I just purchased a Generac 4000XL, model # 9777-2, 4000 Watt AC generator.

In the fall of 1999, our area in Upstate NY suffered a glancing blow from Hurricane Floyd as it passed the North East Coast. Even this indirect hit caused a great deal of damage. Luckily, my home suffered no serious structural damage. However, countywide power outages resulted in a 4-day long black out. Local officials gave out dry ice so people could keep their food cold, but the distribution points quickly became mob scenes right out of a Road Warrior movie! I was unable to get ice before I lost all the food in my refrigerator. The few open stores sold out all batteries and flashlights in a few hours. (Note: "C" size batteries seem to be the most useless size, as store after store had nothing but those hanging from ravaged displays).

I could deal with being without TV, VCR, and lights for a few days. But no computers, email, web pages, newsgroups, and IRC nearly drove me nuts! I wanted to be prepared for next time--I decided to purchase a generator. Before I was to cough-up $500-1000, I did an online search and quickly discovered there are not too many impartial reviews. I did find some info on alternative energy sites. Generac was mentioned as a reliable brand. Some of my carpenter friends also mentioned Generac.

You should purchase the size generator that best suits your power requirements. Generac's website has a handy page which calculates this for you. You simply check off what appliances you want to run (things like TV, heater, or microwave oven) and the page calculates your wattage needs. Bear in mind that these generators are internal combustion engines. They produce noise and exhaust. You don't want to buy too large a generator; these things are loud and are heavy. In addition, they require periodic maintenance such as oil changes and tune-ups. On the other hand, you don't want to purchase a generator that is too small, as you'll have to keep swapping appliances in order not to blow fuses.

Some specs: The 4000XL has a 7.8 HP engine. It weighs 119 pounds, and is about as big as medium size picnic cooler. It's rated at 4000 watts, but will support a surge demand of 5000 watts. This is important as certain tools and appliances require double their power rating to start-up. The gas tank holds 4 ga, enough to run the generator at ½ load for 13 hours. Two manuals are included, the owners manual and one for the engine. The manuals are clear and easy to follow, but also included is a short but well made instructional videotape. Also included are an additional air filter, a spark plug, a 12-volt battery charger cable, plus other odds and ends and tools. I purchased the optional wheel set, which makes moving the machine easier. An hour after unpacking, I had the 4000XL gassed-up and running.

The XL 4000 easily powers my frig, a couple of lights, VCR, TV, and my computers. I am sure this will be enough to get me comfortably through the next blackout. I am not the handyman type or particularly mechanically inclined, yet I have found the Generac easy to operate. My local Home Depot had the unit in stock.

I highly recommend Generac if you are thinking of purchasing a generator.




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