Small Gen Opinions ? UPDATE--Should I Switch?
Update- 7 Feb 17 alternative gen maybe? ------------------------- Original OP: Local shop is selling these for $200 (Can) next week. (about $152 US) http://www.powerhouse-products.com/power...
Forum Discussion
Yes, you need to know what the load will be to pick the right generator.
We have been stressing the VA specs, but this still seems to leave some mystery. Something funny is going on using different input voltages, which I have noticed before but can't explain really.
EG, compare using different ones of the same model charger VEC1093DBD running on two different gens.-- loaded voltages as shown by different Kill a Watts:
Mr Wizard-- 122v, 4.36a, 532VA, 337w, PF 0.63 Output DC 21.2a
Mine------- 118.4, 4.16a, 492VA, 336w, PF 0.65 Output DC 21.0a
You might think you could run more of a load with the lower input voltage, but that makes no sense AFAIK. The PF vs input watts don't match up to explain this either.
So it is still a ballpark estimate and you should go bigger if it is getting close, unless as in my case here, you get a chance to actually test it on the intended load before buying the gen.
We have been stressing the VA specs, but this still seems to leave some mystery. Something funny is going on using different input voltages, which I have noticed before but can't explain really.
EG, compare using different ones of the same model charger VEC1093DBD running on two different gens.-- loaded voltages as shown by different Kill a Watts:
Mr Wizard-- 122v, 4.36a, 532VA, 337w, PF 0.63 Output DC 21.2a
Mine------- 118.4, 4.16a, 492VA, 336w, PF 0.65 Output DC 21.0a
You might think you could run more of a load with the lower input voltage, but that makes no sense AFAIK. The PF vs input watts don't match up to explain this either.
So it is still a ballpark estimate and you should go bigger if it is getting close, unless as in my case here, you get a chance to actually test it on the intended load before buying the gen.
