right on the front deck next to the door to charge my batteries. I don't even have to turn up the volume on my T.V.

toyota_mdt_tech
Member
# Posted: 15 Apr 2013 21:16
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A normal conversation between 2 people is 60db, louder then the Honda EU2000i (or Yammie equivalent) at full power mode which is not where you will run it. $999 sounds expensive and it is. I suspect the weaker dollar is driving the cost up for us. It wasnt too long ago, wise had them for $850. Its expensive, but it will be your last generator. In the long run, its cheap and everyone will praise you when they see it and cant hardly hear it.

But not only will it run all your power tools (it did mine, even my whiz bang worm drive circular saw, which was the biggest load out of all my building tools. It ran the compressor, all saws, shop vac. I ran it all on "eco mode too"

skootamattaschmidty
Member
# Posted: 16 Apr 2013 00:14
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I too love my Honda. Mine is bigger at 3000 watt but runs very quiet and starts easy even when it is -20 out. It is about 12 years old now and has been very reliable. It may cost more up front but in the long run may be cheaper for you. I see on the link you posted that 7.7 litres of fuel will run for 5.5 hours. This is not nearly as efficient as the Honda. My 3000 watt generator will run 20 hours on a tank which is 12 litres or so. So that is another factor to consider. The new Honda will be even more efficient and the extra cost will be recouped in less operating costs.

mojo43
Member
# Posted: 16 Apr 2013 08:57
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Hello everyone, thanks for all of the responses! This forum is fantastic.

I know I should get the Honda, and if money weren't the issue then I wouldn't bat an eye. I think at half the price and because I may not even end up using it very often I am going to take a chance on the Hyundai. I know, I know. Everyone is saying to themselves, why is he buying the Hyundai when everyone here just said to buy the Honda?

Well the reviews are really good for this gennie and it is half the cost. One review says that it is just as quiet and dependable. Also, I would feel like I would have to bring the Honda back and forth from the cabin to the house at that price. I wouldn't want to take a chance that it gets stolen.

So the only thing that remains is to figure out if the Hyundai will run my circular saw? People have mentioned that the Honda will, but I have read many sites that say that a circular saw will require over 2000 to start up. The Hyundai is 2200W. Is this enough?

Thanks again for all of the responses...

GomerPile
Member
# Posted: 16 Apr 2013 09:43 - Edited by: GomerPile
Reply 


I second this. I am building a cabin and have been able to power all my tools including pancake compressor, large chop saws, and table saw. Heck I even ran a 500W lamp and large chop saw at the same time.

My EU2000 has been flawless from day 1....wonderful machine!

Quoting: toyota_mdt_tech
But not only will it run all your power tools (it did mine, even my whiz bang worm drive circular saw, which was the biggest load out of all my building tools. It ran the compressor, all saws, shop vac. I ran it all on "eco mode too"


mojo43
Member
# Posted: 16 Apr 2013 09:45
Reply 


The Honda is 1400 here in Canada plus tax. So total is close to 1600 compared to 678. I simply can't afford it

skootamattaschmidty
Member
# Posted: 16 Apr 2013 11:16
Reply 


I wonder if Home Depot will allow you to test your saw in the store on one of the Hyundai generators? Might be worth an ask?

And I hear ya about the cost. If it is half the cost of the Honda then it would take a long time to make that money up. Hyundai has come a long way in the auto industry and if the reviews are good then go for it!

If you go that route then I am anxious to hear about your experience with it and how it performs, fuel economy etc! good luck with whatever you decide!

Alaskaman
Member
# Posted: 16 Apr 2013 12:43
Reply 


and let us know how it performs.

mojo43
Member
# Posted: 16 Apr 2013 12:43
Reply 


Will do, going to pick it up this afternoon and I will report back after the weekend.

toyota_mdt_tech
Member
# Posted: 16 Apr 2013 14:40
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Quoting: mojo43
People have mentioned that the Honda will, but I have read many sites that say that a circular saw will require over 2000 to start up. The Hyundai is 2200W. Is this enough?



Mine will start the wornm driver Skil, its about the heaviest of your starting loads I have encountered. It does it in eco mode, but like i mentioned, I cant get into the wood till it is out of start up mode, then it gets after it with ease. That only takes about 2 seconds after you pull the trigger. SO its not as big inconveneince at all. If you have a std circular saw (not worm drive) I'd say it would do it with ease. Assuming they are measuring it the same way everyone else does. If so, it should run everything you need to build a cabin off grid. Including a diaphram type air compressor. They wont want to start up on a piston type compressor once the tank is filled.

cbright
Member
# Posted: 16 Apr 2013 15:15
Reply 


Look on Kijiji for a EU2000i ... they come up often and many are in near perfect shape because people just buy them for backup power.

I scored a EU3000i off kijiji (in Halifax) for a super cheap amount (like I suspect it was stolen amount, but it was beat up on the outside). Changed the oil, spark plug and it has been perfect for a few years now). Heavy, but quiet. I'd get a EU2000i if you don't think you'll need the power of a 3000w ... much easier to move around, but a little more noise.

neckless
Member
# Posted: 17 Apr 2013 00:26
Reply 


just to maybe make it simple..... apms x volts= watts so ave.. saw takes 7amps x 120 volts ==840watts........ but ther is always a but...... any motor will take a little more to start..

OwenChristensen
Member
# Posted: 17 Apr 2013 07:27
Reply 


I've spent a lot of money on gas powered compressors and generators over the years for work. I build cabins. I used a Yamaha 2,800. Still quite loud. I wanted a Honda. No deals. I couldn't see that it was worth nearly a thousand dollars. Honda demands that their dealers hold the price. I finally got a hundred off and bought one. I works great, worth every penny. To my surprise it runs my Bostich pancake compressor, and my Dewalt circular. I've even made light cuts while the compressor was on. 2000 watt rated it shouldn't be able to do that, but it does.

Owen,
PS: If you buy the Hyundai, I'd sure like to hear how it works.

toyota_mdt_tech
Member
# Posted: 17 Apr 2013 09:01
Reply 


I have found Kipor brand to appear really close to the Honda in appearance. Price is less, look around the internet. Maybe if they ship to Canada, our Canadians brothers can get a good price on one too.

Here is just one site. I didnt scour the web for the best price. Amazon seems to be where I find the best prices on anything.

The model is the IG2000, it is a sine wave one also.

http://www.xtremegadget.com/si20inge.html
Kipor IG2000
Kipor IG2000


Truecabin
Member
# Posted: 17 Apr 2013 11:40
Reply 


I see a lot of discussion about small generators. I understand the necessity for a remote cabin, or for seldom usage and light construction.

Here's my advice for lightweight equipment. You should never operate a tool in such a way that it is "pulling down" the tool or the generator. Pulling down is not good anyway, but it's way worse on a generator than on shop current. If it slows the generator, then the voltage is dropping and the amperage goes way up. Wires in your skillsaw, for example are sized for a certain number of amps. Whenever the saw is under load, such that it's pulling the generator down, at that time the amperage thru those wires is going way up. Low voltage creates high amperage, needing bigger wires. Your tool is built with "small" wires for proper voltage and low amperage. For lighter hand weight and for lower cost. It's built at the limit for its intended usage, intended voltage. Coils in the motor with this perfectly sized wire will get hot and breakdown the insulation at high amperage, and shorten the life of or ruin the motor.

It's nice to have a small generator, they are easy to carry easy to start, quiet, efficient. Those are very useful benefits that make it easier to get a small job done. Using a small generator is prudent and a worthwhile endeavor if you are observant and don't load them down. It can be done but pay attention to the motor and to the generator and don't operate it in a way that it's pulling the generator or the tool down. If you have a compressor attached to this generator you don't know when it's gonna start up so that is a dangerous condition. It could start up while your in the middle of a board, then you're instantly in a bad place for your lightweight equipment. Compressor can be a troublemaker in this case, unplug it before starting the saw. You pretty much have to be working solo too, if you have "help" two or 2 guys will on gang outlets will ruin tools. I cringe a little to see folks using these little generators as if there is no problem. You can do it but you have to know what to be careful about.

Truecabin
Member
# Posted: 17 Apr 2013 12:11
Reply 


sorry I wrote "you should never operate " - i know yo got to giter done,
I meant you should "minimize" the times where the tool pulls down.

jjlrrw
Member
# Posted: 17 Apr 2013 13:26
Reply 


I agree with truecabin's on using a undersized generator, see if a friend may have a larger one you can borrow for your constructions needs.

But if you're making quick cuts and you don't have a lot invested in the tool I would go for it. If you are using it all day for many days not so much.

Look at the fuel consumption the Hyundai is at least 2x maybe 4x higher than the hondas as they don't list the load rating.

Check Speedway in WI, best prices and free shipping, no tax unless you live there. You will need to call them for prices they don't advertize them.

If I remember correct every 3db increase in rating is double the sound, this would make the hyundai 4 times louder than the Honda.

jjlrrw
Member
# Posted: 17 Apr 2013 13:35
Reply 


Honda's also have a Eco-Throttle the others may also???

Meaning you can run the generator in ECO mode and if you plug in a higher current draw device it will increase throttle when needed then reduce back to eco mode.

toyota_mdt_tech
Member
# Posted: 17 Apr 2013 20:25
Reply 


I run mine in eco mode all the time. Every tool I have, it worked just fine on eco mode. Even my 1000 watt microwave I have at the cabin.

The only time a power tool would operate too slow would be excessive load or not enough wattage from the generator. A non issue with the Honda EU2000i. All my power tools ran at full speed.

I might also add the voltage and cycles on an inverter generator are regulate and maintained, regardless of load. If the load is heavy enough to pull the generator down to an unsafe level, the system just shuts off, so no unsafe voltages or cycles. Critical in modern electronics too. The engine continues to run, but no electrical. Its a self preservation feature. For the generator and the load you have plugged into it. To reset, just shut the engine off, start it back up. Now a non inverter type, excessive load will also pull voltage down and as the speed dropped down, so will the cycles.

mojo43
Member
# Posted: 18 Apr 2013 09:46
Reply 


I picked up the Hyundai the other day. It runs the cirular saw fine and has an eco mode. I am not sure how quiet the Honda is, but this one is pretty quiet. I can easily have a conversation with it right next to me. I would compare the loudness to an ac unit or something like that. Hopefully it will last!

Thanks for all of the help!

mojo43
Member
# Posted: 18 Apr 2013 09:51
Reply 


Here is the amazon posting and everyone seems pretty happy with it:

http://www.amazon.com/Hyundai-HY2000si-2200-Watt-Portable-Generator/dp/B004919NEK/ref =sr_1_2?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1366293061&sr=1-2&keywords=inverter%2Bgenerator

mojo43
Member
# Posted: 18 Apr 2013 09:51
Reply 


A couple of bad reviews of lemons, but for the most part people are happy.

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