So, you're planning to purchase a generator and would like to know what's a good size. Well, a lot of campers and homeowners would say that a 2kVA generator would be the best especially if you're a beginner. It's usually considered as a standard capacity for a generator and would work great for short camping trips or as a backup portable power source in case of power interruptions. A 2kVA generator is light enough to carry, perfect for campsites or for hauling in your recreational vehicles.
What Will a 2kVA Generator Run?
One of the best things about a 2kVA generator is its compact size and multiple outlets. It can effectively power smaller appliances commonly found in your home or caravans like a 500W freezer, microwave, lights, and an electric stove. It can even be used to run mid-sized well pumps! If you want to power larger appliances, you need to consider the starting watts too, or the amount of wattage needed to kick start and equipment. For example, a refrigerator might only need 300W to run but requires a 1200W to start before dropping to that wattage level.
A 2kVA generator can be a versatile source of power as it can be used to operate wireless power tools as well. Presently, generators have evolved significantly from the traditional huge ones that roar to life when you start them. There are a lot of portable generators for sale online, but the most popular type would be inverter generators. Backed by modern technology, this is a top choice of outdoor enthusiasts for its reliability and safety features housed in a compact, easy-to-carry form.
What's the Difference Between a Generator and an Inverter Generator?
Process-wise, conventional generators use a mechanical alternator to generate alternating current (AC) usable power while inverter generators use AC power which is converted to a direct current (DC) before being inverted back to an AC via a microprocessor. This three-stage phase results in a cleaner, higher quality power that can smoothly run even sensitive devices.
Inverter generators are a lot quieter as well, ranging from 49dB to 60dB during operation. Here at Outbax, we have a range of some of the best camping inverter generators with different capacities that you might want to look at for your next outdoor adventure. Our generators are equipped with a Pure Sine Wave design for smoother waves of power, plus overload protection to prevent damage and allow for easier maintenance.
What Size Generator Does It Take To Run a House?
When choosing a generator for your home, bear in mind that the more appliances you want to run, the more wattage you need. A 5000W to 7000W generator will generally be enough to power even critical household equipment like full-sized fridges, air conditioners, and lighting circuits. Something with a higher capacity can even run all these simultaneously. If you only need to run a few devices, somewhere between 3000W to 4000W would be sufficient.
However, to have a good estimate of the size of generator you need, one thing you can do is add the wattage of all the appliances you want to use in case of a power interruption. They are commonly listed on their labels in watts or amps. Don't forget to consider the starting and running watts, as well as the equipment you'd like to run at the same time. Also, if you live in an area prone to power issues, it's best to go with a larger generator insteadlike a 7kW to 20kW inverter generator.
