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Old 05-23-2020, 08:48 AM   #1
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Enclosed inverter style vs open frame generator.

We live in Florida and during the summer when it's hot out and we sleep we have to run a generator continuously. Are generator when using a laser thermometer is gotten up to 110 degrees I think 120 was the max. we're looking at getting a new generator and I'm worried about getting Honda 3000is. But I know he kills you're available amps and can pop breakers quicker then you add on Florida heat with continuous I'm running maybe 75% of the day from dinner to a late breakfast and I'm worried that it will overheat. I had a Yamaha 2000w inverter that was enclosed and the I believe electronics went bad within 3 nights I think due to heat. It runs and works now but can only do about 800 watts Max now like something went bad. It was not running our RV this was 2 years ago. So I'm worried about buying an enclosed generator versus having an open frame generator and blowing a fan across it.

Honda has a commercial engine 4000w open frame for 1500 at Home Depot or a quiet enclosed for 3000w for $2,000.

This is used for our RV on a property with no neighbors for a mile away and would not be able to hear the generator. I also put it behind a 3 sided cinder block wall that I built so noises minimal near our RV with a Costco Firman Genny open frame 4000 watts. It died so I'm looking at going diesel, Honda, or Champion u til some is done. Then the solar will have a auto start generator module if the batteries go to low.
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Old 05-23-2020, 09:01 AM   #2
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Open Frame will use more fuel but costs a lot less. The enclosed generator should not overheat if it does something else is wrong. A shade, a circulation fan, and an exit path for the exhaust should be more than enough to protect it. An Inverter generator puts out a cleaner power signature but if you aren't using sensitive electronic devices it shouldn't matter. I suggest if you use an open frame you also install a portable or permanent EMS/Surge protector. An inverter generator has built in electronics that protect from low voltage situations but open frames do not.
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Old 05-23-2020, 09:09 AM   #3
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Enclosed inverter style vs open frame generator.

Have you been changing oil at the recommended intervals? On these smaller engines, it can be between 25 - 50 hours MAX. That’s every 1 - 3 days on your schedule. I’m inclined to believe your bad luck with generator longevity is something more than heat, as a Honda is known to run and run and run if taken care of.
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Old 05-23-2020, 02:35 PM   #4
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I used it I think a Max of two times before the issue happened and that was only used at night time while we are sleeping and it was only running a 410 watt Frigidaire AC unit with low surge protection meant for that type of generator.
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Old 05-23-2020, 03:32 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stewfish View Post
I used it I think a Max of two times before the issue happened and that was only used at night time while we are sleeping and it was only running a 410 watt Frigidaire AC unit with low surge protection meant for that type of generator.


Could have been a fluke thing happening.....was it under warranty? I think they would have fixed it for free.
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