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The Best Generators For Electronics
Reviews And Buyers Guide
We're going to take a look at the best generator for electronics because, for decades now, electronics have been at the heart of the tech revolution which defines the way we live.
And, the wrong generator could destroy all of your electronic devices...
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Our 3 Best Generators For Electronics:
1. WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator, CARB Compliant
This generator reproduces a pure sine wave and limits the harmonic distortion to less than 0.3% when there is no load and to less than 1.2% while running at full capacity.
This makes it perfect for powering the most sensitive electronic devices.
And this generator is also super quiet, so great to have around your home and perfect to take with you on camping trips.
Pros
- Provides clean and safe energy devoid of harmful fluctuations.
- Enhanced Fuel efficiency.
- Excellent customer support.
- CARB compliant
Cons
- Difficult to refill engine oil.
The Wen 56200i is a portable inverter generator that's super quiet and carb compliant and is one of our very favourite generators
- Dimensions: 18" x 11" x 18" | Weight: 48 lbs
- Noise Level: 53 dB operation
- EPA III and CARB Compliant 79.7 cc 4-stroke OHV engine produces 2000 surge watts and 1600 rated watts
- Great for campgrounds, construction sites, tailgates and power outages
- Produces clean power to safely operate and prevent damage to sensitive electronics such as phones, tablets, televisions and computers
< Click Here For A More In-Depth Wen 56200i Review >
2. Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator with Electric Start
The Champion 3800-Watt is a powerful and versatile portable generator, which pumps out 4,750 watts at starting and 3,800 running watts. It is fueled by either Gas or Propane, and can run up to 9 hours at 50% load.
All of its outlets are secured by Volt Guard, which will protect your appliances and electronics from any power surges or spikes in voltage.
Pros
- RV ready. Powerful and reliable
- Gas or Propane-fueled
- CARB compliant in 50 states
- Excellent ChampionTechnical support.
Cons
- Not so quiet
The Champion 3800 is RV ready, dual fuel (gas & propane), push button electric start and has a built-in Volt Guard surge protector...
- Dual Fuel: Operate your 3800-watt portable generator right out of the box on either gasoline or propane, plus the unit holds 0.6-quarts of oil (included) and has a low oil shut-off sensor
- Electric Start: Power up the 224cc Champion engine with the handy toggle switch, battery included
- Intelligauge: Keep track of voltage, hertz and run-time hours to easily monitor power output and track maintenance intervals. Dimensions-26.3 x 24.8 x 22.9 inches
- Outlets: One 120V 30A RV outlet (TT-30R), one 120V 30A locking outlet (L5-30R) and two 120V 20A household outlets (5-20R) - trust Volt Guard built-in surge protector to prevent overloads
- Champion Support: Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
< Click Here For A More In-Depth Champion 3800 Review >
3. Champion 3100-Watt RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator
The Champion 3100 is a great solution if you're looking for a generator that produces clean power for sensitive electronics, because this inverter produces only Clean Power (less than 3% THD).
The Champion engine produces 3100 starting watts and 2800 running watts, which is sufficient to run a variety of large appliances at home, when recreating or on offsite job.
Pros
- Enough power for large appliances.
- CARB compliant.
- Relatively quiet operation.
- Good runtime and fuel efficiency.
Cons
- A bit heavy
- Increased noise level while carrying a heavy load.
The Champion 3100-Watt RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator is amazing value for money, runs quietly and is CARB compliant. A true all-rounder...
- Quick Touch Panel – Access all your controls in one spot, plus Champion’s safe design includes a low oil shut-off sensor and holds 0.6-quarts of oil (recommended 10W-30)
- Ultra-Quiet Operation – 58 dBA is perfect for RVs, tailgating, your next project or backup power for your home, featuring 3100 starting watts and 2800 running watts with up to 8 hours run time
- Clean Power for Sensitive Electronics – RV Ready with a 120V 30A RV, plus two 120V 20A household outlets with clean electricity (less than 3% THD) and 12V DC outlet
- Smart Economy Mode – Can reduce the electrical load, providing quieter operation, extended engine life and better fuel economy
- Champion Support – Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
< Click Here For A More In-Depth Champion 3100 Review >
What Are The Best Generators For Your Electronic Devices?
From the humble doorbell to the latest smartphones, technical innovations have been the driver of all the devices and appliances that make up modern living so much so that we can’t imagine modern existence without their ubiquitous presence.
While electronic devices need electricity to run, they thrive on the cleanest, most stable electricity being as they are, very sensitive to voltage spikes and fluctuations.
With a normal power supply from your mains, that won’t be a problem. But when using backup power from generators, there is the possibility the output power might not be so clean which could fry your latest Apple device in an instant.
Conventional generators basically consist of;
- an alternator
- an engine
- a source of fuel and
- power outlets.
The engine, powered by either propane, gasoline or diesel, turns the alternator at a constant speed of 3,600RPM. The alternator then converts this mechanical energy into electricity which is then transmitted through the outlet to where the power is needed.
For the generator to produce the normal 120 volts AC, 60-hertz used in the US, the engine must maintain a constant speed of 3,600RPM.
Why is that?
It's because the slightest change in this speed will cause the output power to fluctuate. This makes it undesirable for running sensitive electronics.
Portable inverter generators, on the other hand, are designed to produce the cleanest power possible. Just like a conventional generator, the inverter generator produces AC electricity from its engine driven alternator.
However, this AC power is then converted to DC with rectifiers and then further smoothened with capacitors. Then using advanced circuitry, the DC power is “inverted” back into clean AC power with the exact desired frequency and voltage. This system produces clean power with consistent characteristics (pure sine waves) no matter the engine speed; which is very much like the power from your normal electric supply.
This makes inverter generators the best for use with sensitive electronics. Most modern conventional generators come with Automatic Voltage Regulator systems which try to prevent voltage spikes and protect electronic devices. However, the output power is still not as clean as that produced by inverter generators.
These days, sensitive microprocessors have managed to find their way into almost all devices and domestic appliances. From smartphones, tablets, TV, DVD players to washing machines, microwave oven, and other kitchen appliances. This fact highlights the importance of using inverter generators as a backup or alternative source of power because running them with not so clean electricity often degrades their performance with time or outrightly destroys them.
The last thing you want is a massive power surge from your generator that fries all of your electronic devices. The good news is that there are a number of generators that you can trust to power up your laptop, phone and other electronic devices. And the WEN Brand produced our favorite!
Our #1 Recommended Generator for Electronics is…
When it comes to protecting your sensitive electronic devices such as phones, tablets, televisions and computers it doesn't get any better than the WEN 56200i Portable Inverter Generator.
- Dimensions: 18" x 11" x 18" | Weight: 48 lbs
- Noise Level: 53 dB operation
- EPA III and CARB Compliant 79.7 cc 4-stroke OHV engine produces 2000 surge watts and 1600 rated watts
- Great for campgrounds, construction sites, tailgates and power outages
- Produces clean power to safely operate and prevent damage to sensitive electronics such as phones, tablets, televisions and computers
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Hello Mike
Cant decide between inverter or reg. gen. for emergency use: sumps and fridge…as priority; BUT I do not want to fry any TV’s, laptops, phones, etc. that the family will also want to recharge. Can a simple surge suppressor like I already have on my tv’s and PC’s work EFFECTIVELY if I just get a regular gen??
Hi Joe
We highly recommend you use an inverter generator if you want to charge your electronic devices.
Mike
A surge protector will NOT protect your sensitive electronic equipment. Surge protectors usually just protect against voltage spikes. I would NOT trust one to protect against all of the potentially damaging “noise” from a non inverter generated sign wave (AC power)
What about operating Televisions?
Yes, an inverter generator is suitable to run a TV
Hey Mike. If I have my computers plugged in to an uninterruptible power supply (I use the APC No Break Pro BX1500M), a generator that’s just keeping that power supply charged will work regardless of whether it’s an inverter generator or not. Right? Wont the IPS smooth out the fluctuations, or do I need an inverter regardless? I’m working remotely from an area where the power goes out regularly. The satellite internet still works so long as the lights stay on. Thanks for your input.
Hi Marco. A good question. Having a UPS unfortunately doesn’t guarantee that computer systems will be safe. For any sensitive electronic device we alway recommend an inverter generator. Mike
Can you run a fridge and electronics on an inverter generator with 2200 watts?
Hi Gloria, yes 2200 watts is sufficient for your purposes, however keep in mind that you’ll need an inverter generator if you are running electronics. Good luck! Mike
What about the Honda (1) Honda EU2200i Portable Inverter Generator, Some say Honda is the most reliable name brand. What do you think?
Honda is definitely one of the best generator brands. The Honda EU2200i is a big seller and very popular. Just keep in mind the 2200 series were recalled back in May 2020 I think it was and it is not CARB compliant. The Honda EU3000iS may be a better option as it has more grunt and is CARB compliant
How do I figure out if my refrigerator or deep freezer needs to be on an inverter generator versus a conventional generator with AVR?
Hi Matthew. If you have a modern refrigerator/deep freezer with sensitive electronics, the best solution in my opinion is an inverter. It’s more expensive for sure but worth the extra bucks for sure. Mike