Has anyone tried running this with an extremely small load? I'm wondering how many hours this might run my gas water heater (~ 1 Watt standby power)
1545207
Well, my computer is using 300 watts right now and the UPS says it can run for 20 minutes on battery. If the conversion holds up, that'd be about 100 hours.
2275311
I haven't run my generator more than a few minutes as it has only recently been received. I do remember seeing 4 1/2 hours at approx. 1/2 load with a 20 lb tank. I've stocked up with a few extra tanks and figure I'm all set as I'd probably run it for a few hours at a time to keep heat, hot water, and refrigerators available as needed. The fact that propane doesn't go bad was an influence in the decision to buy a LP powered generator.
2033944
I did use it on a small electric water heater of 1500 watts for a few times and it worked fine. I had it come on for about 15 minutes per day for a few days. The instructions say it can handle up to about 1800 watts.
1354131
I used mine to power a bilge pump. That uses the power very sparingly to check for water level all the time. Then users more power to power the pump when water is present. It worked quite well for that. My guess is it would power your heating coil. The question is how much it would consume and how long it would last with the battery. But would it power it up? Most likely yes. Engineer could probably tell you more.
874637
Not too smart, but here goes. Minimal power is consumed during standby. The unit operates on 1 or 2 AA batteries. Can't remember which. The power consumption of 12 volts is determined by the load size. Small load minimal draw. Large load big draw down. I am using mine on 60 watt aerators. They run 5 hours during the day and 8 hours at night. They are powered by 2 100ah batteries on each unit. They charging is done with 150 watts of solar panels. Batteries stay charged and the aerators run when scheduled. Sorry for the long answer that really says nothing.
314076
Forget @ using any of these units for heat. Look up an amp meter chart etc., compare what you heater will draw and divide the 1000 W and you will see the heater won't run for half an hour...a hair dryer will kill it quickly. This is strictly for lights, etc. Save it for medical equipment etc. in extended outages... maybe an occasional microwave use , etc. Even a computer charge will run it down. Be Careful how you use it. Also you can save a lot of power by using only lamps with the new twisted looking lamp bulbs .. Thet use @ 1/3 the power. Save the power for a quick sump pump need nothing continuous except lights. For heat, look into a small wall natural gas heater ( if you have gas heat ) @ $300. will heat 1000 sq feet quite well. Get a warm coat and blankets if the power may be out for days or you will be w/o lights too. Otherwise geta generator..note most condos won't allow them
1627916
I wouldn't run it more than 12 hrs and that's pushing it. I run mine about ten hours. My plants are going nuts, and I hardly fertilize them.
127870
If you don't use everything all at once. Mine runs one bath, kitchen and laundry, I have a small unit for second bath. One thing to check out first would be the electrical power required and it's availability. Requires three double 40 amp breakers and heavier gauge wire to carry the power. I took out a 40 gallon electric water heater and it has saved me about $60 a month so I would not go back. As energy prices get higher I save more. As with everything some common sense in using it should be observed, I love mine.
829513
I don't think so. This is a 29kw water heater. So this baby draws some serious power when in use. I'd say you would want a 30+kw unit to run it.
1574384
I have used it by wiring in a water heater timer it works great shuts off completely when I don't want it heating and timer powers it up 1/2 hour before I want the area warmed up then the thermostat on the unit keeps it consistent from there until I have the timer set to de-energize that circuit.
288150
Been using mine to power an RV. Under full load, a full tank (almost a gallon) to run intermittent full power for an AC and it runs about 5 hours. I have never had to run it at full power for a complete gallon, so I am guessing it would last around 3-3.5 hours on continuous full speed. Hope this helps.
874279
Should be fine, we run it for half hour straight without any issue. Pressure just like home. Works great!
1087999
if you are talking the central AC - not a good idea for a 5500 running watts gennie. If it doesn't trip the breaker on the generator in the first place (which is what happens when you exceed the wattage), it's going to suck the gas tank dry in no time. A smallish window unit you may be able to use in a backup capacity. (If the generator is working through a transfer switch, may be it's prudent to make sure the portable AC is not plugged into the same circuit as the other essential appliances, again, not to overload a single circuit)
569455
I installed a small UPS like you would use for a computer. Gives me about 90 minutes of full load run time. When in standby, it uses little or no energy, so it will get me through most short outages where it's not worth the effort of hooking up the generator.
439407
It should have no problem if it draws less than 20 amps. I use my generator at times to run a similar unit and have power to spare on my camper. I think mine has a start up of 14 amps and settles in around 12 amps.
1698745
No, that's ridiculous. I ran mine last weekend for a solid seven hours, with intermittent bursts on full power to get from one point to another. I also run my fish finder off the same battery. When I got home the battery was still 80 percent charged, and that's the most I've ever drawn it down.
2275309
Dear Friend, I have this item, but have not ran it long enough to give first hand info on this part. HOWEVER, much research including reading the Owners Manual & other peoples reviews, leads me to believe appx 8 hours is a good estimate. Seems like if you run a light load, you might stretch it to almost 10 hours. This is for a 20 lbs. Tank. I have based my back-up supply on 8 hours and have decided to be happy for any minutes I get past that mark. Good luck, R2