Numerous types of generators are marked portable generators; however, there are many distinctions in functional specifications, structure, and use between generator types. An inverter generator, for instance, is explicitly different from what many consider a conventional portable generator.
Despite the differences in technical specifications, inverter generators are commonly seen as ‘convenient top generators’ and ‘best versatile generators’ on generator rankings.
This good ranking is because most inverter generators are easier to handle when compared to bigger high-power conventional generators.
As with anything, there are advantages and disadvantages to various types of generators. It all depends on what the generator is going to be utilized for.
Read to have a better understanding of what is an inverter generator and the key differences between a conventional generator and an inverter generator.
What Is Considered a Conventional Portable Generator?
When you talk of a portable generator, many people typically think of portable fuel-driven generators. These are the most regularly bought generators.
A traditional portable generator is a fuel-powered generator, which comprises an alternator that has an electrical output. Most of the commonly used fuel in these generators include; propane, gasoline, and diesel.
A few portable generators are hybrids meaning that it is capable of running or using more than one type of fuel, typically a blend of propane and gasoline. There are also dual fuel generators that can run on two different fuel types.
The main characteristic of a conventional portable generator is the corresponding electrical output and engine speed. Typically, conventional portable generators that are fuel-powered are configured to run around 3600rpm to produce 120 volts and 60 Hertz frequency.
However, the primary benefit of these generators is that the voltage and Hertz fluctuate this is because they cannot maintain a steady rpm of 3600. The fluctuation is also called harmonic distortion.
The reason why fuel-powered generators don’t provide clean electricity is because of the constant changes in harmonic distortion or changes in electrical output. That is why some people opt to buy electric generators. Also, there is an aspect of clean energy and saving the environment.
This is the reason why conventional generators are not preferred for sensitive electrical devices such as laptops, mobile phones, DSLR cameras, etc. Their inability to maintain a steady rpm is also the reason why they make a lot of noise.
With fuel-controlled versatile generators, there is a relationship between its fuel tank, power, and speed, as a rule, the greater the fuel tank, the more power and the more extended the run time.
Since some of these generators can create as much as 10,000 watts of power, you can envision that these are enormous and overwhelming generators. Regardless of their size and weight, many brands are as yet convenient – most traditional versatile generator models have handles and wheels.
How Does an Inverter Generator Work?
The mechanics of inverter generators are a bit more complicated when compared to traditional compact generators. When it comes to delivering final electrical output, there are more parts involved in an inverter generator.
A good number of invertible generators also utilize fossil fuels. Apart from getting power from the fossil fuel tank, these generators also have an inverter, alternator, and battery.
In an inverter generator, the engine produces a high-frequency alternating current which is then changed to direct current by an alternator. The DC is again changed to AC by the inverter.
Inverter generators have an output of 60 Hertz and 120 volts just like conventional portable generators. However, the current of an inverter generator is much more stable because of the extra steps in power production.
Simply put, in an inverter, there is reduced harmonic distortion; therefore, they produce clean electricity which is preferred for highly sensitive devices like laptops and mobile phones. The quality of an inverter generator is almost the same as that of a main electrical supplier.
The clean electricity produced by the inverter generator is due to two factors. Firstly, the initial high-frequency alternating current in an inverter gives more electrical energy.
Secondly, is the inversion of DC back to AC. The mechanics of this generator provide a very stable sine wave because it has more control over alternating current frequency.
Inverter generators are quite energy-efficient due to greater control over electrical output. It can maintain a stable 3600 rpm while it adjusts the voltage to what is exactly required by the load connected.
The ability to maintain a stable 3600 rpm is the primary reason why these generators are silent when contrasted to their conventional portable counterparts.
What are the Main Distinctions Between a Conventional Portable Generator and an Inverter Generator?
The following are highlights of the key distinctions between inverter generators and conventional portable generators. Remember that there are mechanical distinctions and other secondary distinctions are related to differences in mechanical construction.
The distinction between how an inverter generator works and how normal fuel-run portable generators function gives various prospects in plan and use. Read on to discover how these distinctions present advantages and disadvantages for a particular use.
Current
The type of electricity produced is the primary technical difference between a conventional portable generator and an inverter generator. Inverter generators create electricity in three phases; AC of high frequency to DC and then back to stable AC. On the other hand, conventional portable generators only produce AC electricity.
Conventional portable generators have a more messy sine wave which fluctuates or causes more harmonic distortion. However, they are a convenient source of power for many electrical devices. For power-sensitive devices like microprocessors, cameras, etc. can be damaged by this type of currency.
Power and Fuel Efficiency
When compared to inverter generators, because of their difference in electricity production and their big-size fuel tank, conventional portable generators produce more power.
Because of how the final AC is produced, inverter generators are more energy-efficient. An inverter generator’s engine can automatically adjust according to the load connected to it which a conventional generator is unable to do.
Inverter generator’s fuel efficiency allows for small-size fuel tanks while larger fuel tanks of conventional portable generators allow for more power output.
How much power you need will help you determine the type of generator you will purchase. Conventional portable generators have a higher power which can reach 10,000 watts while inverter generators have an average power of between 1200 watts to 4000 watts.
Portability
Because of the amount of power they produce and their large fuel tank, conventional fuel-driven generators are bulky compared to more portable inverter generators. Conventional generators because of the large tank need more materials to house them hence their bulkiness.
Most inverter generator models weigh less than 100 pounds because their fuel tanks are small and because of their lower power output they don’t need a big engine. This makes them light, and they can be easily moved around with a lot of ease.
Noise
Traditional fuel-powered generators are infamous because of the noise they produce. Because of their mechanics, even with efforts to minimize noise, they remain noisy. There simply isn’t such a thing as a quiet generator.
In the examination, the innovation utilized by inverter generators makes them run calmer. Inverter generators run at a consistent 3600 rpm which expels the main part of the noise.
Most conventional generators produce 64 or more decibels of noise which is a lot of noise as compared to inverter generators which produce around 54-58 decibels which is far less.
Parallel Connections
Most manufacturers compensate for the lower power output of an inverter generator by allowing for the installation of a parallel connection.
The parallel connection allows two distinct inverter generators to be connected and double the power output. However, they must be of the same model.
Considering that conventional portable generators produce more power, up to now, they have no option of installing a parallel connection.
Price
In general, regular fuel-powered generators are less expensive to purchase than inverter generators. Regular generators are the most pocket-friendly alternative, particularly when a lot of energy is required.
Conventional portable generators are affordable, and the best option when more power is needed. On the other hand, inverter generators are more expensive because they employ the latest technology.
Other features that make it expensive include; the production of clean electricity, greater fuel efficiency, and they are quieter.
Traditional generators are simple devices and have been accessible for quite long, which is the primary reason behind their pocket-friendly price.
When to Choose an Inverter Generator
The upsides of inverter generators over conventional versatile generators are that they are all the more silent, are more minimized and lightweight, are more eco-friendly, are right for delicate electrical gadgets, and are commonly more ecologically friendly.
The drawback of an inverter generator is that they ordinarily are more costly than a regular generator and don’t deliver much power.
Given these pros and cons, an inverter generator is more reasonable for incidental use and particularly for outdoor exercises such as camping. A camping generator is an excellent tool to have on your next adventure.
An inverter generator is a decent decision when a small amount of power is required. It is an ideal source of clean electricity for power-sensitive devices.
When to Choose a Conventional Fuel-Powered Portable Generator
The only advantage of a conventional generator over an inverter is its more power output. The drawbacks of a regular generator are that it is heavier, bulkier, makes considerably more noise and emits more fumes that are harmful to the environment.
A conventional portable generator is best utilized as a reinforcement generator for residential places where there are regular power blackouts or dangers of normal occasions like snowstorms that are probably going to cut the main power supply. The models with rough tracks are additionally more reasonable in workplaces.
Best Picks Among Inverter Generators
Hopefully, this article helped you realize that you actually need an inverter generator. If you decide to pick one up, here is a list of some of the best picks on the market :
- Westinghouse
Westinghouse Inverter Generator - Genmax
Genmax Inverter Generator - Generac
Generac Inverter Generator - Champion
Champion Inverter Generator - Wen
Wen Inverter Generator - Honda
Honda Inverter Generator
FAQs
What is the Difference Between a Generator and an Inverter?
The type of electricity produced is the primary technical difference between a conventional portable generator and an inverter generator. Inverter generators create electricity in three phases; AC of high frequency to DC and then back to stable AC. On the other hand, conventional portable generators only produce AC electricity.
Which is a better generator or inverter?
Inverters produce a predictable and dependable force that doesn’t depend on the motor speed. The force created by the inverter generator is much “cleaner” than the force delivered by conventional generators. In case these gadgets utilize a force source that is not spotless, they may wind up breaking down, or they may even get harmed.
Final Word
Regardless of whether a conventional portable generator or an inverter generator is better majorly depends on what use the generator will be subjected to. An inverter generator may be the better choice for visiting campers or as a reinforcement wellspring of power during excursions.
You could even use one for your car or a truck.
In contrast, a convenient conventional generator works better to control a home or a work site. Consider where you need power and how much force you need. This is the ideal approach to settle on the choices.
