Predator 5000 generator BLACKOUT testing - it ran it ALL!!

Introduction

Welcome back to the channel, Outdoor Prepper here! In this article, I want to take a moment to explain a test that I conducted using the Predator 5000 generator during a simulated blackout situation.

Test Overview

Tonight, as it got dark outside, I decided to connect the Predator 5000 generator to my transfer switch to power my essential appliances. If you've seen my previous videos, you might know that I’ve tested the generator’s runtime on propane and done some preliminary tests. However, this time, I wanted to see if it could handle all the loads I would typically require during an emergency, such as powering lights, the refrigerator, heating, the computer, internet, television, phone chargers, and more.

During my earlier propane runtime tests, I estimated that I would be pulling about 1,500 watts continuously. Yet, those were simply estimations. I planned tonight's experiment to plug in all my essential devices and see what the actual power demand would be.

Equipment Prepared

To facilitate the connection, I employed a TT30 plug, which connects to the generator and converts to an L1430 R. From there, I used my generator cable to plug into the inlet box of the transfer switch. I felt confident as I prepared to start the test running on propane. While this would provide slightly less running wattage, I was curious to see the performance instead of relying on estimates.

Important Considerations

It's essential to note that while the Predator 5000 generator can power many home appliances during a blackout, it cannot supply 240 volts, making it incompatible with certain large appliances such as electric dryers, water heaters, or central air conditioning units. However, in my case, I relied on natural gas for cooking and heating, allowing me to focus on essentials like lights, charging devices, and keeping my refrigerator running.

The Test Begins

When the evening arrived, I hooked everything up, used a clip light to illuminate the area, and then started the generator. After allowing it to come up to speed, I proceeded down to the transfer switch panel and flipped the circuits from line to generator.

Once everything was switched over, I began powering up various appliances and lights to gauge the actual power usage. To start with, everything was running smoothly, and we were pulling approximately 750 watts total. This was surprisingly lower than my previous estimate, which was promising.

Then, I decided to turn on the furnace. The generator continued to operate without any issue, bringing the wattage up to about 900 watts as the furnace turned on. I was particularly interested in whether the generator could handle the additional load produced by the furnace’s blower fan.

As the furnace kicked on, the wattage spiked to around 2,265 with everything else running. Thankfully, the generator remained stable, and there were no noticeable fluctuations in power, which showed that it could manage the increased demands effectively.

Conclusion

Overall, the Predator 5000 generator was a success, powering all the essentials in my home, including lights, appliances, two TVs, a refrigerator, furnace, internet, computers, and phone chargers. It proved its worth and capability in a real-life testing scenario, while major appliances like the central air and electric dryer were the only limitations.

I hope this detailed overview is helpful for those considering the Predator 5000 generator for emergency use. If you found this information useful, please like and subscribe to the channel for more insights into outdoor prepping!

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Keyword

Predator 5000, generator, blackout, testing, propane, power demand, transfer switch, wattage, essential appliances

FAQ

What appliances can the Predator 5000 generator power?
The Predator 5000 can power various essential appliances like lights, refrigerators, computers, and television, but it cannot handle 240-volt appliances like electric dryers and central air conditioning.

How many watts can the Predator 5000 generator provide?
The generator can provide 3,600 running watts on propane and up to 3,900 watts on gasoline.

Is the propane usage performance lower than gasoline?
Yes, running the generator on propane typically results in slightly less wattage compared to running it on gasoline.

How did the generator perform under load during the test?
The generator performed well, smoothly handling a total load of around 2,265 watts while powering multiple devices, including the furnace with its blower fan.

What is the purpose of the transfer switch?
The transfer switch allows you to safely switch the power source of your home from the main utility to a generator, ensuring that power is sourced safely during an outage.