New Generator

[Steve29rlx]

A have a couple of regular generators and have used them during extended power outages. I plug homemade extensions cords into them and run AC, flat screens, microwave, DVD player lights or whatever I need. I have not hooked them up to the RV, but I would.

[325BH]

Originally Posted by Musky Dave

The standard, non inverter generators are fine. They are what's used in every medical facility, business, and home for emergency power backup. They run entire buildings without any problems. Sensitive medical equipment works just fine, I'm sure our fancy flat screens will survive. I'm not an expert by any means, just looking at the obvious.

Just my $.02

Dave

I agree. This business of standard generators frying equipment is made-up crap from the Inverter crowd.

Whole house/building generators are not inverter style!

[325BH]

Originally Posted by KyDan

Who says a standard non-inverter genny puts out modified sine wave?
I believe a true generator by design does put out sine wave.
The down side of non-inverter genny is that the gas motor has to run
at full speed all the time even with no load because the RPM is critical to
get 60 Hz output.

Yes, a standard genny puts out the sine wave. It is the same as what is coming into homes.

This modified/true sine crap is relevant to the inverter style generators because they generate DC and have to convert (invert) it to AC. Not all inverters are created equal so inverter companies started to tout (properly so) when they created a proper sine wave.

A 3,600 RPM generator (alternator) naturally makes a proper 60 cycle sine wave.

The only issue is fluctuations in RPM, which can be caused by several things. One of them being surges from devices starting up.

I have two Generac 17,500 running watts (26,250 surge watts) portable generators for my home. They run my geothermal HVAC (6 ton), lights, refrigerators, microwave, water heater, TVs, computers, dishwasher, etc. In all, I have 145 amps @ 240 volts or 290 amps @ 120 volts... or somewhere between those two numbers for a mixture. 35,000 running watts total (52,500 surge watts).

Never had a problem with sensitive equipment.

I do have an EU2000i (companion) for my camper due to noise. Plan on getting another to parallel.

I have an old Briggs & Stratton open frame generator that puts out about 27 amps @ 240 volts. Although noisy, it is perfect for connecting to my 50 amp camper when noise is not an issue. I have many feet of cord to run the generator far away.

Of course my EU2000i is becoming more and more the goto generator even though its output pales in comparison.

[timfromma]

Those open frame commercial generators are LOUD. Running one in a campground is a sure fire way to become extremely disliked by everyone around you.

[325BH]

Originally Posted by timfromma

Those open frame commercial generators are LOUD. Running one in a campground is a sure fire way to become extremely disliked by everyone around you.

I don't think anyone said they were.

[stoppercamper]

We went to Home Depot and bought "sound board" and particle board, and made a 3 sided box that we put around our generator. We camped with all our friends, with the generator only 50' from us, and we could barely hear it. to build the box cost only $100 (counting all the brackets) I had looked on line to build it, and even bought a fan (included in above price) but never put the 4th side on the box (where the fan would be) and it still is very quiet.

[Skyliner]

Although I have a 3k inverter generator, I often fire up my 800 watt 2 stroke generator when I need a little extra power when the sun is hiding from my solar panels. Guess what, this cheap harbor freight generator hasn't fried any electronics yet.

What do people think the electric utility companies use to produce power? Yep, generators spinning at 3600 rpm to give us 60hz 120 V AC electricity.

The poster who stated modified sine wave current is produced by non-inverter generators made me laugh, thank you.

[NMWildcat]

All generators used by utility companies have an AVR to smooth out voltage so there aren't any spikes. Most homes use a UPS or delay switch to do the same thing.

Non inverter generators can fry sensitive electronics with spikes and drops usually caused at startup or shutdown or running out of fuel. I have seen it occur several times, but it is rare.

None of us know everything about anything, but we are learning. No need to laugh at anybody.

[bart0977]

I was just wondering if anyone had any pics or part numbers of how they tapped into the propane on their trailer to run their dual fuel generator on propane. I was thinking of just using a Y splitter off the reserve tank, but I'm sure there must be a better way. I'm assuming I have to tap into the propane before the regulator that is used for the trailer, since the generator has its own regulator. I don't think it matters, but I've got a 2017 Flagstaff 23LB and a Chanpion dual fuel inverter generator. Thanks in advance.

[gmann32]

There are a few gas stations around the area that sell gasoline that does not have ethanol in it! They advertise it for boats, lawnmowers, ski jets. I am in Michigan!

[SidecarFlip]

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