Inverter Generators - Life Post Cyclone Alfred

LuckyLuke on 12/03/2025 - 13:12

Hello fellow Ozbargainers,

We are 6 days without power (and counting) post Cyclone Alfred, living in the hinterland on the Gold Coast. Water came back on yesterday having been off for about 3 days. Judging by the number of trees fallen and power lines lying on the road, we could be without power for at least another week.

To save you all the required ms paint diagram, this is our attempt at a poor quality video of what the road currently looks like. It was filmed by my teenage son.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiamcO6UkEE

Currently working out of the local library.

To get to the point, we don't have power and are looking at getting an inverter generator with the government assistance money. Has anyone had any experience with them powering houses? We have been used to not having a fridge etc, it is more things like washing machines (and possibly the dryer) if it gets super wet and muddy. We have a relatively new large front loader and a heat pump dryer for reference.

I was offered a 2kva inverter generator from autobarn at $699 from midday thursday, but the reviews are not good (that is, I am not desperate and we are already used to living in the dark) and the power output is probably not what we are looking for.

Home & Garden Generator

Comments

  • TrdiK89 on 12/03/2025 - 13:16
    +9

    If you want to connect it to the house you will need a transfer switch installed by a sparky - for powering the whole house you would need something in the likes of 8kva or more.

    • LuckyLuke on 12/03/2025 - 13:32
      +1

      yes - but that puts it into the exxy category.

      I was thinking that we only run the generator when we need it, rather than a 24x7 thing.

      I have noticed that a lot of people don't run theirs overnight, probably because no one is opening the fridge etc.

      • Sunny84 on 12/03/2025 - 14:11
        +9

        if you don't want a transfer switch, then your only option is to use the generator and power your critical loads with extension leads….

        maybe look into a hybrid inverter + solar and battery with backup function for future.

        • LuckyLuke on 12/03/2025 - 14:14

          I was thinking about solar, but with all of the rain, we weren't getting much sunshine. I hadn't thought about a hybrid inverter - thanks!

          • Sunny84 on 12/03/2025 - 15:52
            +1

            @LuckyLuke: when there's no sun, you can implement other ways to recharge the house battery e.g. petrol generator or ev to load.

          • mskeggs on 12/03/2025 - 16:07
            +1

            @LuckyLuke: Solar/battery is a very expensive way to get power in a blackout, and as you point out, storms aren't good for solar output.
            If you don't have solar, you should get it, but I probably wouldn't invest the thousands for blackout protection unless you were also getting batteries anyway.

            A generator and some extension cords is probably the right solution to occasional blackouts to power essentials.

            • LuckyLuke on 13/03/2025 - 11:50

              @mskeggs: yes - there is a balance between spending money on having a generator, knowing that I may not ever use it (much like insurance) versus having something that we may use regularly.

              I don't think we have the money to do the whole solar panel/battery arrangement, it is more about future planning and thinking whether I get a normal generator and a hybrid inverter, rather than an all in one.

      • Dslrfirst on 13/03/2025 - 10:22

        Its not really the time you use it -its the load 8va minimum.

      • MrFunSocks on 13/03/2025 - 23:01
        +1

        People don’t run them overnight because it’s a petrol engine that sounds like a car idling at 3000rpm. It’s loud and you’d get a lot of complaints from your neighbours.

    • geekcohen on 12/03/2025 - 14:25
      +1

      for powering the whole house you would need something in the likes of 8kva or more.

      All depends what you are running. Just for Power Outlets, my 3.5kva works fine. I have a PowerPal so my house running is about 1900w all the time. If you want to run the oven, heater, aircon and kettle, then yes, you would need a larger one.

  • MS Paint on 12/03/2025 - 13:21
    +5

    filmed by my teenage son.

    You could tell that when his biggest concern was the tree resting on the Internet cable 😀

    • LuckyLuke on 12/03/2025 - 13:27
      +3

      lol - yes, he is going through fortnite withdrawals!

    • Ocker on 12/03/2025 - 17:12
      +1

      So much for the road closed sign.

      • brendanm on 12/03/2025 - 17:26
        +1

        They left them up everywhere even once the roads were passable.

        • Ocker on 12/03/2025 - 18:19
          +1

          As bad as Victoria! Interesting question - what happens insofar as an insurance claim if one ignores the road closed sign, drives down the road and a tree fall onto the car. Could the insurance company deny the claim?

          • brendanm on 12/03/2025 - 21:57

            @Ocker: Honestly not sure. I didn't really care and just needed to get to and from home. If a tree fell on it, I suppose you're just say it happened on a different road.

          • tz001 on 13/03/2025 - 07:57

            @Ocker: Not if you remove the sign!

        • gyrex on 13/03/2025 - 09:31
          +1

          Those "sketchy" power lines close the ground and the power poles and trees which could fall over at any minute might be a reason why the "road closed" signs are up?

          • LuckyLuke on 13/03/2025 - 11:53
            +1

            @gyrex: Yes, the signs were up, but only blocking half the road.

            It would be nice if there was another way in and out, but it is our only option.

            Everyone is being as safe as they can be.

      • jakentta on 13/03/2025 - 12:10

        That's what caught my eye too. No reason to slow down even, just slaloming around all the cones, fallen trees, hanging power lines… and then they wonder how people get into troublesome situations! I have also been led to believe that insurance will not want to hear from you if are driving where you're not supposed to be.

  • geekcohen on 12/03/2025 - 14:29
    +1

    it is more things like washing machines (and possibly the dryer) if it gets super wet and muddy. We have a relatively new large front loader and a heat pump dryer for reference.

    You are going to need a large-ish generator to run that stuff. You would need at least 3.5kva and only run one appliance at a time. Also I wouldn't suggest running a geni in "eco" mode either, you will want to have it flat stick all the time.

  • brendanm on 12/03/2025 - 16:47
    +4

    I bought a 2200 watt kings generator, powered my fridge, chest freezer, fish tank, NBN box, modem, nespresso machine etc etc. Didn't use it for washing, but should power a front loader on a cold cycle, I did try it on my heat pump dryer and it worked fine.

    • LuckyLuke on 13/03/2025 - 11:54

      Great - good to hear.

  • Downvoter on 12/03/2025 - 16:54

    What are some good 2200kw suggestions for simply powering a fridge/select small appliances during a prolonged blackout?

    • brendanm on 12/03/2025 - 17:25
      +3

      Yamaha/Honda are the quietest. Anything else will do the job. I sold my kings one today and will probably buy a Honda/Yamaha when everyone starts to offload them.

  • JIMB0 on 12/03/2025 - 17:37
    +1

    Kings has a big 3kva+ model. It's relatively cheap and will power any appliance. At the moment generators are in high demand and there's probably not much to choose from.

  • jizmo on 12/03/2025 - 20:50
    -1

    Square wave/inverted/modified sine wave generator you'd want to be careful it doesn't damage new inverted fridge microwave washing machine boards. Old fridges and washing machines can take it but I'd check anything that's computer controlled.
    Pure sine wave, OK it will cost more but for piece of mind

    • LuckyLuke on 13/03/2025 - 11:56

      Thanks. Most of the inverter generators I had seen talk about 'pure sine wave', but it is good to know that I should not take it for granted that all of them have it.

      On a side note, some of the Gentrax models claim to be Euro V compliant. I assume not all generators meet that standard.

    • outlander on 14/03/2025 - 15:21

      Bad advice. It's actually the opposite.

      Old stuff can't take the modified sine wave, because it goes straight to the motor and its very harsh. It may run but it'll ring and vibrate and generate extra heat.

      While new inverter stuff has electronics that filters what comes in anyway and converts it to whats needed, so it should (theoretically) be no different.

  • jazzyman9182 on 13/03/2025 - 06:51
    +6

    I would aim for a 3.5kva generator. We've had a kings one for about 4 years now. Still working great. Our power goes out often ish being in the dandenongs in victoria.
    If your power doesn't go out often, just run extension cords to the things you want to run. 3.5kva will be able to run anything you can plug into a normal 10 amp AC socket, with a little head room. You just need to pick what high power appliances you want to run as you won't be able to do multiple together.

    • LuckyLuke on 13/03/2025 - 11:57

      Great - thanks!

    • Dslrfirst on 15/03/2025 - 09:30

      Many generators use their peak output to sell machines-eg around 2kva might be the continuous output for a 3.5kva generator. Motor-based appliances for eg might draw more than this on start-up.

  • geekcohen on 13/03/2025 - 08:23
    +2

    I have one of maXpeedingrods 3500W Portable Inverter Generator for my primary generator.

    $699 via Amazon - https://www.amazon.com.au/maXpeedingrods-Portable-Inverter-G…
    $583.20 with MCBT20 on eBay - https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/256831853604

    • LuckyLuke on 13/03/2025 - 11:58
      +1

      What is your impression? Would you buy it again? or go for something else/more expensive?

      • geekcohen on 13/03/2025 - 16:19
        +2

        Yes I would, very happy with mine. My Dad has a Kings one and he is happy with it. I have a ToolPro one as well, a bit smaller (2kva) and I use that as a secondary one now.

  • Euphemistic on 13/03/2025 - 09:02
    +1

    If you arent worried about the fridge and just want to run the washing machine could you maybe hand wash a few items?

    Unless the power is going out often, a generator is likely to sit there doing nothing a lot of the time.

    While its a lot more expense solar plus battery might be better investment to future proof. A battery will run a whole house for a day, but if you turn off all but thw fridge itll run for days, especially if its getting a little bit of power back from cloudy skies.

    Not saying don't buy a generator, but consider other options

    • LuckyLuke on 13/03/2025 - 11:58
      +1

      Yes - that is the equation I am working through. Thanks for the ideas!

      • Euphemistic on 13/03/2025 - 12:12
        +1

        If ita just washing, could always vsisit a laundromat or use a washing service, for cheaper than a generator as well.

        If we had regular power outages, id be looking at powering the fridge by another means, potentially an inverter off battery - like a UPS. We do have underground power, so theres less chance of outages. we also have a caravan fridge (gas) and car fridge (12v) that could be used if required.

        • LuckyLuke on 13/03/2025 - 17:36
          +2

          As a note to others reading this, I bought the outbax 12v Lithium Iron Phosphate battery from ebay (advertised on ozbargain)

          Then got a battery box on special from Anaconda.

          Then got the cigarette lighter (12v) plug in fast charger for cars (advertised on ozbargain) and used it plugged into the box.

          And it has been working A+ at charging all our devices. It has definitely improved the experience - charges super fast. Highly recommended for an emergency. Still heaps of charging left and used about 50 times.

          • Euphemistic on 13/03/2025 - 18:21
            +1

            @LuckyLuke: Cool. As much as starting a petrol/diesel car to charge a couple of devices, or a backup battery for a fridge is not very energy efficient, its probably easier than organising a generator at short notice.

  • jv on 13/03/2025 - 10:51
    -7

    Use solar and save the planet.

    • LuckyLuke on 13/03/2025 - 12:00
      +1

      Hey JV, the unfortunate thing that people learn during a blackout is that solar panels by themselves can't be used to power the house. They need a battery or something else (like a car with V2L) or a special diverter to the hot water tank, otherwise it gets exported straight to the grid.

      • Euphemistic on 13/03/2025 - 12:16
        +1

        Most solar is set up in such a way that it shuts off when the grid is down to protect line workers. It may be possible to set up solar to run the house amd isolate from the grid without batteries.

        Of course, that would mean limited useability because you need the sun to shine, but being able to run stuff during the day off grid wluld be suitable to run a fridge or some appliances purely off solar.

        • jv on 13/03/2025 - 12:18
          +1

          you need the sun to shine

          They live in Queensland.

      • jv on 13/03/2025 - 12:17

        They need a battery

        Correct…

      • gyrex on 13/03/2025 - 15:27
        +2

        Solar doesn't get exported during grid loss. Grid tied inverters automatically switch off (unless backed by a compatible battery system which supports islanding) when they detect grid loss so that they don't energise lines in order to protect line workers from potential electrocution.

        • LuckyLuke on 14/03/2025 - 15:05

          Thanks, I didn't know the term islanding, but it makes sense.

  • DarwinBoy on 13/03/2025 - 14:26
    +2

    Just wait 6-12 months and there will be plenty on marketplace with dirty carbs for sale.
    If you have the cash then bigger is better. Ive got a 6000kva and a 2000kva but the 6000 hardly ever gets used as powers out for generally less then 24 hours so i really only need to run the fridge/freezer and the water tanks pressure pump.
    When power has been out for longer the 6000 comes into its own there. i didnt buy a pure sine wave generator so did fry the xbox360 power supply. But everything else went well in the house(didnt try the aircon as the formulas of power usage per device i did before hand said it wouldnt be near what i need to run safely).
    I also have a decent camping set up so i just bring that inside with the camping fans/lights and everyones happyish. Could even use the camping washing machine if i wanted to punish someone, Its a good detox for the kids to get off their devices i reckon as well.

    • gyrex on 13/03/2025 - 15:23
      +6

      6000kVA is large enough to power a neighbourhood, are you sure you don't mean 6kVA or 6000VA?

      • DarwinBoy on 13/03/2025 - 17:58
        +1

        ha. yes i do.

        • gyrex on 13/03/2025 - 19:28

          No, you don't. This is a 6,000kVA or 6MVA generator

          • DarwinBoy on 13/03/2025 - 21:45

            @gyrex: I meant yes to your point do i mean 6kva or 6000va.
            If i could afford a 6000kva generator i wouldnt be bumming round on a baragin website i reckon.

            • gyrex on 13/03/2025 - 22:47

              @DarwinBoy: Ahhhh, I was confused by your response and thought you intimated that you had a 6MVA generator :)

              Don't be surprised, I know of some pretty wealthy people who trawl OzB.

  • Daniel Plainview on 13/03/2025 - 14:53
    +2

    We have a Yamaha 2kW model, thankfully very rarely used but thats in our emeergency kit. Folks and businesses are exploiting the demand at present.

    Better to buy a tad too big than a tad too small, electric motors draw ~3x their normal draw at startup. Just whatever you get ensure you use the fuel tap &/or a fuel stabiliser if you intend to keep fuedled up - as others have said most leave fueled up and wonder why they won't start many months later.

    best of luck.

    • LuckyLuke on 13/03/2025 - 17:15

      Thanks - that is a good idea - I see some advertised with that sort of function, but didn't know what it was for.

  • t_c on 13/03/2025 - 17:20
    +1

    A BYD atto 3, is pretty nice with v2l, u can draw about 2kw, and is silent so u can power your fridge, tv, lights all night in total peace. Can be had for around 35k second hand, obviously only makes sense if u need a car as well.

    • LuckyLuke on 14/03/2025 - 15:02

      It is good to know how much power you can draw - thanks!

  • beach bum on 14/03/2025 - 05:08
    +1

    The Honda eu20i is the most popular choice in Australia for a little backup generator that is still portable,
    only available second hand these days but will last forever with regular maintenance and made in Japan.
    I prefer the eu30i as it’s a little bigger but on wheels,
    but also much harder to find now even second hand .
    There was some new old stock still getting around,
    so if you can find any of those you will be winning.
    Both models are simple and easy to start and are sound deadened with insulation and muffled, only the bigger one more so.
    The modern ones Honda sell are made in Thailand along with all the recalls you would expect.
    Yamaha’s can be unrepairable as they’re designed so,
    but you may get lucky and I think Anaconda stocks them new so you may find a deal.
    Kings seem ok for cheap but don’t be surprised if they become a pain to start but for the price you can just buy another,
    or a second hand Honda for the same money, and I know which one I’d be buying.
    Also the NEW eu32i looks awesome, but are unproven,
    and I don’t know for sure where they are made.
    And if you want the ultimate in lightweight,
    the little eu10i is an often overlooked little powerhouse.
    I ran a large camping fridge, big tv and a fan for a few days through the aftermath of the storms last year on one , I paid $300 for mine and sold for $450 right before Alfy turned up,
    this year I rolled the dice and just moved everything into the freezer and cooked up all the defrosted meat and still chewing and just listened to the abc on the radio,
    and went and hung out with friends generator,
    so there’s a few options.
    Dunno if anything I talked about will run a washing machine but there’s a laundrymat in Beenleigh just down the road so you may be able to get by in this way.
    Hope this info is helpful .
    Good luck

    • LuckyLuke on 14/03/2025 - 15:01

      Thanks heaps. Found a laundromat in Burleigh.

      Our friends got a Honda 2kw right before Alfy and paid 2 grand. I will keep an eye out for reviews on the eu32i.

      A couple of people have the kings generator and are happy at the price point, but I have seen some old ones and they look and sound as you would expect.

      Gentrax seem to be aiper of generators, with online advertising everywhere.

  • Rachel S on 15/03/2025 - 16:37
    +1
    1. Figure out what you want to run and how many watts. If you have fridges or air conditioners that are not inverter models they will need more watts when cycling. Factor that in generously.
    2. If you want AC and you don't have a window a/c box that plugs into a normal powerpoint (ie you have a split system that is wired in) you will probably need to have your generator plugged legally into your home using a changeover switch. A sparky will need to install it for you. You must tell the sparky that you have solar when they do their quote, as solar and gennies don't mix. They will normally ask you to take a pic of your switchboard and sms it to them when working out their quote so it should be obvious you have solar, but just make sure it's clear. You also want clear written instructions on the inside of your power board door as to the connection and disconnection process. You also want to pay the sparky for another 10 minutes of their time to actually walk you through the actual process. Gennys with MEN and/or RCDs sometimes don't play nicely with changeover switches so best to test while the sparky is there.
    3. If you want AC and fridges etc you may need to look at a 32 amp plug and a generator capable of powering the load you worked out initially (what you want to run and how many watts). The bigger the amps, the bigger the generator, the more costly.
    4. An inverter generator is the way to go. Pure sine wave. You need to commit to the maintenance of the generator, so running it monthly underload, keeping fresh fuel topped up or stabilised fuel, and making sure your change your oil according to the manual. More frequent oil changes, especially when running the machine in, is the way to go. There is more involved than that of course, but those are the easy ones. If your genny doesn't have an hour meter on it then you need to keep track of hours run.
    5. You also need to have a special power cord to connect your generator to the house. That also is expensive. Every metre is $$$. You need to figure out where you are going to run your genny safely out of the elements and away from doors and windows. Your inlet switch itself (where you plug it into the house) is usually placed right next to the switchboard, but ask your sparky if it's possible to locate it closer to the genny, out of the rain.
    6. Fridges and ACs don't like being switched off and on quickly - turn off your fridges/AC or anything with a compressor when you are doing your changeover and turn them back on after about 10 to 15 minutes of the power running.
    7. Generally, make sure your genny has run for a few minutes on full (not eco) before you put a load onto it. Also let it run for a few minutes without a load before you switch it off. Read your manual first - if it doesn't say anything like that it may not be an issue.
    8. All of this is extremely expensive for something you may never need to use again. To be honest you may want to stick with a reasonably sized inverter generator with 15 amp plug, and a 15 amp power block that splits to 10 amp outlets and just run your fridge, pedestal fan and maybe the TV.
    • LuckyLuke on 16/03/2025 - 19:34

      Wow - thanks for all that! There are a lot of good points that you raise. I hope this is helpful for anyone else who stumbles onto this post as well.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join