Q: Our house is 4500sf. We want emergency power for one refrigerator, one freezer, furnace, cable, and lights in some rooms. Is this the right product? by Colleen from New Jersey on December 19, 2011
A: A 7500 watt emergency portable generator can power quite a few items in the home and is a great size for all applications with proper load management. You will want to calculate the wattage you will be using so you do not overload the generator.
To calculate wattage you use the following formula - Starting Amps x Volts = Watts and typically you will need to manage your loads and figure out what you can run at the same time.
It is always best to contact a certified electrician who can calculate your wattage and install the manual transfer switch to your electrical panel.
Jim Baugher, Product Expert Electric Generators Direct
Jim's Recommendation
The Honeywell product is made by Generac. It has the Generac OHV Engine just like most of the other Generac portables. This model also comes with electric start for ease of starting.
This is a great emergency back up unit because you can get about 8 hours of run time on one tank of gas if you run it at half load. That means fewer trips out to the generator to refill it. You might even be able to get a few hours of sleep at night!
With it's sturdy wheel kit it makes moving this generator out of the garage much easier, even Mom can do it!
We recommend this model for just about anyone. It's also been very popular with elderly folks, who greatly appreciate the ease of electric start.
December 11, 2011
Steve Hopatcong, NJ
Honeywell 7,500 Generator
Received generator in 3 days. Truck drivers used tailgate to unload generator even though I didn't choose tailgate service. Unit required assembly of wheel kit, connecting battery and adding included oil. Unit fired right up and seems to run well. I like three year consumer warranty.
I would like to add a volt meter. I was disappointed that the battery doesn't charge automatically from the generator but needs to be manually charged from included charger. I would like to see a more sturdy electrical panel and I don't think the fuel shutoff valve works properly. Also the fact that the generator is not meant to run sensitive appliances such as computers was not properly spelled out in advertisements. I would also like to see a detailed owners manual including a parts breakdown and trouble shooting procedures.
Overall, I am satisfied with the unit for the money spent.
Received generator in 3 days. Truck drivers used tailgate to unload generator even though I didn't choose tailgate service. Unit required assembly of wheel kit, connecting battery and adding included oil. Unit fired right up and seems to run well. I like three year consumer warranty.
I would like to add a volt meter. I was disappointed that the battery doesn't charge automatically from the generator but needs to be manually charged from included charger. I would like to see a more sturdy electrical panel and I don't think the fuel shutoff valve works properly. Also the fact th... more
December 07, 2011
Susan Rector, PA
POWERFUL, EASY SET UP AND ELECTRIC START!
I bought this same generator for my dad last Christmas.Set up is simple and the newer Generac motor seems quieter.Honeywell had included a power cord last year,this year there is a trickle charger included,ok but less for the money.I had a 5500 watt pull-start coupled with a 20 amp transfer case.I bought this ten years ago,it served the purpose.Actually it ran a well pump,2 refrigerators,a fan for the oil furnace,and a kitchen panel (microwave etc)all on 5500 watts,but no pull start.I wanted the 5500 Honeywell,but the backorder date made me get the7500 watt.
This was actually a problem when I tried to use my old cable,as the female plug on the generator is a four prong,30 amp configuration.I rewired my cord with a 30 amp male plug,but noticed I had 20 amp service on my transfer case.I thought this would be a problem,but my electrician said this was fine,better to have more than less.WhenI get the money I will install an "over the breaker box"transfer assembly(labor intensive,but not too costly)I can actually run my whole house,including the HOT WATER TANK.If used judiciously i.e.turning off some breakers while using others(like firing up the hot water tank for a couple hrs a day)this is a very powerful generator,you just need the proper transfer case(Generators Direct has the best price and match)and this unit is so portable and easy to turn on,a standby generator,for the money,is a waste of time,considering we loose power out here in the country about four times a year.Now I actually look foreward to the first storm!
I bought this same generator for my dad last Christmas.Set up is simple and the newer Generac motor seems quieter.Honeywell had included a power cord last year,this year there is a trickle charger included,ok but less for the money.I had a 5500 watt pull-start coupled with a 20 amp transfer case.I bought this ten years ago,it served the purpose.Actually it ran a well pump,2 refrigerators,a fan for the oil furnace,and a kitchen panel (microwave etc)all on 5500 watts,but no pull start.I wanted the 5500 Honeywell,but the backorder date made me get the7500 watt.
Delivery was seamless and delivered exactly where we requested. (Our gravel driveway is approximately 500 feet long uphill) Assembly, putting in oil and gas took no more than 20-30 minutes. Generator started right up. Since purchasing in October the unit has been test run several times. It is properly grounded and wired with a manual switch at the panel board by our electrician. We have decided to keep on hand two 5 gallon cans of gas with stabilizer added allowing approx 6mos life span on the gas. The Honeywell is priced well and for a rather small investment, we have piece of mind for the upcoming winter and onward.
Delivery was seamless and delivered exactly where we requested. (Our gravel driveway is approximately 500 feet long uphill) Assembly, putting in oil and gas took no more than 20-30 minutes. Generator started right up. Since purchasing in October the unit has been test run several times. It is properly grounded and wired with a manual switch at the panel board by our electrician. We have decided to keep on hand two 5 gallon cans of gas with stabilizer added allowing approx 6mos life span on the gas. The Honeywell is priced well and for a rather small investment, we have piece of mind for the... more
December 05, 2011
A Davidson Newburgh, NY
Husband's New Toy
Being from the Northeast and going through such unusual weather this fall, I knew we had to do something to prepare for future power outages. I looked at whole house generators and stand-by models before finally deciding on the Honeywell. It arrived the next day after ordering and my husband LOVES it! He'd been wanting a generator for a long time. He assembled it as soon as he got home from work and fired it right up.
We are having it hard wired into the electric panel and feel that we'l be very prepared in case of emergency next time! I feel that we got a terrific deal and bought it just in time,
Thanks Electricgeneratorsdirect, for your great service and good selection of products!
Being from the Northeast and going through such unusual weather this fall, I knew we had to do something to prepare for future power outages. I looked at whole house generators and stand-by models before finally deciding on the Honeywell. It arrived the next day after ordering and my husband LOVES it! He'd been wanting a generator for a long time. He assembled it as soon as he got home from work and fired it right up.
We are having it hard wired into the electric panel and feel that we'l be very prepared in case of emergency next time! I feel that we got a terrific deal and bou... more
December 05, 2011
Sal Bethany, CT
Honeywell 7500 Watt Generator
Overall the generator seems to be okay. I started it up when it first arrived and it seems to run fine. Although I bought the generator at a reasonable price and service was good I was disappointed to find out that the generator was made in China. I tried to buy a generator that was American made which was one of the main reasons I chose Honeywell. I knew they were made by Generac (another American Co.) but had no idea they were actually being made in China now. I could have purchased a known Chinese brand for several hundred less! Buyer beware!
November 30, 2011
Jason Mount Vernon, NY
Generator Day
Unit came via a huge 50 foot delivery truck. Delivered right into my garage for free. Opened the box and in ten minutes had it up and running. Not only is this thing a powerhouse it's a great looking unit. Started right up and has worked every time. A great value to me.
November 13, 2011
Mirin Sherman, CT
As Advertised
Just got this generator after the CT storm a few weeks ago also. It came delivered promptly with good communication from the shipper, who wheeled it right to where we wanted.
Only took 10mins to assemble wheels, handle, fill with oil. Fired up right away and feels very sturdy. Comes with a cord to trickle charge battery, receptacle is on the panel. Handles flip up and lock and make it very easy to move around.
Time will tell...but seems like an affordable backup generator to power most of the house, and good service from Electric Gen Direct.
November 10, 2011
Tom Vernon, CT
Impressive Piece Of Equipment
I wanted a generator with electric start after being without power for 9 days following the Connecticut October snowstorm of 2011. My son had purchased a Honeywell 5500 watt recoil start generator and I was impressed with it, but this 7500 watt model is a *beast*. The frame is rugged and the handles and wheels make moving this 200+ lb brute as easy as moving a comparable load in a wheelbarrow.
This generator is way quieter than my old 5000w Coleman. It isn't whisper quiet, but it's more than good enough for emergency use.
A couple of words to the wise on this one:
1. The oil capacity is less than 1 qt. Don't overfill or the oil will foam. That's not good.
2. The instructions call for 30 seconds on choke. It really does need that. Don't take off the choke too early.
3. A charger for the battery comes with it. The generator itself does not charge the battery. I plan to connect the charger to a timer and charge for 5-10 min a week. That should keep it ready to go.
4. This generator sits high enough on the feet & wheels to fit an oil drip pan under the drain plug. You really don't want a generator that you have to put on blocks to drain the oil. Do you want to wrestle with a generator in a snowstorm in order to change the oil?
I wanted a generator with electric start after being without power for 9 days following the Connecticut October snowstorm of 2011. My son had purchased a Honeywell 5500 watt recoil start generator and I was impressed with it, but this 7500 watt model is a *beast*. The frame is rugged and the handles and wheels make moving this 200+ lb brute as easy as moving a comparable load in a wheelbarrow.
This generator is way quieter than my old 5000w Coleman. It isn't whisper quiet, but it's more than good enough for emergency use.