Hello all, I am looking for a small portable generator with autostart capability. The only one I have found so far is the AIM models. Does anyone else know of any brands with this feature?My goal is to have a backup generator automatically kick on if the shore power should fail to make sure my dogs still have AC if I am not around to turn it on myself. Thanks!

Not easy to do. You would have to install a transfer switch with some control wiring besides the required power wiring. Not worth the trouble. When we go of and leave the cat we open all the windows and turn on a fan.

cavie wrote:Not easy to do. You would have to install a transfer switch with some control wiring besides the required power wiring. Not worth the trouble. When we go of and leave the cat we open all the windows and turn on a fan.I know I have to install a transfer switch. An automatic transfer switch is $70 and 6 wires. Should take me 20 minutes to install. A control circuit is super easy with an autostart generator. You simply wire in a normally closed solenoid. It remains open while on shore power, and when shore power is lost, the switch closes and starts the generator. It was 110F here yesterday. My dogs would die if shore power was lost and I wasn't here.

How do you plan to handle choking or priming the engine for starting?

Dutch_12078 wrote:How do you plan to handle choking or priming the engine for starting?How do the Champion and Honda with electric start do it? I'm guessing there's a servo motor inside that moves the choke lever? ... Priming, I didn't know that was still a thing on a modern engine.

GordonThree wrote:Dutch_12078 wrote:How do you plan to handle choking or priming the engine for starting?How do the Champion and Honda with electric start do it? I'm guessing there's a servo motor inside that moves the choke lever? ... Priming, I didn't know that was still a thing on a modern engine.Priming is still a thing but if it's not cold out (A/C weather) priming is generally not necessary for an engine that has not been sitting for a long time

Portable generators with auto start capability.

32 Replies

CoeyCoey
Explorer
May 30, 2020
cavie wrote:
Not easy to do. You would have to install a transfer switch with some control wiring besides the required power wiring. Not worth the trouble. When we go of and leave the cat we open all the windows and turn on a fan.

I know I have to install a transfer switch. An automatic transfer switch is $70 and 6 wires. Should take me 20 minutes to install. A control circuit is super easy with an autostart generator. You simply wire in a normally closed solenoid. It remains open while on shore power, and when shore power is lost, the switch closes and starts the generator.

It was 110F here yesterday. My dogs would die if shore power was lost and I wasn't here.
cavie
Explorer
May 30, 2020
Not easy to do. You would have to install a transfer switch with some control wiring besides the required power wiring. Not worth the trouble. When we go of and leave the cat we open all the windows and turn on a fan.

Forum Discussion

Portable generators with auto start capability.

32 Replies

About Technical Issues

Related Content

Portable Solar Generators

hauling capability

Generator noise reduction

Best portable home backup generator, Expert advice to choose

Portable Generator Solutions