Generators
I have the champion generator that camping world sales 4000/3500 watt. My question is this safe to run the electronics like the flat screen tv and refrigerator circuit, or do I really need to buy the ...
Forum Discussion
rving4us wrote:
...I merely ask a specific question as to the difference of a regular generator to an inverter type. ...
Cary,
This past winter I purchased a Smarter Tools 7500 Watt portable gasoline generator from Costco. It's purpose is to provide backup power for my home in the MD suburbs of DC when we inevitably lose local electric power. I am not an RVer and live on a relatively large wooded lot so noise is not a major consideration.
I have received an immense amount of help in optimizing my generator's performance and reliability by reading and recently participating in this thread: 3000W Chinese Gensets Info
I have not connected my generator to a whole house transfer switch, but rather use 50 foot 12 Ga extension cords for my refrigerators, freezers, audio video equipment, and fans. I plan to install a transfer switch for my oil furnace later this Fall. Whole house heat pump is out of the question due to generator capacity.
Oh, I forgot. My generator provides 20 Amps at 110V to my next door neighbor when it is operating.
We lost power this past weekend for nearly 24 hours after a motorist took out a telephone pole Friday afternoon. The generator started up and operated with no problems whatsoever. We probably prevented losing maybe $150 in food and my neighbor says he also prevented a like loss.
The first thing I did when I purchased my generator was to install a kit From USCarb to permit Tri-fuel operation. I now operation on LPG - I own four extra 20# propane bottles. Propane is relatively safe to store, will not go bad in storage, and is readily available at my local Rental Center during extended power outages. Also, the generator carb is always clean as a whistle.
As to needing an inverter/generator to handle expensive electronics? My experinece this past weekend suggests I don't need one. I powered my audio video equipment without any difficulties... and my gear would be considered high-end. (A Pioneer Elite 60" Plasma is the backbone - cost $7500 new a few years ago.)
I have no regrets whatsoever for my non-RV application. I added a valve to facilitate oil changes and also added a plug-in High Voltage protection module.
