Work from home has become very popular these days. Aside from being able to get income without leaving the comfort of your own home, it also helps save time and avoid stress brought about by commuting. This is why many people are encouraged to get online jobs. However, working from home is not without stress. One of the many stressful events is ‘Power Outage’. And no matter where you live in the Philippines you always experience power outage, especially during typhoon season, which is between June to January.
Every year, it is estimated that around 21 plus typhoons will enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). If you live somewhere in Luzon, you can expect that a typhoon will hit your area at least once or twice, leaving damages to powerlines and power substations that will take at least a week to several months to fix.
With the frequency of typhoons, I’ve always been opting to have a backup power since the longest I’ve had to work without power supply took about 1 to 2 months. It’s hard working in coffeeshops. There are a lot of people, some of whom are so unaware of how noisy they are. This year, we were hit by at least 5 typhoons within 5 weeks. While the first typhoon didn’t leave too much damage, the second one, Typhoon Rolly left millions in property damage, not to mention to the properties of our Electric Cooperatives. The estimated time to bring power back is about a month, and there was already another typhoon coming.
So this time, I decided to get a generator. Since we have a province-wide power outage, many people also sought to purchase generators. It took me at least 4 stores before I found one that still have stocks Grace Home Depot. It is located at LandCo Business Park, Capantawan, Legazpi City Albay, just in front of 101 Mall.
Finding USA ETQ NI2000i Inverter Generator
The store was offering the Shinsetsu 2500W generator, Shinsetsu 3500W generator and the USA ETQ NI2000i. Forgive me, when I saw the USA ETQ NI2000i inverter generator, I already knew that I wanted it.
Why, you ask?
Well, at first glance, you’d notice it is stylish. It doesn’t take too much space. Plus, one of the salesmen outside the store turned it on and I could hardly hear it running. I thought it was off, so I went towards it and touched it. It as vibrating and the light indicators were all on. I was really amazed!
So I went inside the store and asked for 1 unit. After 30 minutes or so of waiting, the salesman came to me and told me to go outside with him so we can test the unit and so that he can teach me how to operate the generator.
After I was satisfied with the generator’s performance, I paid for it. There was actually some confusion about the price. I suggest you purchase this generator during summer, because for sure the price will be lower.
First Day Using USA ETQ NI2000i Inverter Generator
Before going home, we also purchased motor oil and about 4 liters of unleaded gasoline. We got home past 6:00 PM. I didn’t turn on the newly purchased generator since our other generator (Briggs and Stratton PowerMax3500) was still running.
At around 10:30 in the evening, I prepared the USA ETQ NI200i inverter generator. First, I put enough amount of motor oil and then filled it up with gasoline. Note that there is a separate slot for the motor oil and the gasoline.
Disadvantages
- Unlike other inverter generators that only needs a push of a switch to turn on, the USA ETQ NI2000i is still “Pull Start” operated. After 3rd failed attempt to start the generator, the “Pull Start” or Starter Rope pulls so hard that you’ll always tend to let it go. This can end up damaging the generator case.
- First thing you’ll notice is that unlike regular generators, there are quite a few switches that you need to tweak before you pull the Pull Start. Aside from needing to switch the Fuel Petcock, you also have a switch that you need to turn on and then you also have to pull out the Choke. After which, you also need to start switch the Smart Throttle on.
Advantages
- Although it needs a few more work, it is rather easy to operate. Most of the time, it only takes two times to pull the Pull Start for this generator to run.
- It is extremely quiet. If you place it 10 meters away, you can hardly hear it.
- 4 Liters will let it run for about 9 to 10 hours non-stop. However, I’ve only tried running it for 8 hours straight.
- Overheating is not an issue. I ran this generator for about 8 hours and allowed it to rest for an hour. After which, I turned it on again for another 7 hours – NO ISSUE.
- It also has an Overload Alarm and Low Oil Alarm. So you know easily if it is overloaded or running out of motor oil (haven’t experienced since I changed oil).
- It’s not that heavy so it is rather easy to relocate.
- Aside from the usual 240V socket, it also has a USB port and a socket for charging car batteries.
- Changing its oil is also easy since it’s not that heavy.
- It supplies consistent power. The whole time I used it, I never experience power fluctuations. So I can plug in my laptop and other gadgets without any worries.
If you are looking for reliable, durable and easy-to-carry inverter generator, I highly recommend the USA ETQ NI2000i inverter generator.