Predator 3500 - surge capability while in eco mode?

DSchmidt_2000 wrote:

I already own a Yamaha EF2000is but it struggles to start our fridge and/or freezer in eco mode.

Because of lawsuits, Edison is saying they could turn power off for days when it's dry and windy out. Figure I should get ready.

Thanks

By your post about Edison shutting off power I'm assuming you're talking your household refrigerator and freezer. While it never hurts to be prepared that really sounds like nothing more than a lot of sabre rattling by the utility.

Something doesn't sound right about your appliances. My EU2000i stays in ECO mode and powers up my refrigerator, chest freezer, household lights, and a computer or two. When a compressor kicks in the RPM's increase, but nowhere near full throttle. But then again my situation is going to be different than yours.

But as to your question, you might do some experimenting before you buy anything new.

For example, does the current generator struggle to start only the refrigerator or freezer singly? Or are both units trying to start at the same time and adding a bunch more load? Normally the compressors will not cycle on simultaneously, except for maybe the first time you plug them in after the power goes out. So if the generator can manage each unit individually; Then plug in the refrigerator and when the compressor turns off and the RPM's drop then plug in the freezer. After that just leave both units plugged in and they will usually cycle at different times.

If your generator still struggles on a single appliance you might want to consider the age of the appliances before you consider a new generator.

How are you powering the house? Are you using a transfer box, or suicide cable to power the house? Or are you running individual extension cords to the critical loads only?

As far as the Predator, no I don't have any experience or videos. But it is a Harbor Freight product and I would not be surprised if your Yamaha 2000 outperforms the 3500 Predator. Even if the Predator is stronger, I would keep the Yamaha fueled and ready as a backup in case the Predator dies.

It's all about the kinetic energy of the rotating mass, and the capability of the engine to add energy on short notice. Both are larger on the higher power generators.

I will second the above post, got a Champion 3400 a couple months ago, and it starts my 13.5k ac unit in eco mode no problem, same with the microwave. The 3000+ class inverters seem to handle surge loads better than the 2000 class.

Here's another potential data point. My Champion 3400 (similar size to the Predator) also barely notices when my 13.5BTU A/C compressor turns on.

One data point in. Guy on another forum said "It starts my 13.5btu AC unit without any struggle at all in eco mode. The pitch of the engine barely changes."

Additionally, glad I don't live where you live. never a power issue here.

Had a Yamaha 2800I, a Honda 2000 and now a Champion 2500, none of them will take a surge load in ECO.

Don't believe the Pred will either. The circuitry is not designed for a surge load in ECO mode. ECO (quiet mode) is all about low draw applications, like charging your house batteries or powering a light or 2 and that is it.

If you think they will, you are in for a rude awakening. None will.

From the replies so far it looks like nobody does surge testing anymore. Many years ago people did, me included with my Yamaha.

Hopefully someone will have some test data to share.

There's a reason for the ECO Mode, for those that aren't running a heavy load.
You can't have both.

Check the instructions. In my Yamaha manual in expressly states not to use Eco mode when operating compressors.

Hopefully the HF manual addresses the issue.