Champion 4000 watt open frame inverter genertaor

[theoldwizard1]

Model #100302 No sexy looking plastic exterior. Looks like your typical small job site generator. Only about 2 lbs (dry ?) more than the 3400 watt model (it does have a larger engine and fuel tank). Specs say it is a bit louder (64.0?dBA vs 59.0?dBA)

Looking for real world feedback.

[RJsfishin]

theoldwizard1 wrote:
Model #100302 No sexy looking plastic exterior. Looks like your typical small job site generator. Only about 2 lbs (dry ?) more than the 3400 watt model (it does have a larger engine and fuel tank). Specs say it is a bit louder (64.0?dBA vs 59.0?dBA)

Looking for real world feedback.

64db ?? !!
Despite of what you been led to believe, there really are dum questions

[valhalla360]

theoldwizard1 wrote:

valhalla360 wrote:
You do realize a DB rise of 3 is double the volume...so your contractor's generator will be around 4 times as loud base.

Thanks for your input but I am looking for REAL WORLD feedback !

You realize, those numbers are from REAL WORLD tests.

Far more objective than someone who bought in and doesn't want to feel like an idiot after they made a poor choice.

[theoldwizard1]

troubledwaters wrote:
The Champion #100302 is an Inverter generator.

OP - I have this generator on my shopping list. Just looking for a good excuse so my wife buys into it.

Please give us a review if you do buy one.

[theoldwizard1]

valhalla360 wrote:
You do realize a DB rise of 3 is double the volume...so your contractor's generator will be around 4 times as loud base.

Thanks for your input but I am looking for REAL WORLD feedback !

[bikendan]

theoldwizard1 wrote:
Model #100302 No sexy looking plastic exterior. Looks like your typical small job site generator. Only about 2 lbs (dry ?) more than the 3400 watt model (it does have a larger engine and fuel tank). Specs say it is a bit louder (64.0?dBA vs 59.0?dBA)

Looking for real world feedback.

I own a different Champion 4000w open-frame contractor-style generator. Its decibel rating is 68db and I would NEVER use it in a campground.
This "hybrid" version is still 11db louder than my Honda inverter generator. Seeing that it's only 4db quieter than my regular Champion open-frame generator, I still wouldn't use it in a campground.
But for boondocking or at racing events, it would be fine.

[vermilye]

valhalla360 wrote:
You do realize a DB rise of 3 is double the volume...so your contractor's generator will be around 4 times as loud based on the spec you show.

Also are you comparing apples to apples noise specs?
- Check the distance it is estimated at.
- Check the throttle level assumptions.

A good chance the contractor's unit is estimated from a greater distance and at a lower throttle setting.

Then you have fuel economy and power quality:
- If the air/con (or other heavy load) is cycling on and off, the inverter generator will typically use much less fuel because it will throttle way back when the load is off. A traditional generator must keep the RPM up to provide a steady 60hz.
- Related to this, inverter generators generally are better at keeping the 120v-60hz power clean. Traditional generators tend to slow down and the voltage sags when you apply a heavy load before the engine can catch up.

10-15yrs ago, it was pretty much Honda/Yamaha if you wanted a quiet quality inverter generator...today, there are lots of options many much cheaper than the name brand, so going with the contractor type doesn't make a lot of sense.

While a 3 db increase is a doubling of power, it is not a doubling of loudness. Loudness is subjective, but tests have been done using large numbers of individuals asking them to "turn up" a sound source to twice as loud, and the average comes out to around a 10db increase.

That said, open frame generators often produce more annoying sound even at the same sound pressure level as a enclosed generator. The only way to really compare generators is to listen to them...

[troubledwaters]

valhalla360 wrote:
...Then you have fuel economy and power quality:
- If the air/con (or other heavy load) is cycling on and off, the inverter generator will typically use much less fuel because it will throttle way back when the load is off. A traditional generator must keep the RPM up to provide a steady 60hz.
- Related to this, inverter generators generally are better at keeping the 120v-60hz power clean. Traditional generators tend to slow down and the voltage sags when you apply a heavy load before the engine can catch up...
...so going with the contractor type doesn't make a lot of sense

The Champion #100302 is an Inverter generator.

OP - I have this generator on my shopping list. Just looking for a good excuse so my wife buys into it.

[2oldman]

Open frame generators are something I look to avoid when choosing a campsite, although sometimes that's difficult as everyone brings one. Then I might choose another campground.

There's nothing quite as annoying to me as their whoosh-whoosh and constant rattle. The sound carries for great distances.

[drsteve]

Champion rates their open frame gennys at 68dB. So this unit falls just about halfway between a similar sized inverter (quiet) and a contractor genny (loud).

[gbopp]

FWIW, a few years ago I was at a craft fair. One vendor had a Harbor Freight Predator generator (open frame). It was running a couple small refrigerators and a few lights.
It was really not loud and annoying, I was surprised at how quiet it was while running.
You didn't say how you want to use the generator.
Yes, it would be very annoying at a CG but for general use or emergency use at home it would be acceptable.
I'm sure a Champion is as quiet or a little quieter than the Predator.

I have a Wen 5500 open frame, it's rated at 82 db. It's loud.

[valhalla360]

You do realize a DB rise of 3 is double the volume...so your contractor's generator will be around 4 times as loud based on the spec you show.

Also are you comparing apples to apples noise specs?
- Check the distance it is estimated at.
- Check the throttle level assumptions.

A good chance the contractor's unit is estimated from a greater distance and at a lower throttle setting.

Then you have fuel economy and power quality:
- If the air/con (or other heavy load) is cycling on and off, the inverter generator will typically use much less fuel because it will throttle way back when the load is off. A traditional generator must keep the RPM up to provide a steady 60hz.
- Related to this, inverter generators generally are better at keeping the 120v-60hz power clean. Traditional generators tend to slow down and the voltage sags when you apply a heavy load before the engine can catch up.

10-15yrs ago, it was pretty much Honda/Yamaha if you wanted a quiet quality inverter generator...today, there are lots of options many much cheaper than the name brand, so going with the contractor type doesn't make a lot of sense.