how many amps does an econo II use?

We have many power outtages, How many amps does an econo II need to operate? Time to buy a generator.

Thanks, Stant

I wouldn't think more than a couple. maybe 2-3A (max) if all the blowers/stokers are operating. They don;t draw much power.

Get one big enough to run your lights, refrigerator, TV and computer if you get one. And if you are on a well, get one that puts out 220V. No sense being warm and miserable.
We have lost power here on the shore for 5 days at a clip a few times, best to be prepared for the long haul if you are spending money. 3-5000 watts is about the bottom end, mine is 9000 watts. I can run the MIG welder with that.

Each motor has a tag on it that tells how many amps it draws. Add 'em up!

The combustion fan .58
the feeder motor .55
the convection fan 1.2
Jer

I agree with coaledsweat. The amp draw on the Econo II can't be more than 2 or 3, but you need to have the ability to keep the fridge, lights, perhaps a well pump and/or a sewage pump AND don't forget a sump pump if you have one.
Now the amps are up to 20 plus on a couple of seperate circuits. I have a 10K welder/ generator that has a 50 AMP 220 plug to my manual transfer switch. I use if off site frequently, so it is always exercised and the fuel always is treated, so no fuel issues. Don't go for less than 5000 watts of continuous unless you are confident that will be adequate.
Don't buy a gen thinking it can sit in the corner for a year and never be exercised or have it's fuel treated or the surprise will be just when your neighbors stop by to see how smart you told them you were. It won't start or won't run.

Thanks, I am getting a 5500 watt with a 6500 surge as I have a well.
Thanks again Stant

I have a 3500watt and only run a couple of things off it for now, I just have to get my transfer switch box wired up and and outside plug mounted.

I bought this one a few weeks back and it works great, powers the keystoker, fridge, entertainment center and numerous lights no problem.

http://www.amazon.com/TG32P12-Portable- ... B000P9UOB6

Whistlenut, how often should I exercise my gas powered generator? Is once every 4 months ok? Can the oil and gas be left in the unit in between exercising? Thanks!

jrn8265 wrote:Whistlenut, how often should I exercise my gas powered generator? Is once every 4 months ok? Can the oil and gas be left in the unit in between exercising? Thanks!

That should be fine.


And for the funny guys. No, exercising it doesn't mean taking the generator out for a walk with the dog.

Also use caution if you buy a super cheap chinese gen set. I got mine at a Cummins Tool sale --6500W peak, 13hp. Engine looks identical to a Honda GX390. Was $650 brand new, but mine was dropped off a loading dock & had a bashed in tank & busted vibration isolators on the gen side. A little compressed air in the tank & she popped back to normal ... maybe even added a gallon or so in the process! Then stuck a rubber exhaust hanger under the gen side with the broken mounts. Works great! Got it for $325!!

But now here's the deal: when I got home & started playing around with this thing (deciding whether to sell or keep), I noticed it had NO 220V hookup! Who the hell builds a 6500W genset with no 220?? It had a 3 prong 120V twist lock (who uses those in this country???) & 4 normal 120V outlets. Not only that, but the volt gauges were hooked up wrong! Unreal. They would backfeed current when one leg was shut down at the breaker.

So what I had to do was take a trip to Lowe's & buy a L14-30 female connector & install it in place of the 120V plug. First had to weed through strange chinese wiring practices & wire colors that made no sense to find the 2 hot legs of the gen. Then find out whether it was a floating or bonded neutral (luckily it's floating). Anyways, got it all wired up, fixed gauges & so far it's made it through an ice storm running for 15 hours a day for 5 straight days, & just yesterday with the wind, I had to run it for 4 hours.

The thing is, every time the power goes out I wonder if this is going to be the day the crankshaft breaks in two! You won't have that problem with a Yamaha or Honda unit. They are extremely pricey, but they are quiet & super reliable. That would be the last one you'd ever need. ........ and they WON'T LEAK OIL when they're new!!

Smitty, bet your fortune cookie wasn't telling you the truth. No 220? The rest of the world runs 220 for everything, only in America do we refuse to adapt to efficiency.

I always use stabil in my mowers, weed eaters and will also use it in my generator, No gumming up the carbs.
Stan

electric start is a must!! After sitting a while, it becomes hard to start, and you aren't getting any younger!! Also put in fresh gas around November, should be "winter" gas by then, also some sort of Stabil formulated for ethanol use if you area has it. I run mine about once a month just to excersise it. The difference between summer and winter is the reid vapor pressure, summer gas makes it difficult to start in the winter. Paul