Generator question
This might be a dumb question but...what is the difference between a regular generator and an inverter generator? Would you connect them to a trailer differently? I mean, as far as I understand, a r...
Forum Discussion
There's no difference in the way you connect the gen. to your RV.
The difference is in the internals of the machine. An inverter generator does contain an inverter. The gen. produces AC, rectifies it to DC, then inverters the DC to 120v 60 Hz AC. Obviously, this adds cost and complexity. The advantage is that precision electronics determine the output voltage and frequency, not the rotational speed of an engine.
The engine can turn as fast or as slow as is necessary for the load. This allows for slower running than a standard gen. when lightly loaded. This means less noise and lower fuel consumption.
Inverter gens. usually do put out cleaner power than you'll get from the power company.
Chuck, that Coleman must have been way off. I assume you have a Xantex XW system. I've never seen a gen. they wouldn't lock on to. I've hooked all manner of portable gens. too them and they all work.
I have seen plenty of Outback grid-tie inverters that won't lock onto anything but a Honda inverter gen. My personal Outback system has only locked onto Honda inverter gens. and a big 20 KW Kohler. It won't recognize the run of the mill open frame types.
The difference is in the internals of the machine. An inverter generator does contain an inverter. The gen. produces AC, rectifies it to DC, then inverters the DC to 120v 60 Hz AC. Obviously, this adds cost and complexity. The advantage is that precision electronics determine the output voltage and frequency, not the rotational speed of an engine.
The engine can turn as fast or as slow as is necessary for the load. This allows for slower running than a standard gen. when lightly loaded. This means less noise and lower fuel consumption.
Inverter gens. usually do put out cleaner power than you'll get from the power company.
Chuck, that Coleman must have been way off. I assume you have a Xantex XW system. I've never seen a gen. they wouldn't lock on to. I've hooked all manner of portable gens. too them and they all work.
I have seen plenty of Outback grid-tie inverters that won't lock onto anything but a Honda inverter gen. My personal Outback system has only locked onto Honda inverter gens. and a big 20 KW Kohler. It won't recognize the run of the mill open frame types.
