[GenKnot]

6250 model-From 23 feet, this inverter operates at 69 dBA
8750 model-This inverter has a noise level of 72 dBA from 23 feet

Hence you see my struggle to believe the larger cc models to be the quieter option.

It is the load level that makes the difference. Obviously the larger gen will make more noise at a higher % loading. But, at a low load (let's say 750W), the small gen will have to spin up more than the larger gen. The dB specs are for higher load levels because ultimately most people are interested in how loud they get. The ECO mode dB levels are usually not mentioned.

 

[iowagold]

the larger gens have a deeper note as well.
so some of the fq's can be skewed unless you use a spectrum unit to measure.

 

[cwatkin]

Not trying to make a case against inverters. Intention was to buy you some time. BTW, that is the first mention I am aware of for that monster duramax inverter. Thanks for the post.

I had no clue that monster Duromax inverter existed until yesterday. I was on their site and looking at the 9000 watt one and happened upon it. I see someone else posted about it as well so I am thinking this might be a brand new product.

My gut tells me that the 10K running watt unit I have on hand is optimized to be run around the midpoint of its range. I remember having the option of getting a slightly larger twin cylinder model but opted for this one as it uses a lot less fuel and was plenty big. The larger one was about the same price so it was tempting.

I know the governor is a mechanical spring loaded one so will test the frequency on it with various loads. I am guessing I will make the generator less useful at it 10K rating by doing this but probably rarely need over 5K.

Conor

 

[GenKnot]

I had no clue that monster Duromax inverter existed until yesterday.

It is new. It was just released in the past couple of days.

 

[cwatkin]

I've been doing light research into adding an open frame inverter (OFI) into my fleet for the past while as well. The two main reasons I prefer the inverters is due to their low DB noise and much, much better fuel mileage. (Not that it matters, I only run gasoline gens).
My purchase options here in Canada are limited so the Champion you listed (6250) is on my list as well as one other brand but it's smaller in the 4000w range. (This particular model does offer parallel capability but does spec as loud). I've found the Wen 6250 & 8750 are pretty much identical spec wise to the same Champ offerings.

As I figure you already know, when it comes to the quietest, fully enclosed inverters rule the roost with low DB's generally staying in the 50-60 range. The honda 7000 wears the crown here IMO but that Powerhorse 7500 certainly looks inviting with a 55 DB rating. Worth looking at if you're into adding a dual fuel kit. I dont see it being equipped with a CO sensor either, I consider that a bonus.

I'd sure like to see an OFI running in person to confirm but from what I've gathered info wise the open framed inverters put out DB's in the 69 -74 range. That's a pretty big volume/noise difference IMO. Considering a typical modern conventional generator generally puts up a 72-76 DB rating, the lower noise from an open fame inverter is slight yet still somewhat better and more desireable than a standard gen but not even close to an inverter gen.

I will say, were I a newbie shopping for my very first less expensive generator for home use, an OFI would be at the top of my list tho.
The main adavantage to the OFI (Open Frame Inverter) for me would be the better fuel mileage. I'm unsure why neither the Champ or Wen OFI's dont offer parallel capability as I like that option.

Thanks. The AI Power one has a dB rating of 52 so that is really good as well. It is a tad cheaper and dual fuel out of the box. I am WITH YOU that the CO sensor is probably more of a headache and I will definitely have a sheet printed with instructions how to bypass it at the ready. This thing will be outside. I don't get how people are dumb enough to run a generator indoors but nothing surprises me these days......

I am pretty sure the Champion 100519 doesn't have a CO sensor either.

I am not sure how complicated the parallel capability is for an inverter gen but they have to synchronize their frequency of course. I have read up on this and it is easy to parallel a non-parallel capable inverter as long as ONE generator in the pair is capable. I was seeing videos of people paralleling inverter and non-inverter gens this way as well. Some were using resistive loads to synchronize and parallel gens with no inverter or parallel capability as well. Some had FOUR gens running in parallel. This was absolutely just to show it could be done and I would never attempt this. Basically, two gens in parallel is all I would ever want. Basically I understand if one isn't parallel capable, you start that one FIRST, then start the parallel capable one and it will synch to the other one.

If I buy a super quiet and it isn't quite big enough, I could always use a cheap open frame inverter as a boost in the future.

Conor

 

[cwatkin]

Have you already tested your existing "anything with electronic controls" by isolating these systems with a Sinewave AVR/PFC UPS ? Have run several homes with "dirty generators" before we equipped everything with current Honda EU7000ISNAN units. The "dirty power" from the conventional generators did not matter as the 1,500--2,500 watt UPS units provided a bridge of protection for anything sensitive.

Even used a 240v UPS to isolate a swimming pool pump that did not like the "dirty generator" and the UPS did not care, pump ran just fine.

Thanks. That Champion 201175 looks nice but for the price I would jump into the slightly larger Duromax which costs less. I get the feeling Duromax XP9000iH is likely a better brand but am not 100% sure on that. They list how the engine has a cast-iron cylinder sleeve, stainless bearings, 100% copper windings, and other features to enhance its durability while Champion does not.

The AI Power SUA7600iED also gets good ratings and has the specs I want for $1000 less than that Champion. I haven't found anything bad about this brand except that "quality may vary" when dealing with Chonda China specials as with ANY of them. The SUA7600iED also weighs about 100lbs less than the Champion and Duromax which is a plus.

I have thought about better UPS units and such but the cost of a 240V UPS or two will exceed the cost of a new gen. I do appreciate the hints though but for simplicities sake, I think a gen is the way to go for me. Nothing I have is critical enough that I need the power to stay on while I get a gen running.

Thanks,

Conor

 

[GenKnot]

I am not sure how complicated the parallel capability is for an inverter gen but they have to synchronize their frequency of course. I have read up on this and it is easy to parallel a non-parallel capable inverter as long as ONE generator in the pair is capable

It turns out that most inverter gens can be paralleled with each other. There is a user here on the forum that has three GN875i gens running in parallel. Keeping the gens alike for parallel operation is the most preferred method as they will have the most balanced operation.

 

[cwatkin]

It turns out that most inverter gens can be paralleled with each other. There is a user here on the forum that has three GN875i gens running in parallel. Keeping the gens alike for parallel operation is the most preferred method as they will have the most balanced operation.

That makes sense. I figure the smaller one will be taking a heavier load, disproportionately, when sizes are mismatched.

Conor

 

[iowagold]

exact same model and super close on the serial numbers is the trick.
i run 4 of the eu2200i gens here when needed.
most of the time 2 or less is all i need.
pm if you need connection help.
i have a couple of pages with links and a few pix of the setup.

 

[sledman8002002]

The AI Power one has a dB rating of 52 so that is really good as well. It is a tad cheaper and dual fuel out of the box.

I couldnt/cant comment on any of those 4 listed models of your first post, familair in name only with 2 of them, (Pulsar and Genmax). I will say that 52 DB rating is a fantastic number

I am not sure how complicated the parallel capability is for an inverter gen but they have to synchronize their frequency of course.

Easy peasy in my experience. Every so often I run two totally mis-matched 2200 inverters with absolutely no issues. (To add, they're also 2 different sized engines, one being 111cc and the other 79cc).
I'm hoping/wanting to soon find some time on a nice day and do some R&D by adding a 4650w (212cc) inverter into this parallel mix as well.

(Bear in mind I'm not looking for 240v in case you were wondering).

 

[pipe]

I have thought about better UPS units and such but the cost of a 240V UPS or two will exceed the cost of a new gen.

Why does it have to be 240v UPS ?

We use strictly 120v Sinewave AVR/PFC UPS units to isolate all sensitive devices, including currently an inverter LG clothes washer, office equipment with multiple laptops, modem, router, printers, electronic keyboards, LCD panels and more. Have at one house up to 8 different Sinewave UPS's.

The cost of these was minimal compared to the convenience and safety of the equipment suffering from under/over/voltage.

 

[cwatkin]

Why does it have to be 240v UPS ?

We use strictly 120v Sinewave AVR/PFC UPS units to isolate all sensitive devices, including currently an inverter LG clothes washer, office equipment with multiple laptops, modem, router, printers, electronic keyboards, LCD panels and more. Have at one house up to 8 different Sinewave UPS's.

The cost of these was minimal compared to the convenience and safety of the equipment suffering from under/over/voltage.

True. I have most of my sensitive electronics on a UPS and a whole house surge protector as well. Remember I do IT and equipment damaged from power blips is common. I thought you were referring to my HVAC systems and such that don't like the "dirty" generator.

Conor

 

[50ShadesOfDirt]

Inverter-gens put out very stable power. The magic is all in the (potted, meaning "not repairable") inverter module inside these things.

One possible "elephant in the room" is the availability and cost of a replacement inverter module for the inverter-gen you choose. When someone mentions a nifty inverter-gen, I go looking to see what the numbers are for replacement parts; having had a Generac before, replacement part costs can be silent killers.

Either one (availability or cost) could be a deal-killer, and yes, these modules go bad ... right after the miserably short warranty period on many units these days.

Availability, or the actual replacement cost, is something that should be factored into your choices for a generator. For some folks, the repair cost (module + labor) & effort might mean buying an entirely new generator, vs fixing the existing one.

Whole reason for a "right to repair" ...

 

[cwatkin]

Inverter-gens put out very stable power. The magic is all in the (potted, meaning "not repairable") inverter module inside these things.

One possible "elephant in the room" is the availability and cost of a replacement inverter module for the inverter-gen you choose. When someone mentions a nifty inverter-gen, I go looking to see what the numbers are for replacement parts; having had a Generac before, replacement part costs can be silent killers.

Either one (availability or cost) could be a deal-killer, and yes, these modules go bad ... right after the miserably short warranty period on many units these days.

Availability, or the actual replacement cost, is something that should be factored into your choices for a generator. For some folks, the repair cost (module + labor) & effort might mean buying an entirely new generator, vs fixing the existing one.

Whole reason for a "right to repair" ...

This is the way with so many things these days, unfortunately. I need to look into that AI Power unit I was liking and see what the repair costs are if it involves the non-serviceable inverter module. Maybe I should buy an extended warranty if available at a decent price???? I went through this was a battery powered chainsaw as well. I had an extra so wasn't too worried but the potting made it not repairable. Basically it failed and let the smoke out, then stopped working.

I saw someone looking at a $300+ inverter module for not much more than that in the original purchase price. If you find someone with the same unit, they might be able to use it for parts but otherwise these units will be scrap.

Does anyone have a brand/model with what I want that doesn't cost a fortune to repair if the inverter lets the smoke out? It would be worth paying extra for the Duromax if that offers more repairability at a more affordable price. Also, I figure you cannot go too wrong with the Harbor Freight Predator as it gets great ratings as well.

My big non-inverter 8K got a nice workout yesterday which I think was good for it. Some storms rolled in and knocked out power for several hours. I ran it for a while to keep the temps down as it had been out a while and my place was super hot when I got home. The power was surprisingly clean and the voltage stable at 118V with the generator running. I think the constant load of the AC helped. I threw in the spare backup window AC to help load the thing down but also get my place cooled down faster. The generator worked great. It really needed to be run though as it stumbled several times in the first 10 minutes or so of running. I put some Seafoam in the tank and it never skipped a beat again. I try to get it out every 6 months or so but don't always really load it or run it all that long.. This extended run was definitely good for it.

I had posted that this was a 10K earlier but it is only an 8K. It is an 8K running with 13.5K starting watts. The spread between sustained and peak power seems very large for some reason. Why is that?

Conor

 

[sledman8002002]

Does anyone have a brand/model with what I want that doesn't cost a fortune to repair if the inverter lets the smoke out?

I dont know if this price classifies as reasonable for you or not, this is for the Champion OFI 6250 (100519) inverter board (30043-YBE0111-0000 Inverter, 4.8Kw/240V/60Hz) $210 US price

Invertor, 4.8Kw/240V/60Hz | Champion Power Equipment Store

shop.championpowerequipment.com

Also, I figure you cannot go too wrong with the Harbor Freight Predator as it gets great ratings as well.

From everything I've read I have to agree. Also from what I gather HF offers an excellent return policy. I would have or at least tried a Predator if we had easy access up this way.
Are you thinking the 9500? Myself, I'd be inclined to go this way over the AI units you mentioned earlier. But thats just me.

9500 Watt SUPER QUIET Inverter Generator with CO SECURE Technology

Amazing deals on this 9500W Co Secure Inverter Generator at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[GenKnot]

Does anyone have a brand/model with what I want that doesn't cost a fortune to repair if the inverter lets the smoke out? It would be worth paying extra for the Duromax if that offers more repairability at a more affordable price.

In my opinion, the inverter generators are about as reliable as a conventional unit. The key to long life of any of the portable generators is to not run them at full rated load continuously, and to keep up with the maintenance (especially the oil) on time.

As for DuroMax, they are about the same quality as all the other Chonda generators.

 

[cwatkin]

I dont know if this price classifies as reasonable for you or not, this is for the Champion OFI 6250 (100519) inverter board (30043-YBE0111-0000 Inverter, 4.8Kw/240V/60Hz) $210 US price

Invertor, 4.8Kw/240V/60Hz | Champion Power Equipment Store

shop.championpowerequipment.com

From everything I've read I have to agree. Also from what I gather HF offers an excellent return policy. I would have or at least tried a Predator if we had easy access up this way.
Are you thinking the 9500? Myself, I'd be inclined to go this way over the AI units you mentioned earlier. But thats just me.

9500 Watt SUPER QUIET Inverter Generator with CO SECURE Technology

Amazing deals on this 9500W Co Secure Inverter Generator at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

I was hoping for something a tad smaller than the Predator. Maybe if I wait they will come out with a smaller 240V unit. They have a 5000 watt 120V unit that I wasn't aware of until recently. The 9500 looks like a great unit but is larger than I need in both power and size/weight.

If I went open frame, that 100519 would definitely be a contender.

Conor

 

[cwatkin]

In my opinion, the inverter generators are about as reliable as a conventional unit. The key to long life of any of the portable generators is to not run them at full rated load continuously, and to keep up with the maintenance (especially the oil) on time.

As for DuroMax, they are about the same quality as all the other Chonda generators.

I am always good about oil changes. Of course it might be all for nothing if some other part fails and costs nearly as much as the generator itself, leaving you with a perfectly good engine that is of no use. Getting a larger unit like the Predator 9500 or DuroMax might be better as there would be more headroom on the running wattage but I was hoping for something smaller.

It would be nice if generators came with three ratings such as starting, running, and sustained running watts. Is there any good rule of thumb as to what percentage of running wattage is OK for continuous use?

I know HFT offers pretty good service plans on most tools. If I were to buy a lesser known brand like AI Power, I might see if something like this is available. Most just replace the unit in question.

Conor

 

[GenKnot]

It would be nice if generators came with three ratings such as starting, running, and sustained running watts. Is there any good rule of thumb as to what percentage of running wattage is OK for continuous use?

Personally, I use 60% of running rated load when considering continuous operation. Going above that for short term loading (such as heating a cup of coffee in the microwave) is fine. The more you go above 60%, decrease the time accordingly. For example, 70% load could be used for about an hour. That drops to about 15 minutes at 100%. This is a very conservative loading recommendation, but if you want them to last, be kind to them.

Another consideration is the ambient temperature. It is one thing to load a gen at 80% in 40°F weather, and quite another to load it at 80% in 100°F weather.

 

[gfan8484]

If you plan to connect the generator to house wiring then you may want to prefer floating neutral generator models as the connection (transfer switch/interlock) would be easier/cheaper. Vendors make both floating and bonded neutrals models so check carefully. I have good experience with A-IPower GXS7100iRD with floating neutral in the power range you are considering. It's a dual fuel inverter generator and quiet.

To minimize customer support issues with tier 2 generator vendors, I buy from Costco which has much better customer support than the vendors. My experience with Costco shows they get much more responsive support from the vendors than I can by contacting the vendors directly. It's also easier to return to Costco if necessary.