Comparing A Firman Open Frame Generator and etrailer Inverter

Question:

Is it really necessary to buy two gens instead of say a 10kw gen and use a surge protector? It’s twice the money for the two inverter ones. Won’t a surge protecter stop surges? Thx in advance

asked by: Bruce

Expert Reply:

The difference between the Firman 10,000-Watt Portable Generator part # 333-H08051 and the etrailer 6,000-Watt Portable Inverter Generators part # 333-0003-2-0007 is not their ability to protect from power surges as they both have this feature but rather the type of electricity they produce. The generator has a total harmonic distortion of 25 percent which means it would not be ideal for sensitive electronics such as a flat screen TV or computer. The inverters only have a total harmonic distortion of up to 3 percent so they can be used to power sensitive electronics.

The other major difference is in regards to noise output, the inverters only put out 58 dB whereas the generator puts out 74 dB. If you are boondocking then the generator won't be as much of an issue but your neighbors will not be happy with you if using the generator at a campground. Some campgrounds even restrict the use of generators over a certain dB level.

expert reply by: Conner L