What is an Inverter Generator: How Does it Work?

I have been asked the question,“What is an inverter generator?” many times. While my answer is always the same, I often feel it is incomplete, and many of the customers will not truly understand what it means.

If you are here, I consider you my customer.

If you are thinking of investing in an inverter generator but are not fully convinced, I’m sure this article will provide the answers you need.

For sure, we all want our devices to be safe from power surges, which are most common with traditional generators. 

But the question we should ask ourselves is: Are inverter generators truly as safe as claimed?

Let’s find out!

What is an Inverter Generator?

Inverter generators are also called modern generators. The first set of these generators was manufactured in the late 1900s, while traditional generators were discovered as far back as the early 1800s. 

An inverter generator is an efficient and portable source of power that produces clean and stable electricity just like the one from the grid that can be used to run sensitive and smaller electronic devices.

For everything good, there is a bad side. The bad side is that inverter generators are mostly costlier than normal traditional generators. 

How Does an Inverter Generator Work? 

Inverter generators are not always battery-powered; instead, they operate similarly to traditional generators by using an internal combustion engine to generate power. However, they differ in the way they process and deliver that power.

Although traditional generators produce alternating current, also known as AC, directly from their alternator, inverter generators tend to take an additional step to ensure that the electricity they provide is clean, stable, and suitable for sensitive electronics and devices. 

For inverter generators to produce clean power, they start by producing AC power from the alternator, which typically fluctuates in both voltage and frequency depending on the speed and load of the engine. Such fluctuations are typically unsuitable for delicate devices that require stable and clean power supplies like laptops, smartphones, etc.

To further address the fluctuations problem, raw AC power is passed through a component called a rectifier, which is an electronic device or circuit that converts alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). 

The conversion by the rectifier is done by two major components, such as diodes or silicon-controlled rectifiers, which ensure that the current flows in one direction while blocking any reverse flow. 

However, this does not mean that the AC power has been converted, but it ensures that the power is now steady and consistent. 

In this case, it is not prone to fluctuations, but there are still other things that need to be done for it to be fully converted.

To fully convert the power and improve the quality of the DC output, filter capacitors are added to the rectifier system and sometimes its AVR. 

The capacitor tends to smooth out any minor fluctuations that might occur, reducing the ripple effects in the current, which finally results in a clean and reliable DC output that serves as a base for the final stage of the power conversion.

In the final stage, the rectified DC is passed through an inverter to transform it back into clean AC power with a consistent sine wave. 

The purpose of this is to eliminate the voltage and frequency inconsistencies typically found in traditional generators, making inverter generators ideal for running sensitive electronics safely and efficiently.

Watch this video for better understanding.

Key Features of an Inverter Generator

Inverter generators have various features, among which the key ones are identified below:

1. They Are Fuel Efficient

One of the key features of inverter generators is that they are highly efficient in fuel compared to traditional generators. 

Inverter generators do adjust their engine speed based on the power demand, meaning they don’t always run at full capacity. 

For instance, if you only need to power a few devices, the generator reduces its output and fuel consumption accordingly. 

This dynamic adjustment not only saves fuel but also extends the generator’s runtime, making it a cost-effective option for prolonged use. 

Apart from that, many inverter generators feature an “eco-mode” setting that optimizes performance and minimizes fuel usage even further.

2. They Produce Clean and Stable Power 

The defining and key feature of an inverter generator is its ability to produce clean and stable power. 

Unlike traditional generators, which may have fluctuations in voltage and frequency, inverter generators use advanced technology to deliver a consistent sine wave. 

The clean power output they produce closely resembles that of electricity supplied by the grid, making it safe for sensitive devices like computers, televisions, and smartphones. 

3. They Are Mostly Portable and Easier to Carry About 

Inverter generators are designed with portability in mind. They are typically smaller, lighter, and more compact than traditional generators, making them easy to transport and store. 

Many models of inverter generators come with ergonomic handles, wheels, or both, enhancing their mobility. These features make them ideal for use in various settings, such as camping trips, outdoor events, or even as a backup power source at home. 

4. They Are Much Quieter 

Inverter generators are much quieter than their traditional counterparts due to their innovative design and technology. 

They operate at variable speeds, reducing the engine’s noise. Additionally, many models incorporate sound-dampening materials or enclosures to minimize noise levels further. 

Being quiet with a noise level between 50–60 decibels (dB) makes inverter generators suitable for use in residential areas, campsites, or other locations where excessive noise could be disruptive. 

Differences Between Inverter Generators and Traditional Generators

While inverters and traditional generators serve the same purpose, which is providing electricity to power our equipment, they vary greatly. 

A major difference between inverter and traditional generators is that traditional generators are typically known for powering larger and insensitive devices such as laptops, while inverter generators are known for powering smaller and sensitive devices. 

The following are other differences you also need to know.

1. Power Output Quality

One of the differences between inverter generators compared to traditional generators is seen in their power output quality. 

Inverter generators produce cleaner, stable power with consistent voltage and frequency. 

Traditional generators, on the other hand, produce raw AC power, which can fluctuate in voltage and frequency, especially under variable load conditions. 

Additionally, the electricity generated from inverter generators is free from spikes or surges, which are common among traditional generators. 

2. Efficiency and Fuel Consumption

Inverter generators are highly fuel-efficient due to their ability to adjust engine speed based on power demand. 

They also consume less fuel during low-load operation and often include “eco-mode” settings to further enhance efficiency.

Traditional generators, on the other hand, operate at a constant speed regardless of the load, leading to higher fuel consumption even when the power demand is minimal.

3. Noise Level

Inverter generators are known for their quiet operation, often running at noise levels between 50–60 decibels (dB), similar to a normal conversation. 

However, traditional generators are much noisier, with noise levels often exceeding 70 dB. They operate at full throttle, producing a continuous, loud hum.

4. Size

Inverter generators are often compact, lightweight, and designed for easy transportation. Many of the models typically feature ergonomic handles and wheels for added portability, making them suitable for outdoor activities and small spaces.

However, traditional generators are larger and heavier, often requiring multiple people or mechanical aids to move. They are more suitable for stationary use, such as powering homes during extended outages.

5. Cost 

Inverter generators are more expensive upfront due to their advanced technology and features. However, their fuel efficiency and durability can make them cost-effective in the long run.

Conversely, traditional generators are typically cheaper upfront, making them accessible for those on a tight budget. However, they may incur higher operating costs due to greater fuel consumption.

Pros and Cons of Inverter Generators

Do Inverter Generators Run On Gas?

Indeed, a lot of inverter generators run mostly on gas. When it comes to powering these generators, gasoline is a common alternative because it’s practical and reasonably priced. 

However, inverter generators aren’t solely powered by gasoline. Some models are designed to run on alternative fuels like propane, natural gas, or even diesel. 

With the additional freedom these dual-fuel or tri-fuel generators offer, users can select the fuel that best suits their needs in terms of efficiency or convenience.

Can Inverter Generators be Used Indoors?

Certainly not! You cannot use your inverter generator indoors. Using your inverter generator indoors means you are breaking one of its major safety rules, which states, “DO NOT USE THE GENERATOR INDOORS.”

The major reason for this is to prevent you from damaging your health or k*lling yourself. Most inverter generators are just like traditional generators. They operate with an internal combustion engine that emits dangerous fumes you mostly cannot see, like carbon monoxide. 

These fumes are dangerous to human health, but prevention is better than cure. Therefore you should not run the generator indoors but outdoors at least 15 feet away from your house.

Are Inverter Generators Worth It?

So, are inverter generators worth it? I should leave that for you to judge based on your needs. But for me, they are worth it despite how costly they are for various reasons. 

One of the reasons I think inverter generators are worth buying is because when compared to traditional generators, it is not worth risking your devices to power surges.

Apart from that, you will not be disturbed by a loud noise, and most importantly, they are fuel efficient when also compared to traditional generators. 

To conclude, inverter generators are worth going for if you’re powering sensitive and small devices. 

However, if you are powering larger devices that are less sensitive and need more power, you can consider going for a traditional generator but ensure you use a surge protector.