If you buy this 8000 watt generator to power your whole house during a power outage, you will actually only have 3600 watts available from the 30A outlet which connects to the house interface. Also, you won’t be able to use the gas saving idle control feature as it will cause damage to appliances trying to start up at such a low initial voltage. The generator must be run continuously at full output.
I had an existing interface for the house from a previous generator and the Generac wouldn’t work. Every time I plugged it in, the generator’s circuit breaker would open. An electrician had to disconnect a wire in the interface because the Generac has a neutral bonded frame.
When not in use, the battery must be disconnected because there is some kind of constant electrical draw. If you leave it connected like a lawnmower, the battery will be dead, dead, dead, when you go to use it next time. Either disconnect the battery or keep a charger on it.
This is very hard starting. There is no way I can start it manually. It takes so long cranking with the battery that the battery voltage drops down and needs to be recharged. If I boost the battery with a charger, I can get it started, which obviously can’t be done during a power outage. I have to jump the battery from a car battery to start it. I think the battery is under sized.
Finally, it is very loud. I can’t say how it compares with other portable generators.
