Customer Reviews

Porter-Cable H451CS-W 4,500-Watt 9 HP Portable Generator with Honda Engine and Wheel Kit

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Just got this generator today. I bought this unit because of the high surge wattage rating figuring that I could hook my 15A compressor up to it.

Solid unit with easy start engine, 1 pull was all it took after taking it out of the box and filling it with oil and gas. Did some initial testing and set the idle control to ON and plugged in a 3/8 drill and power was immediately there when I pulled the trigger on the drill. Unplugged the drill and plugged in my Porter-Cable 3HP/4Gal double stack 135psi compressor. Turned on the compressor and it tripped the GFCI breaker in about 2 seconds. This compressor NEVER trips the 15A circuit in my house that I usually have it plugged into. However, according to the manual, they recommend turning off the idle control when powering large motors. So I flipped the idle off and turned the compressor back on and away I went with no tripped breaker. So much for getting those 9000 surge watts from idle. Noise from the generator was tolerable.

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Works great for my emergency needs, house power backup. Just be sure you read the instructions. If you are trying to run 1 HP or greater motors from this unit as one reviewer did you may have issues. Honda recommends 5500 W RATED not MAX Power for 1 HP motors much less a 3 HP motor as these type motors require at least three times (3X) greater starting power than they do running power! If you match your LOAD requirements and types of loads e.g. resistive loads (toasters, hot plates, convention ovens, welders), reactive loads (refrigerators, washers, air compressors, well pumps)to manufacturer's instructions you can find the right size generator for your needs and avoid problems. This generator provides good consistant power within the range for which is rated.