Let’s Start with the Battery Inverter
So exactly what is an inverter generator? To understand the portable inverter generator and how it compares to the common portable generator, we’ll first look at inverter technology in its simplest form.
You might be familiar with a common 12 volt battery inverter which is an electrical device that converts 12-volt DC power into 120-volt AC power.
Typically you run this type of inverter off of your car’s battery or off of a deep-cycle battery that you buy specifically to power the inverter. Although fairly inexpensive, the shortcoming is that typically an inverter is a useful solution if you can keep your power demands in the 200-watt range.
You could get one with a more useful 2,500 watts, but it will cost close to $1000 and that’s not including the bank of deep-cycle batteries and a charging system. For more demand than that, you should consider a fuel powered inverter generator. Unless the “clean” AC power that an inverter provides is important to you.
Consider a car’s battery has a reserve capacity rating. A typical rating is 80 minutes, which means the battery can supply 25 amps at 12 volts for 80 minutes. Without going into the math, if you draw 120 watts continuously, at 10amps, this might last three hours, possibly eight hours on a deep-cycle marine type battery. But then you have to recharge the battery.
The reason I mention that is, some will opt for a portable generator for most of the daytime duties of a power outage, then run a couple of lights at night off of an inverter. You can run a couple of 15 watt bulbs (2.5 amps) for about 12 hours on a car battery.
In addition, your car’s alternator can generally only supply 700 watts. So to run more than a 300watt inverter from a car, you’ll need to connect it directly to the car’s battery with cables, and then you will need to run the car’s engine continuously. So that’s where a gas powered portable generator makes sense.
So why not use the inverter to power anything it can? Then when the batteries are depleted, or you need large loads to turn on, run a standard generator for a long time (at least an hour) to power the heavier loads. Meanwhile let the battery charger then re-charge the battery to give the inverter its efficient power once you’re ready to shut the generator down. This one-two punch allows the most efficient use of fuel (only using a pollutant when you’re getting the most effectiveness out of your fuel). You’ll run the noisier generator less, and equally important, you’ll save money since you’ll use less fuel for the same used kilowatt hours.
It may take some math and some planning, but you can partner a good inverter with a small generator and reap the benefits of a light-weight, highly efficient, usable system.
What is an Inverter Generator?
Honda
Both common portable generators and portable inverter generators use fossil fuels to run an internal combustion engine.
Generators convert mechanical energy to electricity through to a phenomenon called electromagnetic induction. Voltage is induced by the movement of a conductor, typically coils of wire, inside a magnetic casing.
In a conventional generator, each engine rotation produces one block wave of AC power. For the electricity to produce the standard 120-volt, 60-Hz electricity commonly used in the US, the engine must run at a constant speed of 3,600 rpm, regardless of the load, or how much electrical power you ask of it.
But a decade ago, Honda introduced a new type of machine known as an inverter generator. It was smaller, lighter, quieter and more efficient than conventional models.
An inverter generator is designed to produce more AC electrical energy per engine rotation but not in a form that can be used directly The raw electricity must first be transformed into DC power.
See the article on this site explaining DC (direct current) and AC (alternating current). Basically you get DC from a battery and AC from your wall outlets.Understanding Electricity
An electronic inverter module then turns the DC power back into standard 120-volt, 60-Hz AC power. The resultant AC is no longer in block waves but in sine waves. This is measured in Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). To be safe with your microprocessor enabled electronics, the THD should be less than 6%. Inverter generators accomplish this whereas standard portable generators run in 9% or more THD.. This power from inverter generators is ultra-clean and in a form that can now be used in sensitive electronic equipment like medical devices.
In an inverter generator, the engine speed varies depending on the electrical demand being asked of it, which significantly reduces noise and fuel consumption compared to a standard portable generator. The end result is a portable generator with reduced weight and size, and power that is ultra-clean.
Drawbacks of Common Portable Generators
One of the major drawbacks of a standard portable generator is they can be terribly inefficient and waste a lot of fuel if they’re not used at full (or at least heavy) load for a long period of time.
They can unnecessarily pollute the environment for a small benefit when not being used at or near its capacity. For example, running a 4,000 watt generator to run a light bulb at 100 watts, you waste fuel running that big engine for little benefit. Remember a continuous 3,600 RPM?
Additionally, common generators are heavy and don’t surge very well. So they are often over-sized to meet load demands. The larger, heavier generators are used so there is an available large surge capacity, necessary for the starting watts needed for an electric motor (think power tools, refrigerator/freezer, air conditioner). Otherwise during surge the generator would bog down.
Benefits of the Portable Inverter Generator
Hyundai
Inverter generators have some real advantages over conventional generators. First and foremost, they’re quiet. Standard portable generators are infamous for the noise during operation. Offending neighbors or fellow outdoor enthusiasts is always a concern.
In addition, these new units are a lot lighter and smaller: 1,000-watt inverter generators weigh about 30 pounds and are about the size of a small cooler.
Inverter generators are also about 20 percent more fuel efficient than regular generators. A typical 2,000-watt unit can run at its rated load for nearly four hours on a gallon of fuel.
And finally, as previously mentioned, inverter generators produce electricity that’s somewhat safer for sensitive electronic equipment, such as laptops.
You will however, pay more per available kilowatt in a portable inverter generator. That is, a 2Kw inverter will cost you much more than a 2Kw standard generator. This hasn’t stopped consumers from making these nearly a must-have household appliance. The portable 1000 watt inverter generator is becoming commonplace for those who see the value of portable power and understand the limitations of powering one device at a time.
Typical Uses of Inverter Generators
Generac
From the outset, inverter generators were marketed to the thousands of campers, hunters and fishermen who wanted to bring the comforts of home into the great outdoors, while being less cumbersome and quieter.
Think of the great outdoors. You’re “roughing it” under the stars. But for necessity, convenience and safety you have your cell phone with you, right? The inverter generator will safely keep your phone charged.
They are popular in the construction industry because workers can power up at 7 a.m. or in a quiet zone without the rumble of a standard portable generator. Inverter generators produce about the same level of noise as a normal conversation (50 to 60 dBA) — that’s quieter than a household vacuum cleaner. Conventional generators can be as noisy as 65 to 75 dBA (decibels), about as loud as a lawn mower or chain saw.
Features to Consider
Champion
Small differences in the design of various inverter generators can make a big difference in how easy they are to use and maintain, but also affect price. Keep these factors in mind:
•Control panels on better units include a display that allows you to monitor voltage output, frequency (Hz) and hours of operation. They also include LEDs that warn of over-load conditions.
•Many units include controls that allow you to switch from automatic power saving to a power-boost mode when short surges of power are required.
•Weight and size depend largely upon watt output. Depending on weight you may opt for some sort of wheel transport apparatus.
•Noise levels can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, even for units with the same output. When evaluating noise, be sure you’re comparing apples to apples — especially in regard to how far the unit was placed from the sound-level meter and the load at which it was running.
•Some units include a battery-charging cable, a spark plug wrench and a generator cover. Units that are designed to connect with another generator (for twice the power) come with parallel cables.
The Bottom Line
Yamaha
Although inverter generators are less costly to operate than conventional generators, they are more expensive to purchase. A 2,000-watt inverter generator could cost between $600 to $1,200, whereas a conventional unit with similar capacity might cost as little as $200. Higher-capacity inverter generators get very pricey.
If you use your generator frequently, you will recoup some of that in fuel savings. But more important, generator noise will no longer be a nuisance to your neighbors or to you.
There are portable inverter generator reviews on the Generator Grader site. Check out the handy table below to compare the popular portable inverter generators in the 2000 watt range. They are available in less watts and available in more watts. Less watts in the 300 to 1000 watt range have limited use. More than 3000 watts are more versatile but you can expect to pay close to $2000 and more. Ultimate versatility is achieved when the unit has parallel capability where you can hook two units together for nearly double the power, and still use them separately when you need.
Compare Portable Inverter Generators
This table compare portable inverter generators in the more popular power range of 2000 watts. Some models have parallel ability to hook two units together to nearly double the watts. Decibel readings generally taken at less than full load.
Brand Model Engine Running Watts/
Surge WattsOutlets Decibels Weight Run Time
@ 1/4 - 1/2 Load
CARB
CompliantPrice Consumer Rating
out of 5 stars
Earthquake IG800W 
read review40 CC 700/800 (1) 120V 5-20R
(1) 12V DC56 21 8.2 hours
@ 1/4 loadY $ 4.4 stars
ETQ IN2500I 
125 CC 2200/2500 (2) 120V 5-20R
GFCI
(1) 12V DC60 69 5.5 hours
@ 1/2 loadN $ 3.1 stars
Hyundai HY2000si 125 CC 2000/2200 (2) 120V 5-20R
(1) 12V DC64 72 5.5 hours
@ 1/2 loadN $$ 3.8 stars
Generac 5793 iX2000 126 CC 2000/2200 (2) 120V 5-20R
(1) 12V DCNA 52 4.7 hours
@ 1/2 loadN $$ 2.7 stars
Champion 73536I read review80 CC 1700/2000
parallel capable(2) 120V 5-20R
(1) 12V DC53 48 9 hours
@1/4 loadY $$ 4.3 stars
Champion 75531i 
read review171cc 2800/3100 (2) 120V 5-20R
(1) 120V TT 5-20R58 83 8.5 hours
@1/4 loadY $$ 4.5 stars
Westinghouse WH2000iXLT 
79 CC 1800/2200
parallel capable(2) 120V 5-20R
(1) 12V DCNA 43 13 hours
@ 1/2 loadY $$ 4.5 stars
Powerhouse PH2100RRi 
125 CC 2000/2100 (2) 120V 5-20R
(1) 12V DCNA 73 7.5 hours
@1/4 loadY $$ 3.9 stars
Yamaha EU2000is read review79 CC 1600/2000
parallel capable(2) 120V 5-20R
(1) 12V DC52 44 10 hours
@ 1/4 loadY $$$ 4.8 stars
Honda EU2000i 98 CC 1600/2000
parallel capable(2) 120V 5-20R
(1) 12V DC53 46 NA Y $$$ 4.7 stars
WEN 56200i 
79cc 1600/2000
parallel capable(2) 120V 5-20R
(1) 12V DC
(1)USBNA 48 4 hours
@1/2 loadY $$ 4.7 stars
$ = Less than $500; $$ = Less than $900; $$$ = more than $900
Filed under: Inverter Generators
I’M CONFUSED! FIRST YOU SAY THAT A STANDARD GENERATOR WILL COST MORE TO RUN IN THAT IF YOU’RE RUNNING A 3500 WATT GENERATOR FOR A 100 WATT LIGHT BULB THAT IT ISN’T EFFECIENT. BUT THEN YOU SAY THAT AN INVERTOR GENERATOR WILL COST MORE IN KILLOWATS. SO THEN WHICH ONE REALLY IS CHEAPER TO RUN? THANKS!
Thank you for pointing this out, Woody. I’m sorry that I wasn’t clear. In fact, your comment prompted me to re-write a portion of this post. Allow me to clarify. It is using some amount of fuel to keep the generator running regardless of the load asked of it. Then when load is required, more fuel is used to generate the extra power. Utilizing only 100 watts from a generator is not very efficient fuel-wise. When I wrote that an inverter is more expensive per Kilowatt, I meant that the same amount of available watts in a unit, say 2000 watts, the generator itself will cost more in an inverter model than in a similar 2000 watt standard generator. Many inverter models, have an economy mode, that will ask LESS power from the unit when it is not needed. Thereby reducing the fuel used even more. I hope that’s more clear. Ray
Forgive my stupidity,
If I buy a 2kva generator with 12V DC output capability (8 amp I think)….
Can I connect this directly to a 5000 watt inverter and then run a machine that draws 4500 watts?
I’m sorry Peter. I’m not sure I understand your question. Generally you can’t safely connect two generators together unless they are designed to be run in tandem.
Ray
Yes, you could connect the 12V DC output of one a generator to an inverter, but there is no point. The benefit of the inverter-type generator is the ability to vary the engine speed to match the load, so if your generator is fixed-speed using an external inverter won’t change the engine speed so it won’t help, and if your generator has its own inverter the external one won’t work any better.
Also, 12 volts multiplied by 8 amps (the DC output available from a Honda EU2000i or similar) is less than 100 watts, so you couldn’t run even a 100 watt inverter at full power… that DC output certainly can’t provide anything close to 4500 watts.
Hi Peter,
Look at the specification. . The 2kVA is for their AC Output, not the 12DC output. . . You, your self have given the answer (8 amp I think) Well 8 x 12 = 100 Watts only.
Also, you can’t run most 4500W machines from a 5000W Inverter. . Any machine with a Motor will draw much more current than that at Starting. . You might, if you are lucky, be able to start a 1000W machine from 5000W Inverter.
A “standard” (fixed speed) engine-driven generator will run at constant speed, but its governor adjusts the throttle to maintain that speed, using more fuel when under more load. This is just like driving your car with the cruise control on: it doesn’t use fuel at a constant rate, because the cruise control varies the throttle to maintain your speed, increasing power when going uphill and reducing it as low as idle when going downhill.
Maintaining high engine speed certainly does use more fuel than matching speed to the power requirement like an inverter-equipped generator, but it doesn’t mean full fuel flow regardless of load.
The standard generator does not use the same amount of fuel if it is powering 100 watts vs 1000 watts. It has a governor that maintains the same rpm. With 1000 watts the load is heavier so it uses more fuel.
Hi Ray,
A normal Generator of 2000 watts would not be producing 2000 watts when there was only a 100 watt light connected. It would only be producing 100 watts. But you are correct, that the amount of fuel would be very high for just 100 W. Generator sets will differ, but generally, they are at their most efficient when producing around 80% of their rated power.
Normal Generators are running at their rated speed all the time, so their fuel use is generally high. An Inverter Generator allows the Engine to run slow, when the power required is small, so use less fuel on light loads and run quieter.
Inverter Generators are cheaper to Run when the typical load is below their maximum rated load. But Inverter Generators are more expensive to buy. So if you only use a Generator occasionally, then a conventional Generator is a better bet, but if you use a Generator fairly often and usually at lower loads than its maximum, then an Inverter Generator would probably work out cheaper.
Thank you Hugh for the great explanation.
Ray
Based on my 40 years electrical and electronic engineering experience.
No current is drawn until it actually is.
And until current is drawn, no power is dissipated.
Granted, it does take a small amount of fuel to drive the engine and rotate the generator shaft with no load, but it’s not until a load is connected that current is demanded of the generator. And when current is demanded of the generator, it becomes much harder for the engine to turn the generator shaft and so the engine demands more fuel as a consequence.
The price of an inverter generator of the same number of kilowatts will be higher than a conventional generator. The conventional generator will use more fuel because it always puts out its rated capacity. Conventional is cheaper to purchase, inverter is cheaper to run (and quieter). If you use it a lot or noise is a concern, go with the inverter.
Hi Ray
Up front I’m A novice…
I intend to build a home made Generator a (Inverter Type) with my lawn mower engine running @ 3600rpm, a 24volt alternator @50amps, a 24volt pure sine inverter @ 2500watts, and I was thinking 2x 12volt small deep cycle batteries, that the small lawn mower engine would keep as fully charged as possible to 10 amp hours, so that I don’t have keep the engine on constantly.
What are your thoughts, please email me back?
Hey Joe,
I wouldn’t personally tackle this after reading a few articles like this one: http://theepicenter.com/blog/generator-lawn-mower-vertical/
Not because it’s not possible, but I prefer my generator ready made. I’m not much of a DIY guy.
Do you plan to draw the power from the batteries only?
Might be a bit loud? Good luck.
Sorry I couldn’t be more help.
Ray
I understand the logic of the design, but it won’t be very efficient if you blast that engine at 3600 rpm. With a lawn mower engine and the governor that comes with it you’ll be running at constant speed (not like the “eco” mode of commercially produced inverter generators). It would make more sense to set that speed much lower, where the engine will work more efficiently (and more quietly), using a large enough engine to get your desired output at that lower speed. The engine manufacturers publish charts showing output power available and fuel consumed at various speeds; you probably want to run half that fast, with twice as large an engine if that’s what it takes.
I have a 2kw ac generator I bought at Grainger about 15 yrs ago to use with a Hatz one cylinder Diesel engine in a belt drive system mounted on my flatbed trailer to use on the road (was an 18 wheeler owner operator).After I retired I did what you are contemplating, mounted the generator directly via a rubber coupling to the output shaft of a 5 horse Briggs gas engine. Yes it did work but I found out at 3600 rpm the setup needed burned far more gas than a Coleman Honda equipped 3000 watt generator I already used plus the factory gas tank on the B&S engine was far too small and had to be continually refilled.
thanks.
can I use a 1000 watt honda invertor generator to convert 12 volt battery power to 120 volt ac without running the generator
Are you asking if the generator can act as a power inverter. Much like the inverters that can get 120volts from your car auxiliary outlet? Are you saying that you will attach the 12volt charging cable to your 12V battery and expect the plugs to work? You may wish to contact Honda for their answer. If you find out, please post here for others to learn from.
Ray
Are there any of these inverter-generators that have battery start rather than having to pull-start them? I have a 2000 watt Ariens Inverter-Generator which worked very well during tonight’s 6 hour power outage, but it’s very difficult to pull-start.
Hi Fred,
Yes there are electric start inverter generators. The usually add a couple hundred dollars over a similarly powered pull-start model.
Yamaha, Champion, Honda are more popular inverters with this feature, but there are many more.
Remember you’ll need to keep the battery charged, or you’ll end up having to use the manual start feature of these electric units anyway.
Ray
I have a 2000 watt inverter generator which runs very well. unfortunately, it only produces 12V output. The 120V output is not operating so I’m assuming the inverter is not working. Do you have any suggestions on how to trouble shoot this or websites that might provide guidance? There is also an overload indicator (which is lit) and reset however that does not seem to reset the unit. I’m wondering if there is a direct short or fuse (?) between the 12V supply and the inverter. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Rick,
It could be a “normal” problem that can be fixed by any repair shop. Could have been caused by an overload. could be the reset button. Could be something peculiar to the brand itself. First stop should be customer service for the maker of the brand. Do you still have the manual?
Good luck,
Ray
Is this an Inverter Generator?: https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/powermax-electric-start-petrol-generator-3100-watt/p/233034
Hi Steve,
It does not appear to be an inverter generator. You can contact the company for confirmation, however, it would usually state in the main description if it was.
Ray
Hi Ray
we have tons of them down here in Nigeria, its a standard 3100W regular generator
https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/powermax-electric-start-petrol-generator-3100-watt/p/233034
I have been wondering with the lack of regular power here why the Inverter Generator is not even known here. I just heard about it a couple of days ago.
we lack regular power in my country and have millions of the regular Gensets ranging from 1kv units to 1000kv all over the country. And as you can imagine the biggest problem has been noise and fuel consumption.
Over the last couple of years inverters matched with Deep cycle batteries have been introduced but with the battery cost and regular usage they have been very expensive to maintain with the need for change out of batteries every 2 years. The Inverter Generator therefore though acquisition cost is high but that cost can be recouped soon with the savings in fuel within a year.
I am looking at acquiring one {2.5-3.5KV}and also the opportunity it portends here. And would like to know more.
I suggest that you contact the manufacturer of inverter generators directly. They will be able to help you. If they are not available in Nigeria, there may be regulations that they know about.
Good Luck.
Ray
Ray I am enjoying this discuss, probably because I intend to deploy one. Its recently in the market in Nigeria. I understand running my water pump say 20 minutes every 8 hours on my conventional generator. But can I run my water heater or any resistive load of 1200 watts rating on a 2000 watts inverter generator?
Since 2000 watts may be enough. Keep in mind that you may not to run the generator continuously to keep the water hot enough for your needs.
Ray.
Great article. I am looking at purchasing a gen here shortly and am torn as to inverter or a normal gen. Now my question is, and I hope you can help, I am needing to power a 9,000 A/C unit and a few lights and charge a few cell phones possibly run a portable dvd player all at the same time. Now I get that the start up of the A/C unit is higher then the run so id of course start that then plug in other things…..on to the question….would a 2000 gen be enough for my needs?? This is in a camper so there is also a single deep cycle bat that would power the fridge and maybe something else….this stuff is all greek to me!! HELP
Hi Arline,
You can probably get by with a 2500 surge unit. But usually you will use more than you think and it’s nice to have the extra power when you need it. Say 3500 watts? Not much more money.
Ray
Hi Ray,
I have a 26′ boat and looking to do some traveling with on a trailer to some lakes and such that may or may not have shore power or if we are anchored out.I can keep the generator on the forward deck or on the swim platform tied down when I want to use it. It will be stored when not in use in the engine room. So my question is how big of an air conditioner BTU can I run on the Honda 2000 watt inverter generator? What else can I run with the AC working? Of course I wont start the appliances all at once.May be a tv/dvd ? Thank You
Hi Joe,
Thank you for first considering where you can safely operate the generator.
You can run up to 1200BTU on your unit but would be maxing it out. 1200BTU is probably more than you’d need for a standard houseboat.
Take the square footage of the room(s) you want to cool and multiply it by about 30. That’s how many BTU’s you’ll need.
Good luck and have fun,
Ray
Hi,
Is it possible to use an inverter generator strictly as inverter connected to car battery for power?. I drive an electric car(Nissan LEAF) which has a 24kw battery that can run an average home for approx 20hrs, that’s why I ask. Thanks.
Hi Richie,
I think not. You’d be better off with a battery inverter which can access your car’s battery.
Ray
What is a battery inverter? Is that different than an inverter generator? I’m looking for an inverter for my niece in Puerto Rico to produce some power for the refrigerator, lights, and charging things. From the information I have so far – they are looking to convert 12 volt car or boat batteries to 110 volts that can be used for the above mentioned purposes. They thought they’d need a 1500 – 2000 watt inverter to accomplish that. Can you help with clarity or suggested companies that produce these. Thanks much!
Hi Anne.
A battery inverter changes what is know as DC (like a car battery) into AC (like in your household plugs). You have to charge it and recharge it as you use up the power. An inverter generator has DC involved, but gives you the standard AC power. Inverter generators are more expensive than standard generators. So for most people, emergency power is most economically provided by standard generators (not inverters).
So you van use car and boat batteries plus an inverter to make AC for your appliances. But you will have to keep recharging your batteries somehow. Recharging car batteries with the car running is not economical, and the battery will not charge your appliances for very long.
Get a standard generator at 3000 watts or so. Run it on gasoline. Share the power with your appliances (not all at the same time).
If you decide to go with the battery inverters, search the word ‘battery inverter’ and not ‘inverter generator’
Make sure that the power output is sufficient, and take into consideration the charging aspect.
Best of luck you you and your niece in Puerto Rico. Stay strong.
Ray
Great article. When sizing a standard generator to provide power for household loads, I would need to consider the inrush current for motors such as on my well pump, sump pump, etc. which means the generator is needs to be sized to handle these spikes. Does an inverter generator also require “oversizing” to accomodate these types of momentary loads?
Hello JWelch,
Yes. If an item has a surge requirement, it must get the power from somewhere. An inverter generator must also provide this “extra” wattage. The nice thing about the inverter is that once the item starts running, the inverter generator will be more efficient providing the power that you need, without providing too much unused power. Good luck.
Ray
Having worked for Onan, I have an excellent understanding of engines, generators, and inverters. There is one serious disadvantage of inverter-generators you have not covered.
A conventional engine-generator will run at 1800 RPM or 3600 RPM to generate AC at 60 Hz. Thus, when full load is suddenly applied, it will be running fast enough to take the load and still maintain the frequency. An inverter-generator cannot do that since the engine will be running too slowly to take the load and might not be able to recover unless the load is removed. That is a very serious problem when the ability to take large loads suddenly is required.
The solution to being able to take a large load suddenly is to have a battery that can deliver power to the inverter until the engine has time to speed up. Whether any manufacturer has implemented that solution I don’t know. However, it would be helpful to have that information.
Another matter you have not covered is fuel storage. A unit may be in storage for years before it is needed. Unfortunately, gasoline cannot be stored that long without serious degradation. If gasoline is left the tank for that long, serious problems are likely.
Inverter generators have two load ratings, continuous and max or surge rating. For example the Honda 2000 range are 1600w continuous and 2000w surge. So long as your load is within those parameters the inverter generator will work just fine. Inverter generators usually include an Eco switch so on light loads the engine can run slower, with less noise and lower fuel consumption. Turning the Eco switch off ensure full revs and max load availability at all times.
Some inverter generators like the Yamaha is2400 have an oversized motor so don’t need an Eco switch, they are in Eco mode all the time and have enpigh engine torque from the larger engine to power up under full load.
If the generator is only for occasional use, adding a fuel stabiliser to the fuel will prolong the safe life of any remaining fuel in the tank.
I have a Champion 2000 watt invertor generator? It is not running smoothly and want to have it repaired. Does this have a honda engine? My repairman does not work on hondas.
Thank you!
Hi Susan, I believe that it is not a Honda engine. It could be that he is not “authorized” by Honda to work on their generators, in case a Honda owner wanted warranty work done. Also please let your repairman know that it is an inverter generator. Good luck.
Ray
Is it possible to connect an inverter generator to a power panel with a transfer switch? The idea of automatic activation and shutdown during a power failure is attractive. We live in coastal Florida which is subject to storm events annually from June to November. In a storm-related power failure, an inverter generator would be fine, IF WE ARE AT HOME AT THE TIME. If we have to evacuate, a generator not wired to a transfer switch would be useless because it would run out of fuel quickly and protected appliances would shut down. Yes? I don’t like the idea of extension cords running through the house from generator to appliances during a power failure. I DO like the thought of a generator system that functions reliably even when we are not present. Appreciate you comments.
Hi Jerry,
I’m confused. A standby generator will turn on or off automatically with power failure or restore. A portable generator attached to your power panel via transfer switch will still need you to manually start or stop the generator. Please confirm.
Ray
Understand your confusion after re-reading my question. I understand from your reply that “standby generator” refers to a power device that starts and stops automatically when power is lost or restored. That’s what I want. Is there such a thing as a standby inverter generator, or is the inverter concept moot relative to a standby generator? What are the typical maintenance issues with a standby generator? Thanks for the information….jbm
Hi Jerry,
Thanks for the clarification. I don’t know of a standby generator inverter type. Whereas most standby units supply 15-20 Kilowatts, the largest inverter generators max out at around 7 Kilowatts. Standby units are also not that loud due to their enclosures. Do you have propane or natural gas lines? Maintenance is minimal with periodic oil changes, depending on how often it is in use. There are pros and cons to each. Good luck deciding.
Ray
You are thinking of a start on demand generator, that automatically fires up when it detects an outage. A standby generator requires starting either by key, or pull cord.
Hi. Live in Haiti and currently we are experiencing severe power cuts for up to 5/6 days at s time We have a conventional inverter and battery set up. Powering 4 x 6 volt batteries. We rely on EDH to charge these through the mains supply. We only run our tv, laptops, iPads, DVD player and table lamps. I take it an inverter generators stores it’s own energy or does it have to be running constantly and plugged into the house system. Im assuming the alternative is a conventional generator which I could use to charge the the batteries through the charger… I’m hopeless at this stuff. We just have a small house and we just need our life back after 5pm. Lol
Hi Kevin,
I’m sorry for your situation. An inverter generator does not store energy. It is just a generator that provides cleaner power and runs more quiet. I think you can charge your set up less expensively with a standard generator. You will have the added benefit of using the direct power from your generator when your batteries are already charged. You can run your lights and tv, refrigerator, etc. from your generator and your laptops from your battery inverter. If indeed you are only charging batteries and running few appliances, you won’t need a very large generator. Good luck and stay safe.
Ray
Have been advised not to purchase inverter (portable) generator as they will be ineffective at powering trailer amenities.In as much that they would draw power from stored batteries,be of little help in situations requiring electricity. Also advised that all compressors lose 3% operating efficiency per 1,000 ft. elevation above sea level.proposed that dual fuel generators are better bet
Hi Katherine,
Thank you for your input. Please make sure that you are understanding the difference between a battery inverter and an inverter generator. Battery inverters have stored power in batteries (battery must be charged), that it can be used for standard AC use. Inverter generators run on fuel. Please be informed before you invest in such an expensive purchase so that you can make the best decision for YOU. Good luck and stay safe.
Ray
If I’m just powering a refrigerator or a chest freezer (one at a time), do I need the clean power of an inverter generator or can I use a “regular” portable generator without damaging the refridge and freezer? From your article, it seems that only devices like cell phones and laptops need sine-wave power and that refrigerators and freezers don’t. Correct?
Thanks for the very helpful article!
Hi Steve,
Thank you for your question. You are correct. Items such as yours do not have sensitive electronics in them (unless you have a smart refrigerator). A standard generator has worked just fine for thousands who use it for the same purpose. Keep in mind the surge requirements when choosing the power of your generator. Good luck and stay safe.
Ray
When not in use, do you keep the inverter generator plug in at all times and dose this hurt the batteries life span?
Hi Gene
It has been recommended to drain the battery periodically, then recharge to full charge, to maintain battery life.
Ray
Hi,
I was wondering if I could power a genie 3/4 hp garage door opener from a inverter generator…this would require leaving the opener plugged into the generator, operating the generator with a key fob to start, and then opening the garage door with a remote control..
Thanks for you time and thoughts,
San
Hi San,
It is possible.
I assume that you have a good reason to want to use the garage door opener under power, rather than using the manual disconnect?
Knowing that the generator must be running to operate the door opener motor.
Do you mean just start the generator when you need to open the door and not keep it continuously running when the door remains open or closed for a period of time?
Ray
Hi! One thing that gets lost in these conversations seems to be how to make conventional (non-inverter)portable generators more reliable. For example, if I have a 4000W gas powered generator, why can’t I place a device between it and my devices to help? Two come to mind, aren’t there some devices that would regulate the power coming out of the generator to keep it at 120volts (conditioners)? I know this would do nothing regarding sine wave, but it would be steady voltage. You would lose some power capacity because of the power the device uses, but it would not be much. You could then place a UPS between that device and other things if sine waves are a concern. Why don’t we read more about how to correct any deficiences of a tradtional generators output with such inbetween devices, instead of the answer being “get an inverter generator”? The cost of the additonal device is still cheaper than the added cost of for inverters, and we used traditional generators for so long and the world did not gend. I think a decent 1800W “power conditioner” is about $150. Thoughts on just buying? Some people act like traditional generators will destroy anything they are attached to, it just can’t be that bad. Also, one newbie question for you: what device would you suggest to measure the output of your traditional generator? For example, if I hook mine up and I can visually tell from a measuring device that what it is putting out is close to 120V, I should be good to go except from a sine wave perspective, right? For a furnace or a refrigerator, isn’t a sag or a surge more concerning than a sine wave issue? A device would take the mystery/potentially unfounded fear out of things. Thanks!
Your sine wave explained is incorrect . Inverting DC to ac will make a block sine wave. Although not terrible it is not a pure sine wave. To make dc to ac they use diodes and this is not a possible pure sine wave although very close. Maybe not even noticable without a othlioscope.
Thank you for your explanation Kristopher.
Mr Ray, thanks for info. But still lost. Looking to run refrigerator deep freeze into box fans and also to charge cell phone so I guess I’m asking is I guess inverter would be the best bet. And in your opinion which one would be best. Thanks Mark
Hi Mark,
Please consider your expense.
A 3000 Watt inverter generator can cost between $600 and $1200 depending on the brand.
I don’t want to tell you which to get, because you could be perfectly happy with a less expensive one, but there is a reason that the expensive ones are so popular.
An inverter generator is better for charging your cell phone, BUT a better idea is to charge a battery charger with the generator, then use the battery to charge your cell phone. You won’t need an inverter generator to charge a battery charger.
So the cheapest route is to get a 3-4000 Watt standard generator. Charge a battery charger with it along with running your fridge/freezer. then use the battery to charge your phone.
You can do the same thing with an inverter generator, but it will cost more. But it will run quieter than a similar wattage standard generator.
I would like to purchase a generator – primarily for a freezer and frig.
I’m thinking of either a regular gas powered generator or an invertor
generator. I was looking at the predator models at Harbor Freight.
Any recommendations or ideas? Thanks!
Hi Edward,
For only a fridge and freezer, in combination or separate, you can normally get by with a generator with a 3000 watt surge rating on a 2000 watt generator. You might consider a bit higher depending on your particular appliances. That said:
An inverter generator of the same rating is quieter than a similarly rated standard generator.
An inverter generator is more expensive than a similarly rated standard generator.
An inverter generator is slightly cheaper to run.
An inverter generator is better for sensitive electronic equipment due to its output.
Dependability depends on brand, check out ratings
Most brands will take care of defects, but you want to find out about any problems before you need it.
So get it early and test.
Check out the reviews for the Predator model you are interested in.
Make sure your cords are quality, rated properly, and long enough to keep the generator away from your living space.
Good Luck and stay safe.
Ray