Generator output and rv

Cheap generators are pure sine wave though if they don't run smoothly or during large changes in power draw, the power will be dirty.

High quality inverter generators are technically still modified sine wave but rather than a couple steps (as shown in babun's post) there are more steps. The more steps the closer it is to pure sine wave, enough so that it is called pure sine wave even though it isn't.

As long as the cheap generator is running smoothly and you aren't overloading, it, it should be fine.

I think there is way too much worry about the inverter generators. I have a 10 year old Polaris open frame genny that runs EVERYTHING in my trailer. TV's, AC, computers, charges phones.

The only issue I have ever had was when I let the fuel run low and it started chugging. Killed the TV quick then it popped the breaker on the gen.

The nice thing about an inverter is that it adjust's it's speed according to load. Mine runs the same speed all the time but when loaded it get's louder and the sound is much deeper.

Chris

I always thought standard (non inverter) generators produced a true sine wave, though perhaps not as clean as utility power. The only problems with electronics, microwaves, etc I have heard of is with modified sine wave inverters.
Whether this is correct or not, I never had a problem running the items under discussion with any non inverter generator.

A cheap generator will be sine wave, but dirty and not as well regulated. The only way to get modified sine is from an inverter, and the cheapest do not use inverter technology. The sine wave comes from the physical rotation of the rotor through the magnetic field of the stator.

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Wavy as it may be a generator cannot help but put out its best effort for a sine wave. It is far and away more important to have and maintain the motor in good working order so the engine does not cough, spit, surge up or down or get feminine-like hot flashes.

Always start the biggest load first the successive smaller loads. The generator certainly will run the converter, a coffemaker and a microwave oven at the same time. One RV battery can take a 30-40 amp charge rate and a pair of them 60-80 amps so cutting down on generator run-time when boondocking means increasing the battery recharging potential by a bunch. When any of my generators start up they have a list of chores to do - no slacking off with $3.50 gallon fuel.

Generators require maintenance. Which includes cleaning and oiling the governor linkage. Learn how.

Thanks for your post, but you're a little off the point..

There are basically 3 types of AC voltages. see this chart.


Many cable tele boxes won't work unless it has pure sine power, some microwaves will run but not heat correctly with modified or square wave AC. I believe ONLY invertor type of generators produce sine wave current and to get a high wattage from them means lots of money.
I'm a retired electrical foreman so I know about currents, but a newbie at RV;ing, so I;m asking advice about generator use thru the normal 30 amp rv hook up cord and equipment.

I use my surge gard when running my champion 4k.....get intermit reverse pole, so called them and found out via them that is normal and will still give the protection it should....so far so good.....

Wavy as it may be a generator cannot help but put out its best effort for a sine wave. It is far and away more important to have and maintain the motor in good working order so the engine does not cough, spit, surge up or down or get feminine-like hot flashes.

Always start the biggest load first the successive smaller loads. The generator certainly will run the converter, a coffemaker and a microwave oven at the same time. One RV battery can take a 30-40 amp charge rate and a pair of them 60-80 amps so cutting down on generator run-time when boondocking means increasing the battery recharging potential by a bunch. When any of my generators start up they have a list of chores to do - no slacking off with $3.50 gallon fuel.

Generators require maintenance. Which includes cleaning and oiling the governor linkage. Learn how.