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I know this subject has been discussed often but can someone explain to me the difference between a Honda generator cosing several hundred pounds and the generator I can buy for less than £100.00.
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I know this subject has been discussed often but can someone explain to me the difference between a Honda generator cosing several hundred pounds and the generator I can buy for less than £100.00.
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Coul you not fit an invertor to the ALDI generator then plug your van lead into the 230v on the invertor?oh:oh:
I know this subject has been discussed often but can someone explain to me the difference between a Honda generator cosing several hundred pounds and the generator I can buy for less than £100.00.
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Maplins I see sell Surge Protectors. A Single Surge Socket at a fiver or the Belkin Surge Cube at £7. I am asking would these products or similar allow the use of a cheap Aldi genny to feed into the motorhome mains without melting the control/charger units???
Anybody know?? Please.
Around £100 and below, what you will get is a cheap open-frame generator of the type used by builders on a site (only they tend to use better versions).
These produce electricity by running at a constant speed (≅3000 rpm) and driving an alternating current (AC) generator. The output voltage tends to fluctuate and they also tend to be quite noisy.
Most motorhomers (who use a generator) go for a 'suitcase' model. These produce electricity in an entirely different way. They generate direct current (DC) which is fed through a sine-wave inverter to produce 230V AC at the outlet. This has the effect of producing a very stable output voltage without surges. Their design makes them quieter too.
The problem with power surges is that they can damage sensitive equipment, perhaps most importantly, the charging unit of the motorhome if you plug the generator into the mains inlet. They are not good news for things like computers either.
Suitcase generators come in a variety of sizes and makes. Output is measured in KVa and 1 KVa is equivalent to about 900 watts. Most motorhomers will choose a 1 KVa model if they just want to power the onboard charger and perhaps run a few modest items. A 2KVa or 2.6KVa model will be required if you want to run large hairdryers, microwave ovens, household kettles etc.
The difference between 'suitcase' brands is then down to build quality, reputation, service / spares and how much you are willing to pay. Honda are the most expensive, but generally regarded as the best and they are pretty quiet. They start at over £600 for a 1KVa model. Kipor are very popular and start at around £300 I believe. There are other makes too - have a look at the PlanetGen website - they are trade members of Fun and know a lot more about it than me.
Finally, returning to the noise issue, there was a £65 Aldi special discussed the other week. From its specification, it would be about 2.5 times louder than a Honda. And of course, it would be prone to power surges.
Hope this helps and is not overly technical.
Philip
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Mel,
See my last post above, which was in answer to the same query.
Philip
Philip
Just a quick question..and John (papajohn) or Jim (Scot Jimland) may know this answer
Peaks and troughs output voltage surges....what would a Belkin Surge suppressor do..inline between the cheap genny and the inlet plug of the motorhome ??. would it improve or solve the problem, or be a waste of time...meaning stop any damaging surges to sensitive equipment.....?????oh:
Mel
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Hope that doesn't detract from the sine-waves. I'm going to give them to every MH I see in the future.
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i have been offered a used honda ex 350 2 stroke generator in perfect condition because of size and lightness was thinking of buying just for charging the batteries in an emergency does anybody know of this model and have any advise. I know maximum output is only 300 watts
Apolgies to all for wandering off-piste (that's one word, not two) but I was working my way through this very useful stuff when my eye was caught by "Communication Consultant" Jean Luc. (Obviously well versed in French letters, but moving swiftly on).
He lists his interests as "watching walking". What a delightful thought! There's a man who's got his life-balance about right...Quelle delicatesse!!
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