Last Updated on June 15, 2023 by Georgie Smith
Once you realize that power plays a huge role in your day-to-day life, you will do anything to keep the lights on. The inverter generator electronically throttles the engine up and down to meet your power demands. It will not have to run full tilt the entire time.
These features make them more efficient. It means that for the same size gas tank, you will get enough power for your needs and you will not have to fuel it often. It also produces fewer emissions.
If you are worried about it producing too much noise, don’t. You can carry on a conversation next to the device comfortably. Given the sensitivity of most of the electrical products and systems, it is critical to making sure that you choose the best one for your needs. This article reviews some of the best inverter generators on the market.
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| Honda EU2000i | Yamaha EF2000iS | Yamaha EF2000iSv2 |
|---|---|---|
| 48 dBA to 57 dBA noise levels | 51 dBA noise level | 51.5 dBA to 61 dBA noise levels |
| Runs up to 9.6 hours on a single tank | Runs up to 9.8 hours on a single tank | Runs up to 10.5 hours on a single tank |
| 2200 watts maximum AC output | 2000 watts maximum output | 2000 watts maximum AC output |
| Eco throttle system for engine speed variation | Smart throttle for varying engine speed | Smart throttle for varying engine speed |
| Inverter system with pulse width modulation | Inverter system with pulse width modulation | Inverter system with pulse width modulation |
| Oil watch warning system | Oil watch warning system | Oil watch warning system |
| Fuel shut off valve | Fuel shut off valve | Fuel shut off valve |
| Convenient for all electrical uses | Convenient for all electrical uses | Convenient for all electrical uses |
Honda EU2000i Reviews:
Introduce the use of this portable inverter generator and take the mobile power adventure to a new level. With this Honda EU2000i super quiet portable inverter generator, you will enjoy the use of continuous high watts power.
Whenever you are going for an adventure especially camping, you will be proud to experience the quality power that is convenient for all time use thanks to its quiet operation engine. Take this portable generator anywhere you go and still experience the same quality of energy.
Therefore, nothing will stop you from having power even at the most central places where other sources of energy cannot reach.
This inverter generator has a unique design to ensure the user’s value is at hand. The primary source of power for this generator is fuel, therefore, for easy consumption; this generator has a fuel shut off valve. This way, the engine will still run even if the fuel supply is off; in return, the consumer will experience a better performance at a low cost.
The startup points of this generator are color-coded to ensure you can start the engine smoothly without confusing the codes. Additionally, the generator also has high ventilation to improve the airflow hence cool the critical components for better performance.
Pros:
- Noise-free operations engine
- Convenient power for home, work, or play
- Guarantee 10 percent more power
- User-friendly design
- High ventilation for quality airflow
- Highly portable design
Cons:
- Highly expensive compared to others on the market
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Yamaha EF2000iS Reviews:
If you are looking for a reliable, portable, and compact source of power, then all you need is to invest in this Yamaha EF2000i portable generator. Yamaha is among the leading companies in producing quality products with customer satisfaction guarantee.
Therefore, if you invest in this brand, you are sure of money back services within the first few uses. With this EF2000i portable generator, you will meet all your electricity needs all while sitting on your sofa. Its new pulse width modulation technology results in sine-wave voltage, which in return provides clean electricity for all time use.
This portable generator has a lightweight design, which makes it highly portable regardless of the terrain. The lightweight and compact design also make it simple to transport your electricity to the places where conventional voltage cannot get. It also features revolutionary Yamaha engines and spark-arrestor muffles to ensure the noise levels are below 58dBA.
This type of engine makes the generator convenient for use anywhere including home, work, and camps. Additionally, in case your electrical load requires more power, this generator has a throttle, which automatically adjusts the engines speed to match the capacity. In case there is an overload, you don’t have to incur stress thinking about the generator.
It has breakers that will preserve your generator from any possible damage due to overloading. With this item, you are also sure that engine is safe as it has an oil watch warning system.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Highly portable
- Oil watch warning system
- Smooth engine running
- Suitable for all electrical uses
- Compact design
Cons:
- Has a very high price tag
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Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Reviews:
Whether you are looking for an electric supply that will not compromise your comfort or you wish to equip yourself with a reliable source in times of shortage, Yamaha EF2000iSv2 is all you need. Unlike other inverter generators on the market, EF2000iSv2 guarantees to satisfy the needs of the consumer.
The engine has a smart throttle system that automatically enhances the speed of the motor based on its electrical load/ requirements. Therefore, assuring you that you can use the generator to power anything from household appliers to computerized electrical equipment.
This portable generator is also designed to last for generations. It has an oil watch warning system that guarantees engine protection due to low fuel. Therefore, ensuring that the customer has the peace of mind every time the generator is running.
It also features an overload breaker that provides the generator be free from overload damages. The engine also has spark arrestor and mufflers for quiet operation with noise levels ranging from 51.5 dBA to 61 dBA. It also has rubber feet that isolate vibration to ensure its convenient for all time operation.
The design of this inverter generator is top notch, and it all works to ensure the customer is satisfied. To avoid stale gas problems, this generator has gasoline petcock and fuel gauge, which helps you to monitor your fuel consumption.
It also allows you to shut off the fuel supply to run the curb dry for secure storage. When on a full tank, the generator can run up to 10.5 hours uninterrupted on moderate speed.
Pros:
- Durable design
- Compact and lightweight construction
- Highly portable
- Runs up to 10.5 hours
- Rubber feet to isolate vibration
- Spark arrestor for smooth running
- High-technology engine design
Cons:
- The fuel control unit smoothly brakes
- Its parts are extremely costly
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Which One Should We Use?
It is essential that you look for some factors. These factors will help you make the right decision. Here are some of the things you need to consider:
How Much Power Do You Need?
You must make sure that you have a list of gadgets that will need power during an electrical outage. Do you have computers and other electronics that you use often? If you need it for job sites or recreational use, list the tools and appliances you will be using at the same time. The number of machines used will determine the amount of power you will need.
These needs will give you a rough idea of how many watts you need to make sure all your appliances have enough power. About 5000 watts will cover all your basic electronics. Roughly, some of your home electronics will consume energy as follows:
- Refrigerators: 600 watts
- Portable heater: 1,500 watts
- Computers: between 60 and 300 watts
- Window air conditioner: 1000 watts
A rule of thumb is to prioritize which are the most critical electronics and label the circuit breakers accordingly. A circuit breaker finder is a device that will make this work more manageable for you.
Pick a Type
There are three types of generator inverters that you can choose to buy. Home standby generators, these are permanent pieces of equipment in your home. They can operate on propane or natural gas. They are such that they kick in immediately there is an outage.
Portable generators are also inverter generators. They are great for people who are always on the move. With these portable generators, you have to choose a size that is suitable for you. Are great for moving to a tailgate while others are great as a source of the backup power source.
Home Standby Generators:
- They are expensive and need professional installation skills. You, therefore, need to factor in the installation costs when making a purchase.
- These start automatically when the power goes out
- They have a self-diagnosis sequence that tells you when it needs maintenance. Some will even send you or your dealer a message.
- You get to choose the type of fuel you will use. However, keep in mind that gasoline is riskier than propane
- Offer you between 5,000 and 20,000 watts
Portable Generators:
- They cost less than standby generators
- They are great because you can use them anywhere. However, they need to be at least 15 feet from any structure and should never get operated in an enclosed room. These models produce deadly levels of monoxide. Use a cover when it is raining.
- These need much gasoline to operate
- They give between 3000 and 8500 watts
- Several models have electric starting. A battery is required, but it may not get included in the packaging
Inverter Generators:
- Tend to be more complicated and cost more than portable generators of a comparable output
- They are quieter and throttle up and down too much the demand rather than provide constant power.
- Come with a sophisticated exhaust system which also helps tamp down the noise
- Are efficient and produce fewer emissions
Other Considerable Features:
Automatic start:
If you want a generator that works after the power is out, get one that will start working at once. That way, you will not have to lift a finger. This feature will work great if you are away and need your alarm system to keep running.
Weather protected control panel:
This feature is great because it protects your control panel and other circuits from dust, dirt, and rain which may cause damage.
Outlets:
Always look at the outlets. These are responsible for getting power to your home. If they do not match the types of outlets in your home, you may not get any power.
Wheels:
Pneumatic wheels are critical when you need to move your generator. That makes transportation easier and convenient for you.
Muffler:
How much noise does the gadget produce? You never want a generator that makes your home sound like a milling factory. With a muffler, you get extra noise reduction so you can enjoy power and silence.
Can You Parallel Two Different Generators?
Imagine this; it is 105 degrees Fahrenheit outside. Those summer afternoons can get pretty bad. You are struggling to get you’re a/c generator started, so you can get your air conditioner working. It is not working. Your air conditioner needs more power that one portable generator can give.
The issue is that generators that are big enough to provide you with that amount of energy are not portable.
In such situations, you need to parallel two generators that will give you more power. Connecting several generators in parallel increases the power capacity, eases maintenance, control in load management and reduces redundancy.
In synchronization, the waveform of the output in one generator matches with the others. While it may seem simple, it is not.
- Redundancy: make sure the soft power transfer in the outgoing generator is switched off, and the incoming one gets powered. It is a design that avoids a situation where the load is not allowed in the UPS or not powered.
- Capacity: these systems get based on load demand. It is powered on a set when the demand increases, and it gets switched off when the demand decreases.
- Compliance: all the generators involved must have similar electrical standards when it comes to operation, protection, and safety.
Requirements of the Two Generators:
Any two generators can get paralleled as long as their frequencies and voltage are similar at the point where they interconnect. Some limitations make it impossible to parallel some generators. For instance, older models and newer ones cannot get paralleled. Sometimes the costs involved are not justifiable.
Paralleling different characteristics is complex. Other than compatibility issues, some other systems are challenging to work around. For instance, if the sizes in KW are different, the maximum priority load is limited by the generator with the smallest capacity.
In such a case, using a higher weight will overwork the generator. Here, you may be forced to change the sequence of operation.
The design practiced should make sure that the more massive loads are done away with first in case, the more powerful generator fails. This act will ensure that the smaller generator will always have a load it can support.
Advantages of Inverter Over a Generator
Typically, an excellent quality inverter will provide you better performance than significant cost savings when compared to generators. Here are a couple of reasons why you need to get an inverter over a generator:
Peak/ surge power output:
Peak/ surge power output is the ability of the source of power to give you more than its rated continuous power out for a short period to begin specific loads. Machines like air-conditioning and refrigerators need high back pressure when starting. Once they have started moving and have reached their rated speed, their power requirement reduces to the typical current rating.
Inverters can increase their power supply when needed and reduce it when required. Generators, on the other hand, do not have a good peak power capability because of their inherent operating characteristics. The peak power is not more than 125 percent of their continuous power rating.
The excess generator capacity gets wasted with generators. That also means higher consumption and reduced life if the generator load is not with the types of equipment they can handle.
Self-consumption power:
It is the minimum amount of energy you need to keep the device running or in standby condition. Apparently, this is higher for a generator that gets loaded because the engine must always keep running in higher inefficiency, wear and tear, and noise. Without any load, an inverter needs low self-consumption power. It delivers full power instantly to loads when needed.
Output frequency:
Many loads like motor-driven tools do not operate over a wide frequency range. The output frequency of the engine generator is related to the engine’s revolutions per minute. When a heavy load is switched on, the RPM of a generator falls. Likewise, it rises when the heavyweight switches off.
Because of aging, the performance of the governor deteriorates, and therefore it is not able to regulate the RPM or its frequency. For an inverter, the rate is at 50/60HZ over a wide range of conditions.
The output voltage:
The voltage does not regulate at 120VAC or 230VAC because of deterioration because of their regulator. These voltages excursions cause damage to the AC loads. However, inverters match utility power closely and give the needed output voltage regulation.
Inverters do not use fuel, moving parts or lubricants. They produce little heat and are not noisy.
Inverter Generator vs. Gas Generator:
| Inverter generator | Gas generator |
|---|---|
| Quite | Tends to be extremely noisy |
| Easily portable | Heavy and difficult to move around |
| Have an idle feature | Runs on full power all through |
| Run out of fuel faster | Have full tanks that have a higher fuel capacity |
Portable Generators for Sale Near me
FAQs:
Q: Do I need a modified sine wave inverter or a pure sine wave inverter?
A: A pure sine wave inverter is beneficial because:
- It has a low harmonic distortion and clean power
- Produces noise similar to that of fluorescent lights and fans
- Prevents crashes in electrical appliances
- Reliably powers most devices
However, if you worry about the tools in your home, consult a professional who will confirm which of these two is compatible.
Q: How do I hook up the inverter?
A: Many of the smaller inverters have cigarette lighter adapters that you easily plug into your vehicle’s lighter socket. Some have cables that you clamp to the battery directly. Larger inverters are harder wired to the battery directly. They type of connection determines the strength of the inverters.
Q: What is an overcurrent protection device?
A: The batteries have the capability of supplying vast amounts of currents. In the case of a short circuit, it releases thousands of amperes. During such instances, your systems can get damaged. An overcurrent protection device typically acts as a fuse. You hook it between the battery and the inverter. If it is fast acting, it will blow in milliseconds thus protecting your devices.
Conclusion
With a good inverter, you will always have peace of mind knowing that power outages will not affect you. However, you must make sure that you buy one that will match your power requirements. The price is not as important and the performance and safety features you get.
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