Where can I find an inexpensive generator to run a fan, oxygen machine, and a lamp?

Question

Where can I find an inexpensive generator to run a fan, oxygen machine, and a lamp?

Answer 1

At Northern Tool.com you can see a 1000 watt generator for about $150

Answer 2

If you are purchasing the generator for emergency use, please do a little homework.  If all three items are to run at the same time, add up their total wattage.  Then, make sure that the generator has enough "surge" capacity to allow to allow an appliance extra wattage to start, but not cause the other appliances to lose current and possibly be damaged from undervoltage. Most home improvement stores carry different sizes of small generators.  But, be careful dealing with the home improvement stores because few employees have practical knowledge of what you might need or how to install it.

About $650-800 will get you a small, portable, 3500 watt, 4300 surge watts, 25 amp generator with a Briggs and Stratton engine.  This unit will hold about 4 gallons of gasoline and run about 12 hours at 50% load rating.  Expect actual run time to be substantially less.

Whether or not you permanently install your generator, your local building codes may require a transfer switch.  You should contact a  licensed local electrician, since this might be more than you want to tackle.  In addition to switching your power supply from the local electric utility to your generator, the transfer switch is a safety device.  If you are using your home's wiring (not extension cords), you MUST be disconnected from your incoming electic utility while your generator is running.  If you are still connected to the power grid while running your generator, you can send your electricity back out of your home.  A utility worker (or anyone) can be seriously injured if he comes into contact with wires thought to be dead, but are really energized.  There are two types of transfer switches.  An automatic transfer switch makes the change from the utility to your generator for you.  A manual transfer allows you to "throw the switch" from the utility to your generator.  

Be careful chosing your generator.  Remember the other costs associated with the purchase and operation beyond your purchase price.  Finally, be sure to consult a local electrician to make sure that your installation is safe and meets you local building codes.

Answer 3

are you sure you are going to need it before we got one our power went out like 1 or 2 times a month lasting sometimes for a day or two so we got one and our power hasnt gone out for more than a couple of seconds for 4 years