Is it better to get two 1600W or one 3300W?gogozy wrote: ↑ thanks OP. this is a good deal. I also notice the 3300w model W03081 is also on sale for $649
https://www.costco.ca/.product.100323499.html
Costco
Firman 2000/1600W Recoil Start Portable Inverter Generato $299.99
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- gshrfd
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- purplekush604
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- RX
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Thanks! Just wonder why you didn't connect the new panel to the existing panel so you don't have to wire those red outlets and pull fridge out every time?SquadG wrote: ↑ I did the following:
- intalled 30a 120v outlet outside
- ran 8awg in a conduit to the inside next to the current electrical panel
- installed a new panel with 4 twins breakers (8 circuits)
- ran wires to where i need them to be and used red outlet with red cover
When there's an outage, turn on generator, plug it in the outlet, turn on breakers, pull fridge, disconnect from white outlet and connect in red outlet.
This is legal and safe
Edit: added 2 pictures, I don't have a picture of the completed setup, this was when it was in progress but you get the idea
- silverdare
- Deal Addict
- Apr 18, 2017
- 1165 posts
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- Nanaimo
After reading the low reviews, i'm out. Seems you are buying a hassle along with this product. Best of luck to those who buy.
- SquadG
- Deal Addict
- Oct 2, 2013
- 3158 posts
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- Montreal
Because you need a transfer switch and this generator provides only 120v, not 240v. It's too dangerous to energize half the main panel because if you turn on a 240v appliance (ex: oven), it may break..
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- vnkvnk
- Sr. Member
- Jan 20, 2013
- 584 posts
- 147 upvotes
- Woodbridge
I got the same in October. The main purpose was to run computers/servers since my older regular (non-inverter) was driving UPSes crazy. Tested with ~1500W heater running like 20 min test - no problem. Was able to run the gas furnace - no problem (pick power was around 700w). Fridge and freezer - no questions. Those motors take a power spike during starting, then low power.
In my case, I have a power failure very rare, I got it just in case. For those who have older power lines and any freezing rain or storm turns power down for a long time - definitely needs a more powerful generator. For rare cases and for that price - it is sort of a must-have. I agree, it is slightly noisier than Yamaha/Honda. But the noise level is pretty acceptable. Plus, if you play with some cardboard boxes or plywood, you may reduce it significantly
PS. For those like me, who got it for $399. I called Costco and asked about the adjustment. First, he told me that it is over 30 days. But then, when I told him that I would have to return $399 and order $299 - does it make sense? he put me on hold and in two min - great news, blah-blah-blah. $100 plus hst will be refunded to my credit card
In my case, I have a power failure very rare, I got it just in case. For those who have older power lines and any freezing rain or storm turns power down for a long time - definitely needs a more powerful generator. For rare cases and for that price - it is sort of a must-have. I agree, it is slightly noisier than Yamaha/Honda. But the noise level is pretty acceptable. Plus, if you play with some cardboard boxes or plywood, you may reduce it significantly
PS. For those like me, who got it for $399. I called Costco and asked about the adjustment. First, he told me that it is over 30 days. But then, when I told him that I would have to return $399 and order $299 - does it make sense? he put me on hold and in two min - great news, blah-blah-blah. $100 plus hst will be refunded to my credit card
- vnkvnk
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- 584 posts
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- xpressmerchant
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- Apr 8, 2006
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would this be better than buying propane in the long run if you go camping? If you use this to run a kettle or a cook top. Probably safer.
- Xcessiv
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- vnkvnk
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- Jan 20, 2013
- 584 posts
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- Woodbridge
Yes, it can run freezer and fridge together. Freezer takes like 100~120 running watts. Fridge around 600w.
Any motor, in the freezer, fridge, furnace takes bigger current to start. Then running power is whatever it is rated. Do not plug all device/appliances in one shot. One by one. When it is getting the temperature inside it turns off. Then it is extremely low chance that it will kicks on simultaneously. So, you do not have to worry. In the past I tested fridge and freezer running together off 1500/1200w generator. No problems at all. Well, you need to have long cables or know how to connect properly, or to use killer cable ( that’s what I have, but you MUST know what are you doing).
I have it in case of emergency, not for often use.
- vnkvnk
- Sr. Member
- Jan 20, 2013
- 584 posts
- 147 upvotes
- Woodbridge
Yes, it can run freezer and fridge together. Freezer takes like 100~120 running watts. Fridge around 600w.
Any motor, in the freezer, fridge, furnace takes bigger current to start. Then running power is whatever it is rated. Do not plug all device/appliances in one shot. One by one. When it is getting the temperature inside it turns off. Then it is extremely low chance that it will kicks on simultaneously. So, you do not have to worry. In the past I tested fridge and freezer running together off 1500/1200w generator. No problems at all. Well, you need to have long cables or know how to connect properly, or to use killer cable ( that’s what I have, but you MUST know what are you doing).
I have it in case of emergency, not for often use.
- cheaper_than_cheap
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- Dec 20, 2007
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I would say definitely not a better replacement just for cooking. It's big, heavy, noisy, messy (gas cans etc.) compared to a camp stove. I don't think having gasoline around is particularly safe. Typically when used for "camping" this sort of generator would be used with an RV / tent trailer to charge the batteries which are needed to run the furnace, lights and such. Even then, normally you burn stuff for cooking.xpressmerchant wrote: ↑ would this be better than buying propane in the long run if you go camping? If you use this to run a kettle or a cook top. Probably safer.
(I have a very similar one, a Champion from way back when Costco first started carrying them. I would never take it car camping unless I had a specific need for it.)
- RaiderX
- Sr. Member
- Dec 24, 2011
- 749 posts
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- East, Canada
Great deal. I got this to power the fridge/freezer in the next power cut. It should also be able to power an electric kettle for making tea and coffee. My Ryobi battery inverter will power the chest freezer. To cook, I'll use the propane barbecue. Sorted! =)
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- Homesimpson
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- Dec 16, 2017
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- ottawa
a wise man. For some things a sale should not be the primary consideration. I'd argue a generator is one such item.silverdare wrote: ↑ After reading the low reviews, i'm out. Seems you are buying a hassle along with this product. Best of luck to those who buy.
I think this gas gen makes sense if you need it for convenience and non-emergency reasons (like a job site or something). But if you're buying it for emergency situations (ie. power outage), I think there are way better options out there.
When the power goes out for 4 days and your gen fails, the 3-year warranty (that makes taking a risk on a cheap gen maybe worthwhile) is pretty irrelevant.
- RunningLand
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- Nov 11, 2021
- 12 posts
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Great deal, thanks OP.
Was it mentioned anywhere if you can buy an extra Costco warranty for this?
Was it mentioned anywhere if you can buy an extra Costco warranty for this?
- vkizzle
- Deal Expert
- Aug 22, 2011
- 41802 posts
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- Center of Universe
An electric kettle may actually overload this generator.
- Super_Chicken
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Which options would be better though? Close to this budget.Homesimpson wrote: ↑ a wise man. For some things a sale should not be the primary consideration. I'd argue a generator is one such item.
I think this gas gen makes sense if you need it for convenience and non-emergency reasons (like a job site or something). But if you're buying it for emergency situations (ie. power outage), I think there are way better options out there.
When the power goes out for 4 days and your gen fails, the 3-year warranty (that makes taking a risk on a cheap gen maybe worthwhile) is pretty irrelevant.
I think the issue is the better options come with a higher price tag.
Some of us would be willing to lug this outside and keep refilling it with gas to keep the fridge running or the furnace running. Even if it meant extension cords, or rewiring the furnace off of the panel.
Would I prefer a hard wired natural gas generator with a transfer switch to light up my whole house. For sure! But that's not $300 that's more like $10-20k
- Homesimpson
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- ottawa
I agree that if all you have to spend on a gen is $300 then this is literally your only option and you should grab it. If you can spend a bit more, I think the gens with at least two 20a outlets are better. I think a gen that doesn't suck dirt up into the machine makes more sense. I think gens without a lot of 1 and 2 stars make more sense. And a slightly higher running and starting watts probably make sense. You can get all those upgrades on a gen for probably around $500 when on sale.Super_Chicken wrote: ↑ Which options would be better though?
Would I prefer a hard wired natural gas generator with a transfer switch to light up my whole house. For sure! But that's not $300 that's more like $10-20k
- Super_Chicken
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Thanks for explaining.Homesimpson wrote: ↑ I agree that if all you have to spend on a gen is $300 then this is literally your only option and you should grab it. If you can spend a bit more, I think the gens with at least two 20a outlets are better. I think a gen that doesn't suck dirt up into the machine makes more sense. I think gens without a lot of 1 and 2 stars make more sense. And a slightly higher running and starting watts probably make sense. You can get all those upgrades on a gen for probably around $500 when on sale.
- SquadG
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- Oct 2, 2013
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