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Generators - Types

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Carlin1983:
Guys - Im looking into getting a Generator, Mostly for emergency backup at home, but may also take out and about - I want to make sure i buy the right type so if i plug fridge or want to plug my PC or TV in (i would have a UPS between Generator and PC) i won't get issues.

I been looking around and the more $$$ ones are the inverter ones then the next step down appear to be ones with AVR (Auto Voltage Reg).  Would a Generator with AVR be suitable or should i just fork out and get an inverter one. 

thanks

sdouglas:
Hi Carlin, I bought a Yamaha 2800 inverter generator about 6 months before cyclone Yasi. It powers one of our fridges and some lights easily when the powers out. Don’t just look at the power drain of the appliance but some especially with compressors have a higher drain when kicking in. I lived in Townsville when Yasi came through and there were many confirmed reports of cheaper brand inverter generators frying electrical appliances. If you get a decent known brand then you will ultimately have it for many years. If some clown doesn’t steal it. There were also several generators stolen from backyards while being used too so get a good lock and cable. Also, during Yasi one unfortunate young man didn’t understand the issue with carbon monoxide and ran his generator inside his shed where he was sleeping. He didn’t wake up. Also try to hear them running as some can be extremely loud and annoying to others. Mines probably a little big for camping unless in a large group. My parents 2000 watt Inverter Honda is still going strong after 15 years of solid use. Just service them properly.
Hope this helps Shane

tom60:
We bought a Kipor 2000 when we lived on the boat.  Apparently the Chinese factory was producing Honda suitcase generators and then produced their own 'replica'.  It's slightly more noisy than the Honda but considerably cheaper.  If the load isn't great the generator will reduce speed and use less fuel (it's an inverter type).

One of the thing to be careful with when selecting a generator is not to confuse the stated electrical output with the actual output.  Eg, our Kipor 2000 is rated at 2000 Watts, but that is only the initial start up load.  The maximum continuous load is 1600 Watts.

If you have done an energy audit you will have calculated your maximum load and identified suitable generators.   I doubt I'd take our Kipor camping preferring to rely on a 12V/240V inverter, battery(s) and solar panels.

 

Grae35:
Hi Carlin. I just bought one yesterday as a generator for free camping in the caravan, but also a back up for home.
If you want the best and can afford it , then get a yamaha inverter generator as Shane suggests. If it is only for occasional use then check out the Cromtech outback from mygenerator.com.au  .It does 2400Wpeak and 2100W continuous power, quiet at only 52 -59dBa,only weighs 20kg dry and is good on fuel usage . Best thing for me too was the price. A little over $800 on sale with a first purchase coupon. The Yamaha is normally north of $2k, but if using every day would be worth it.
Whatever way you go make sure you get a pure sine wave inverter generator and you will be ok with using sensitive electronic equipment -computer, laptop, tv etc.

reverendbazza:
G,Day Carlin apart from Hondas & Yamahas which are no doubt very good inverter generators, have look
on line ITECHWORLD WA they have one inverter generator rated at 4.8 kva and very little heavier or
bigger in size to compared to say a Honda 2kva. The specs read up very good also the reviews and at
$2300 value. Where is it made !.
                                                      Cheers Bazza

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