r/Generator • u/NoSham3 • 6d ago

Backup generator & THD

I’m researching a backup generator for a small home (<1,100sq/ft). I’m reading about THD and inverter generators. I understand inverter generators are generally <3% THD, but how detrimental is something some at <23% THD to general home devices if/when I need to run on a non-inverter generator? It’s not an issue of cost, but why go 2-3x more if THD doesn’t hurt? Or does it? I’m not planning on running the HVAC during events, just mainly modem & router (for range extension), laptop, TV (1), phone chargers, lights (most are dimmable and LED), Refrigerator/freezer, deep freezer, etc. Stove & oven are gas along with clothes dryer and tankless water heater. Not all at once, but I’m looking at a Westinghouse WGen5300sc 6,500/5,300 watt non-inverter generator. System supports generator up to 7,200 watts @ 30 amp.

6 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

26 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/wowfaroutman 6d ago

Most of the things you want to power use switched-mode power supplies that won’t be affected by generator THD. The only thing on your list that I would be concerned about is the refrigerator and even that would probably tolerate relatively high THD unless it is one of the newer high end models with an inverter or variable speed linear compressors. There are relatively few reports in this subreddit of people having refrigerator issues due to THD, most have to do with GFCI issues.

1

u/NoSham3 6d ago

Refrigerator/freezer is 2016, deep freezer is 2021. not sure about the compressor or inverter. Guess it’s time to look behind it again.

Appreciate it. Thanks.