Portable mini generator

[Thailand]

During last years really hot weather we had a few power outages which always seemed to occur at the worst times, I guess we were not alone.

 

Looking for something that will run the basics but have no idea what would be best, petrol, solar etc.

 

Any recommendations would be appreciated, not looking to spend mega money but comfort is worth a few baht!

[Crossy]

Plenty of small gasoline generators in the big box stores, diesel are better (more $$).

 

If it's going to be used regularly pay the extra for a 1,500 RPM model.

 

Do you have neighbors?

 

What do you want to run?

 

 

[Thailand]

19 minutes ago, Crossy said:

Plenty of small gasoline generators in the big box stores, diesel are better (more $$).

 

If it's going to be used regularly pay the extra for a 1,500 RPM model.

 

Do you have neighbors?

 

What do you want to run?

 

 

Neighbours ,yes.

Fans, basic lighting.

[Crossy]

Fans, lights, telly, PC (no aircon) let's say 1,000 Watts.

 

So you're looking at 1,500-2,000 VA genset, the cheap ones are NOISY!

 

Do not get a 2-stroke unit!

 

We had a 1,500VA 4-stroke Honda powered beastie which was acceptably quiet but still not really neighbour friendly. Of course you could invite them round for a beer and some TV :)

 

If you can get one of the "silent" diesel ones you will be in business, or build yourself an enclosure for a regular unit.

 

We have a 5,500 VA Kwai-Thong petrol genset (EP6500ES) which lives in a home built "silent" enclosure, it was already electric start but I've converted it to full auto. Its location and the quiet box means we often don't notice if the power goes off (the lights and technology are on a whole-house UPS so there's just a flicker when things go awry).

 

IIRC it was about 18,000 Baht (back in 2012) from the farm shop in Rangsit.

 

 

The EP2500ES would probably do you.

 

http://www.kwaithong.com/en/product.php

 

It's worth looking around the local outlets, go to the farm shops, they can be cheaper than the big-box places.

 

Please also consider how you are going to link it into your house electrics safely.

 

 

 

[Thailand]

Thanks for the concise info.

 

Any ideas on solar energy,would solve the noise problem if practical?

[canthai55]

They have a new style ones now - gasoline engine powers an alternator, from which power is fed into an inverter to get up to line voltage. Very popular in Canada. Big plus is at low power the engine turns low rpm. As you demand more power the engine rpm's increase. Honda brought the first ones I saw, now everyone makes one.

http://powerequipment.honda.com/generators/inverter-generator-advantages

[sfokevin]

Lazada has a selection...

 

http://www.lazada.co.th/shop-generators-portable-power/

 

I'd be interested in a 3-3,500 watt continuous use unit that uses propane...

Any recommendations?

[Thailand]

The more I investigate it would seem that not very practical from a noise,cost perspective(house is rented) .

No tv/ internet is not a problem. Candle power suffices and is quite pleasant occasionally, the main downside is the heat so perhaps a couple of battery operated fans would suffice.

 

Seen any suitable battery operated fans around town?

[flare]

The cheap Chinese gas (petrol) gennys (~2KV) from HomePro are noisy (it helps a bit to seat them on an old tire, though not a whole lot), but will run your fridge, fan, a couple lights, your TV and modem, and charge your phone without being overtaxed.  They run in the 12K-15K baht range.

[questionsreplies]

On 3/5/2017 at 10:21 AM, flare said:

The cheap Chinese gas (petrol) gennys (~2KV) from HomePro are noisy (it helps a bit to seat them on an old tire, though not a whole lot), but will run your fridge, fan, a couple lights, your TV and modem, and charge your phone without being overtaxed.  They run in the 12K-15K baht range.

hello, any better choice for not a lot more money ? or anything betteris a lot more expensive ?

 

thank you.