Briggs & Stratton 1932 5,000-Watt 7.5 HP Portable Generator Review
After moving to central Florida earlier this year we were hit with an unprecedented four hurricanes in a row (Charlie, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne). The first three resulted in power outages of nearly a week after each. After suffering from heat and humidity with no air conditioning, and losing the contents of our refrigerator each time, we decided to get a generator as soon as one was available for sale (there were none to be had in the state for over a month after the first two hurricanes!)
This unit was easy to set up and operate. It starts on the first try each time, and produces sufficient power to keep a small air conditioner, a refrigerator and a few lights going. It also effortlessly powers a microwave and coffee maker (although not simultaneously).
The ground fault interrupt protection is a great safety feature, and the start-up surge output will protect any appliances you have plugged in on initial starting. It runs steady with a constant, clean supply of power, although it is noisy. The noise is a small price to pay when you are without power for six straight days.
A few things you need to know about this (or any generator): make sure it is well away from any vents or other areas in your living space, else you could suffer carbon monoxide poisioning. Also, make sure you are using heavy duty, outside-rated power cables. Do not cut corners here - I use Coleman 12/3 gauge contractor grade extension cords (ASIN B0000225BS), which are rated at 20 amps and have an abrasion-resistant outside. The heavy duty plug on this particular cord makes a solid, water proof connection to the electrical outlets on the generator. This is an assurance and safety feature if you are using this device in the weather associated with a hurricane. The 20 amp rating of the cord I recommend matches the rating of the generator's outlets.
Another nice feature is the 240 volt outlet. It is handy for using a dryer when you are without power and dirty clothes are piling up. If you use this outlet I recommend using the GenTran 25 foot generator cord (ASIN B0001Q2VL4) that is rated at 30 amps and 7500 watts, and designed to transmit up to 300 volts.
Overall, this generator is solid, 100 percent reliable, and heavy duty. It can run constantly for over a week with no problems, and is fairly economical on gas. Expect to fill it every 6-10 hours.
Briggs & Stratton 1932 5,000-Watt 7.5 HP Portable Generator Feature
- Powerful 7.5 HP portable generator ideal for emergency home use
- 4,000 running watts for plenty of consistent power
- 5,000 surge watts for optimal starting power
- 8-hour run time
- Measures 28-by-24-by-26 (LxWxH); weighs 152 pounds; 2-year warranty
Briggs & Stratton 1932 5,000-Watt 7.5 HP Portable Generator Overview
The Briggs & Stratton 4,000-watt 7.5 HP portable generator provides reliable energy for a myriad of different uses. An ideal choice to protect your family and possessions during a power outage, or to just run a few tools, the generator features a powerful Briggs & Stratton vanguard commercial OHV 7.5 HP engine with a special idle control mechanism to save fuel and reduce noise. An automatic low-oil shutoff mechanism protects the engine and an extra-large, quiet muffler lowers the din to an acceptable hum. Automatic voltage regulation is also included to maintain steady voltage output to protect tools and sensitive electronics. Onboard outlets include a 120-volt 20 Amp duplex, a 240-volt 20 Amp locking type outlet, and a 120-volt 30 Amp locking type outlet. A 12-volt DC 10 Amp battery charger, and a 2-pole 20 Amp full GFCI breaker is also included. The generator measures 28-by-24-by-26 (LxWxH) with the wheel kit installed, and it weighs 152 pounds. The generator is backed by a 2-year limited warranty.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jan 09, 2010 04:25:37
