Best Outdoor Generator Accessories
Make your home smart at saving energy and costs Smart management actually helps eliminate excess consumption of electricity, since household devices can still eat up energy, even when not in use. Streamline home security Moreover, for the extended days you're away, replace old-fashioned timers that are limited in function. This smart outlet can turn on lamps on a set schedule, or at a moment's notice as you're miles away. Specifications: 1.Energy Monitor: Track your power usage by day, week, month and year; 2.Timer Function: Can set over 30 groups of time for your appliances including schedule, action timer and countdown timer; 3.Triggered Actions: You can set a program that it will automatically switch off the outlet if power of device reaches programmed number; 4.Share Function: You can share your outlets with other family account so that your family can control it at the same time. Track power usage for connected devices and figure out which devices use the most energy. Controlled from different devices and manage your home on your smartphone or tablet from anywhere.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"However, you can "skip" the account login part, face some vaguely dire-ish warning for doing so, and get into the app where you can easily register new devices and use them. If you happen to browse the Settings->Feeback section of the app, you will be treated to a few seconds of chinese text before the english version loads. A boot time, the device uses DHCP nicely, then resolves a hostname and proceeds to establish a websocket connection. - it is very likely possible to design a little websocket proxy that would put itself in between the device and its cloud, assuming the DNS server your DHCP server the device talks to is willing to point it at your proxy (custom router software like dd-wrt or tomato would be a great way to do that). - at that point, it's not terribly hard to imagine short-circuiting their cloud service altogether. In short, I strongly suspect this device can be hacked into being part of something greater than itself, although it seems like it may require having a little server sitting somewhere and being able/willing to tweak your LAN DNS configuration in slightly unusual ways."
"Sorry, I wanted to love this, but sadly it is a potential hazard and now I do not recommend this for safety in electronics is of utmost importance! Smart Outlet device is small enough to allow use of second plug on the wall receptacle. Between the safety certification issue & otherwise loving the overall unit & app performance = 3 stars on the fence."
"Description says they work with Alexa, I could not get them to interface."
"I had high hopes for this product but I could not get any of the 4 plugs to connect to my wireless 2.4Ghz network using different security protocols (WPA and WPA 2) and different encryption methods (AES or TKIP)."
The Reliance Controls 20-foot 30 Amp power cord is designed for use with Reliance manual transfer switches, transfer panels, and power inlet boxes. Designed for use with Reliance manual transfer switches, transfer panels and power inlet boxes.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"“This Reliance Controls Generator Power Cord now features a translucent lighted connector (or receptacle) end."
"I checked Consumer Reports, bought best generator via Amazon Prime."
"Use with my generator, very handy and long enough for my emergency power connection."
"Works great, nice and heavy duty."
"Item received was as advertised and works great."
"Awesome quality I have come to expect from Reliance products."
"Great quality, just what I needed!"
"works great with my generator."
MPI Tools’ 20 foot Locking Generator Cord is a combination of excellent power transfer (125/250v –7500 watts) and durable craftsmanship. With MPI Tools, you can rest easy knowing that your cord is locked in place, and ready to supply the power you need at a moments notice. Remember, you’re buying from one of the very best suppliers on the market today, and we’ve made sure our Guarantee matches our quality. ★THE BETTER BUY –MPI Tool’s durable and reliable 10 gauge 4 wire NemaL14-30 Generator Power Cord is the premium choice in price and quality.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Excellent quality power cable."
"Just what was needed for generator connection for friends project."
"Just what I needed to connect my new generator to the house."
"Perfect for my 6500 watt generator."
"Exactly what I expected."
Best Outdoor Generator Cords, Sets & Plugs
Camco 30' RV Extension Cord with Handle is a 50 AMP cord with handles. Enter your model number to make sure this fits.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"While the official line is to not use any extension cord with the Tesla UMC/EVSE for charging the Model S, I'm concerned that there will be a time that the 18' cord just won't be long enough."
"Even the 15 amp version of this is a nice hefty extension cord."
"My 2006 Cherokee 5th wheel toy hauler ( cheaply made piece of junk) didn't come with a cord-- just a socket and a short adapter and a 'normal' outdoor electrical cord got warm and would not run the A/C."
"So far its been a great cord."
"Very handy to get your genny away from your RV."
"It arrived quickly and at the best price I could find on the internet or local."
"Awesome as a Model X owner it works very well no heat buildup."
"Has come in VERY handy and the yellow handle makes it much easier to disconnect."
Best Outdoor Generator Covers
Protect your valuable Champion generator year round with Champion’s complete selection of generator covers including 1200-1875-watt and 2800-4750-watt sizes. Quick – The durable cover fits over your generator quickly to protect it while in storage.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It does not go over the wheels but pulls right down inside the wheels to the lower frame tube on the generator."
"if the cover was removed frequently and the generator moved frequently, I suspect that the cover would show signs of usage quite quickly."
"Fits great!"
"Good quality cover."
"Out of the box, this was about 3x heavier than expected and is also lined with felt like material."
"If you spend the $$ to buy a beefy Champion generator, you'll want a beefy, sturdy cover!"
"As others have said, this cover fits a Champion 9375W (in my case, model 41410 purchased at BJ's Wholesale) generator like a glove, literally. I would prefer the cover to be slightly larger than the generator, relying on the cord on the bottom to secure it tightly."
"I bought this cover on June 23, and in 5 months it's been on the generator, I found the entire top is cracked and falling apart."
Best Outdoor Generator Inlet Boxes
This inlet box is then safely hardwired through an outside wall directly to the transfer switch or panel, eliminating the need for cords running through windows or doors. It is designed to be wired directly to the transfer switch or panel by using one of the four combination 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch knockouts (one on each side, bottom and back). The Reliance Controls 20 Amp power inlet box is designed for outdoor use and can be hardwired directly to Reliance Controls transfer switches or panels, eliminating need for cords running through windows or doors. Maximum generator running watts: 5,000.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Worked great for my suicide generator hook up."
"Works great for a generator hookup."
"Had this completely installed in about 20 minutes and now ready to just plug in generator next time power goes out."
"I use this electrical box to connect an outdoor generator to my indoor transfer switch."
"I bought this to install on the outside of the house as part of a system to let me switch over to generator power."
"Great way to get power from my portable generator into the garage for winter time emergency power for the furnace."
Best Outdoor Generator Transfer Switches
18-inch flexible conduit whip attaches easily, and indoor surface mount transfer switch designed for fast installation in both residential and commercial applications.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"What's in the box: You will receive a pre-wired 10 circuit transfer switch with a long enough pig-tail to allow it to be mounted to the left or right side of your existing control center (breaker panel), a 10ft 30amp extension cord for your 120/240 volt generator outlet, 4 red wire connectors and 10 yellow wire connectors, a demonstrative DVD and a printed installation and operating instructions manual. Note: The bottom four breakers in this transfer switch are linked side by side via metal ties (When you flip one of these linked breakers to the "Gen" position, you are actually turning on two breakers at once, one on each side of the transfer switch). What's NOT included that I will need for installation: You will need a length of 10 gauge building wire (4 wires total including ground wire) long enough to run from your remote inlet box location to your transfer switch, and possibly conduit to run the building wire through (depending on your local code). What tools will I need: You will need a drill with small boring bits or hole saw (if you're mounting your remote inlet box outside), masonry drill bits and screws (if mounting your transfer switch or inlet box on concrete or masonry walls), wire cutters, wire strippers or utility knife, hammer, phillips and standard screw drivers (depending on mounting screws), white tape to write on (identifying desired circuits within your MAIN breaker panel), circuit tester, flashlight, plastic wall anchors and screws (if you're mounting your switch or inlet box on drywall). How does this transfer switch work (for the layman): Here is an example of just one typically wired transfer circuit: A circuit that runs your refrigerator is supplied power by a breaker in your main panel. When you use this transfer switch, you will remove the black wire from the refrigerator's supply breaker in your main panel and replace it with one of the marked red wires from the transfer switch panel. Then, tie the black wire you just removed from that breaker to the similarly marked black wire from the transfer switch (if you put a red wire marked "A" from the transfer switch into the refrigerator's breaker, you will connect the wire you removed from that breaker to the black wire also marked "A" from the transfer switch). When you are running power off of the grid, the breaker on your transfer switch will be switched to the "line" position, meaning, your transfer switch is merely acting like a bridge, allowing the grid power to pass from the breaker in your main panel, through the transfer switch, and into the circuit that feeds your refrigerator. You will then go to your transfer switch panel and move the circuit breaker that feeds your refrigerator from the "line" position to the "Gen" position. When you do this, you are disconnecting the line between your main panel's breaker and the transfer switch, which breaks the circuit to your refrigerator. How do I know, and what do I do when the power comes back on: Leaving a light or radio turned on and plugged into an outlet that is not fed through the transfer switch is the best notification method of main power restoration that I have found (even if you have to run an extension cord from the dead outlet and put the light/radio in your bedroom at night). When that light or radio comes on, you'll know you can go to your transfer switch panel and move all the switches from "Gen" back to "Line", turn off the generator, unplug the extension cord and put everything away - and wait for the next outage."
"Lightning speed delivery, competitive price and fantastic product installation instructions when the written and on-line YouTube tutorials combined."
"I was able to connect 10 circuits on this unit in about 45 minutes once the panel itself was installed and I figured out what everything in my main panel went to. Only one very minor blip I had was when I took off the small cover plate on the bottom right hand of the transfer panel to reach for the wires, the black wire was not readily obvious, and for a second I got worried."
"Make sure you follow all safety warnings in the installation guide or hire a licensed electrician if you don't know what you're doing."
"If you are comfortable opening up your electrical panel and doing basic things like adding a breaker, you can install this. The installation of the box itself and the wires into the main panel took 2-3 hours, and I was taking my time and double checking everything."
Best Outdoor Generators
But it can also be used for those times when convient power isn't available. Enter your model number to make sure this fits.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Only Honda and Yamaha generators have build reputation of quality products there are many outside of Japan companies to enter the market but none of them have consistently good reputation of their products. I did a good research when choosing between the Blue and Red generators so I can share some key points and tips if you considering inverter generator or already narrow down you choice between the honda eu2000i and yamaha ef2000is. Honda is using 98.5 cc engine and Yamaha ef2000is has 79cc engine and thats what makes the main difference between the two - honda is two pounds heavier and can produce 2000W for half an hour (proven) while Yamaha arguably able to provide the claimed 2000W for 30 seconds. If you need more power Yamaha offers more options like 2400W generator and Honda jumps to 3000W or parallel kits. Honda's fuel pump makes it easy to add extended run fuel tank - Yamaha has no fuel pump on the other hand has a fuel gauge - very nice since it's has only 1 gallon tank. If generator with oil but no gas 47.2 pounds with gas 53.4 then if it weights 50.3 pounds you are about half full (or empty). Eu2000i has a "plastic" camshaft and a timing belt and 2000ef is a pushrod - it does not seem to make much difference but it's good to know - yamaha seem to be more reliable by design, while honda have a proven reputable history. Pure sine wave power is also nice (even if most electronics can handle the ugly square AC there is no chance of damaging equipment if governour gets stuck like on conventional 3600RPM generators) also non inverter generator much louder heavier and often consume more gasoline on idle then inverter generator at full load. Tip: you can get a "kill-a-watt" type meter to measure the power consumptions of household items (some items like cable boxes and playstations consume quite a bit when on stand-by while energystar should be less than 1 watt per item when not working but plugged in). Also use kilowatt when running generator it gives you information on how much power is used as well as keeps track on how many hours the generator been working - very important for oil changes and other maintenance (generator does not have factory hour meter but it will blink on a start as many times as hundred hours it was used up to five blinks of 500+ hours - good to know if you looking at used generator with unknown hours). Also as for oil changes I use an empty cocktail long neck plastic bottle that fits perfectly over the drain port and I tip over all oil straight into the bottle without spilling a drop on a drain lip of generator -no mess and easy - some people use short plastic pipe."
"This is my second, added to parallel with my four year old example to run my r/v air conditioner. Super dependable, clean inverter power, lightweight, easy to service, and whisper quiet.... You get what you pay for with these. Details like the carb drain, 12v output, easy parallel operation, and QUIET, make the difference. It takes five seconds and I've used my two examples for hundreds of hours with periods of no-use ranging from a week to 4 months. During the racing season, I use my units 10-12 hours a week and change the oil monthly with Mobil 1 synthetic. Read and follow the manual and this thing will outlast you... My older unit has hundreds of hours of use and runs as well as it did the day I unpacked it."
"I bought a Honda EU2000i in 2004 after a series of hurricanes in Florida left my family without power."
"We lost power for 12 hours and this generator powered my fridge and a stand alone freezer in the garage while also powering my tv, cable box, modem and AT&T power box so we could still use Uverse."
Best Power Inverters
BESTEK Power Inverter. Ultimate car power inverter for road trips, vacations, outdoors, emergency kits and more for your vehicle. Please do not leave the power inverter in the ON position while your car is off. Provides 300 Watts continuous DC to AC power and 700 Watts instantaneous power, featuring 2 AC outlets and 2 USB ports for multi-purpose charging. Fast Charging: two 110V AC outlets for charging larger devices such as laptops and tablets, 2 USB charging ports (2.1A & 1A) for powering USB compatible devices.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Other than that the inverter is a great price and was shipped to me in 8 days!"
"I bought this to power up Christmas lights on my Corvette for the Christmas parade in our small town."
"Other than that it works great and is an absolute must have if your car usb doesnt charge your android phone like mine does.."
"We do tons of driving and the kids are always trying to charge their phones and and I Pads and fighting over a plug when their electronics need some juice, this makes all of that possible, even when they need to charge things at the same time!"
"I use this thing all the time in my worktruck for my laptop, phone and power drill batteries and it just works, doesn't get hot or noisy either."
"I have heard of difficulties using inverters that are not pure sine....no problem ever with this unit. Just returned from a 2 month 9,000 mile road trip and it never missed a beat."
"This inverter is simply incredible. Now most cars have USB ports but few have regular outlets still."
"The company is completely unresponsive, will not answer emails or any contact. I put that filter between this Bestek unit and my laptop, and ignored Ultrablok's complaint about the wiring."
Best Solar & Wind Power
Anker PowerPort Solar Charge with the Power of the Sun. Fast Charging Technology Exclusive to Anker, PowerIQ discovers and replicates your device's original charging protocol to provide its fastest possible charging speed up to 2.4 amp per port or 3 amps overall (with enough direct sunlight). Incredibly Durable Industrial-strength PET plastic faced solar panels sewn into high-wear polyester canvas ensure it's able to withstand the trials of your outdoor adventures. What You Get: Anker PowerPort Solar (21W 2-Port USB Solar Charger), 3ft Micro USB cable, welcome guide, our fan-favorite 18-month warranty and friendly customer service.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I wondered why my Anker PowerCore 20100 power bank would never charge from this solar charger, but would charge from a wall charger. I again contacted Anker support and asked for a list of batteries that have been tested with and charge properly from the Anker solar charger. The Anker Astro E7 26800mah Power Bank works perfectly with the Anker solar charger. However if the sunlight drops too low and the charger produces close to 0 ma, but then the sun comes out before the solar charger powers off, the RavPower would not charge anymore."
"My first test of the panels was on a mostly cloudy day when my power brick was charged in the 26-50% range. My pack was drained back down to the 26-50% range and was fully charged after about 4 hours in direct sunlight, using both cables. As expected the angle of the panels affected power output as well, with around 45 degrees to the current sun azimuth producing the highest output."
"Both three panel fold outs were arranged in nearly identical positions on a small table in my back yard. Both units consistently produced sufficient power to cause my 5 inch Android phone to reflect charging. I strongly suspect that both the Anker and Aukey solar chargers would have charged at a much higher rate had something more than a 5" Smart phone been used. That both the solar chargers charged the Smart phone at a greater rate than the regulated power supply would tend to validate the claim of both manufacturers that their solar chargers would charge at the fastest rate safely possible for a given device. My technical video reviews routinely require at least a couple of hours to produce and I would appreciate a helpful rating if you found it so. POSTSCRIPT. Since some of you might be interested in seeing how the Anker Solar Charger did under a greater load, I placed the panels on the same table about 1:15 p.m., again with a nearly cloudless sky; the temperature was again about 50 degrees. With the panels laying flat on the table, the Drok meter registered 4.64 volts at 1.28 amps (5.9392 watts). The Aukey charger was not tested, but since it employs the same brand, quantity and size panels, I have no reason to believe the results under a greater load would have been substantially different. POSTSCRIPT - STATING THE OBVIOUS. While there is no simple answer to realized solar panel efficiency, suffice to say that you are much more likely to achieve good results in Arizona than in New England."