Inverter Generator VS Regular Generator
I am considering purchasing a portable generator for our extended dry camping trips. I plan on getting a solar panel set up eventually, but for now I am looking at generators. I know that if I intend ...
Forum Discussion
Not ALL Honda generators are quiet. The EU series are, the contractor grade ones aren't. They are every bit as loud as a Champion, etc.
The inverter generators do put out clean power, but that's merely a side benefit. The real benefit is it only will run as fast as the load demands. The non-inverter type must run a constant speed to make 60Hz. Consequently, the inverter types are MUCH quieter, and MUCH more fuel efficient.
Every 3dB is twice the sound energy. My generator is rated at 53-58 dB.
It's rare mine is ever running at full capacity. It will run a 5000 BTU A/C unit (window shaker) from idle, and incrementally increase RPMs as more loads are applied. It will also run that A/C unit for more than 8 hours on 1.5 gallons of gas.
To put this in perspective, 53 dB disappears into background noise in most neighborhoods. Now double the sound energy, equals 56 dB, double it again, 59 dB, again 62 dB, again 65 dB, again 68 dB. So to say the inexpensive generators are as quiet as the expensive ones just isn't accurate!
I've owned noisy generators, and cringed every time I had to use them. And before anyone asks, you can't make a cheap generator quiet by changing the muffler. The noise is part exhaust, part intake, and part mechanical movements. I spent $80 on a "quiet tone" muffler for my previous generator. It changed the sound of the exhaust, but not the intensity.
Here's a video of my generator running a 1.5HP pool pump (near full load test): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AzE7hL-QmE Note how quickly the sound drops off when not standing next to the generator.
I've had mine since 2006. No regrets. See how many posts you can find from Yamaha and Honda owners looking to make their generators even quieter... Buy once, cry once.
The inverter generators do put out clean power, but that's merely a side benefit. The real benefit is it only will run as fast as the load demands. The non-inverter type must run a constant speed to make 60Hz. Consequently, the inverter types are MUCH quieter, and MUCH more fuel efficient.
Every 3dB is twice the sound energy. My generator is rated at 53-58 dB.
It's rare mine is ever running at full capacity. It will run a 5000 BTU A/C unit (window shaker) from idle, and incrementally increase RPMs as more loads are applied. It will also run that A/C unit for more than 8 hours on 1.5 gallons of gas.
To put this in perspective, 53 dB disappears into background noise in most neighborhoods. Now double the sound energy, equals 56 dB, double it again, 59 dB, again 62 dB, again 65 dB, again 68 dB. So to say the inexpensive generators are as quiet as the expensive ones just isn't accurate!
I've owned noisy generators, and cringed every time I had to use them. And before anyone asks, you can't make a cheap generator quiet by changing the muffler. The noise is part exhaust, part intake, and part mechanical movements. I spent $80 on a "quiet tone" muffler for my previous generator. It changed the sound of the exhaust, but not the intensity.
Here's a video of my generator running a 1.5HP pool pump (near full load test): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AzE7hL-QmE Note how quickly the sound drops off when not standing next to the generator.
I've had mine since 2006. No regrets. See how many posts you can find from Yamaha and Honda owners looking to make their generators even quieter... Buy once, cry once.
