What’s a Portable Inverter Generator?
Looking for the best generators for campers? Portable inverter generators get their name from inverter technology. The inverter is a device that switches the electrical current from an alternating current (AC) to a direct current (DC) and then back to an AC. This process means an inverter generator produces a constant flow of clean, stable power to your appliances or sensitive electronic devices and tools.
Differences Between an Inverter Generator and a Conventional Generator
While both inverter generators and traditional portable generators can provide power when and where you need it, these electrical generators have some key differences.
Fuel Efficiency
An inverter generator is more efficient. Like conventional portable generators, inverter generators are available in gasoline and propane models as well as dual fuel models that can operate on either fuel with the flip of a switch. However, an inverter generator’s engine speed adjusts according to the power needs, allowing it to use fuel much more efficiently than a conventional generator that always runs at full power.
Noise
Most traditional portable generators create a constant droning hum that can be loud and distracting. An inverter generator runs more quietly because the engine throttles down when it doesn’t need full power. In addition, this type of generator often has a housing designed to reduce noise.
Generator Size for Home
Inverter generators are usually smaller than comparable portable generators. Check the manufacturer’s specifications to see what size you need for your home.
Maximum Power
Due to the emphasis on efficiency, portability and size for inverter generators, their power output is more limited than conventional portable generators. While you can find small 2,000- to 3,500-watt inverter generators, you can also find models that can supply up to 4,000 watts of power or more for several hours at a time.
Portable Power and Standby Power From Generators
Inverter generators, like other portable generators, provide temporary or portable power solutions. See our Portable Generator Buying Guide for more on these machines and for tips on using them safely. For a long-term backup power solution that provides power to appliances and other home devices with minimal interruptions, consider a standby generator. Our Standby Generator Buying Guide will help you find one to meet your needs.
Look for features like electric start capabilities and universal serial bus ports (USB ports) for charging electronic devices.
Pros and Cons of Using an Inverter Generator
While an inverter generator offers several benefits, there are some factors to consider when deciding if it’s the right type of generator for you.
The benefits of an inverter generator include:
- Clean Power: An inverter generator produces power similar in quality to the electricity that comes from a home power outlet. This means that an inverter generator can safely power and charge sensitive devices such as laptops and mobile phones. Some corded power tools also need this high-quality electricity to operate efficiently and correctly.
- Great Portability: Since the design of an inverter generator makes it smaller than a comparable generator with a traditional design, inverter generators take up less space when you’re packing and are lighter and easier to carry wherever you need them.
- Comparatively Low Operating Cost: The efficiency of an inverter generator means you shouldn’t need to purchase fuel as often as you would with other types of generators.
- Lower Operating Volume: The comparatively low level of noise inverter generators produce makes them less disruptive to you and others nearby.
- Parallel Operation: Some inverter generators can operate in conjunction with a second generator to provide additional power.
However, there are some things to think about before you decide to purchase an inverter generator, such as:
- Expense: While inverter generators operate efficiently, they tend to be more expensive to purchase than conventional generators.
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Less Power: Since inverter generators don’t offer the same level of power output that you can get with a conventional generator, you need to be sure an inverter generator is practical for your application and that you can find a suitable model to power the equipment you need to operate.
Generator Use In Home
The benefits of the technology and design of inverter generators make these devices the best home emergency generators for several uses. For example, an inverter generator is a great choice for recreational vehicle (RV) camping. When you choose an inverter generator as your RV generator, you’ll have clean, dependable power that gives you the comforts of home without requiring you to stay in an RV park.
The clean power produced by an inverter generator means you can safely operate a television or sound system and keep the batteries on your mobile devices charged. You can also use an inverter generator to operate small appliances, such as a coffee maker or microwave, and light your RV site with string lights. You can use the generator to operate some of the systems on your RV — a great option if you’ll be away for several days and don’t want to rely on the RV battery. You’ll appreciate the convenience of the unit’s fuel efficiency, and a quiet inverter generator will make it easier to enjoy being out in nature. Just determine which of your appliances or devices are necessities and choose a generator that can keep them running. Make sure you have a bit of extra power for any appliances or devices you’ll use only occasionally.
Inverter generators have other great uses as well.
- In addition to being a great generator for RV use, the portability, efficiency and low noise level of an inverter generator make it a perfect camping generator for a traditional campsite.
- An inverter generator can provide emergency power during a power outage, and the quality of the electricity means you can use it for anything from emergency lighting to a laptop.
- If you’re working on a jobsite that doesn’t yet have power or in a location with no nearby power outlets, an inverter generator can power lights and corded tools and keep your mobile phone charged.
- An inverter generator makes a great tailgating generator because it can safely provide electricity for a television and small appliances without overpowering those nearby with noise.
How to Operate a Generator Safely
- Follow the generator manufacturer’s operating, maintenance and safety instructions.
- Never run an inverter generator indoors or in partly enclosed areas such as garages.
- Operate your generator outdoors in an area where adequate ventilation is available and far from windows, doors, vents and crawlspaces. Make sure your home has properly installed carbon monoxide detectors.
- The fuel-powered portable generators Lowe’s offers feature built-in carbon monoxide sensors to enhance safety. These generators are designed to shut down automatically when the sensor detects harmful levels of carbon monoxide. However, they’re for outdoor use only, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.