Pulsar Products are a portable generator manufacturer out of Ontario, CA they have a variety of models that span a wide range of power outputs. Their position in the market is targeted to be significantly more cost-efficient than the Honda or Yamaha generators, but with similar performance.
One of the key elements of their generators is quality, which they have optimized through the delivery of “clean electricity” with the lowest possible total harmonic distortion (THD).
The lower the THD, the more stable the power is and safer for sensitive electronics. Using sensitive devices with high THD generators can cause damage and a reduction in service life.
Typically, generator electricity is considered “clean” or having a stable sine wave if the THD is under 5%.
Pulsar’s design specs for their traditional open-frame generators is ≥ 5% THD, while their inverter generators are ≥ 3%, which means that they are well in the realm of energy quality classification for “clean electricity”.
There’s plenty more to explore with generator sine waves and THD for those so inclined, but a couple of key points to consider about THD when choosing a portable generator from PowerUpGenerator.com:
The low-quality power is acceptable for some use for power tools and most appliances. (THD less than 10%)
Higher-quality power is required as the sensitivity of devices or duration of use increases. (THD 6% to 9%)
Contents
Inverter Generator vs Traditional Generators
Portable generators can either be inverter or traditional-style, the main differences being price, electronic sensitivity, and noise.
A key feature that comes up when searching for portable generators is the “inverter” classification. But what exactly is the difference between an inverter generator and a traditional generator?
Stable Power
The primary difference is inverter generators have a clean or stable sine wave.
What that means is that they are safe for sensitive electronics like cellphones, laptops, etc (running a TV you won’t get a line across the picture, and audio equipment won’t have noise)
Quieter Operation
Inverter generators are totally enclosed, with sound deadening panels which help to keep the noise down and the operation itself is often much quieter than traditional gas generators
Greater fuel efficiency
Most inverter generators have an “eco” or “economy” mode, which means that they will adapt engine speed automatically to the power demand, so they are not running in excess of what is needed and using extra gas
On the flip side, traditional generators are usually about 1/3 the price of inverter generators of equal power.
For those not looking for power-sensitive electronics (for construction use or large appliances), traditional open-frame generators offer a great budget buy option.
Also, from a repair perspective, open-frame generators are easier for owners to access and either fix themselves or take to a local repair shop, while inverter generators are more complex and require special skills to work on.
What Fuels Your Power
Most portable generators run on gasoline, but some have propane as a backup for dual-fuel classification.
Portable generators (both for RVs and otherwise) either come in gasoline or dual-fuel options, while large, stationary generators can run on diesel fuel or natural gas.
The fuel source makes a difference when weighing the option of dual-fuel generators, which can run off either gasoline or propane power.
Gasoline provides the maximum power output for portable generators, and for semi-regular to regular use, it makes the most sense since the gasoline is cycled regularly.
If you plan on using it solely for emergency situations though and don’t have gasoline around for other applications, storing gasoline for extended periods of time isn’t a great idea, since old gas is not good for the equipment.
For dual-fuel models, propane has about 90% of the energy potential of gasoline, however, it will store indefinitely without degradation or risk of damage to your generator.
Having the dual-fuel option is also good for emergency backup situations when camping since the portable, 1lb Coleman-type propane bottles can be used in a pinch if the gasoline or bulk propane runs out.
One really useful characteristic of dual-fuel generators is their ability to run off any propane source, so not just the small portable tanks.
For folks that use propane instead of natural gas, that means your 120-500 gallon propane tank can be connected to the portable generator for power with a fuel source you already have readily available.
PG2000isn 2000W Inverter Generator
The PG2000isn portable generator is an inverter with lightweight construction and is capable of powering sensitive electronics.
Size/power
- 2000W peak
- 1600 running
80cc OHV engine
Size 19.7” x 11.2” x 17.9”
Fuel source & tank size Gasoline, 1.18gal
Noise 59 db
Run time 8hrs at normal half-load
Outlets
- 2 x120V outlets
- 1 x12V CLA outlet
- 1x 5V USB
At 40lbs, this is designed to be lifted in and out of a truck bed or trunk and move around with only one hand.
This inverter generator is enclosed, which keeps the noise down but also protects the innards during transportation.
The 2000isn only requires easy pulls to get the unit started, features a low oil indicator light and automatic shutoff when a low oil level is detected, as well as an overload warning light.
The downside of this unit from an RV perspective is that it doesn’t already come as RV-ready with a 30A outlet out of the box, so a converter is needed.
Laptops, cell phones, and other sensitive electronics can be powered off inverter generators, like the Pulsar PG2000isn.
This unit does have “Economy Control”, and when this is turned on the unit automatically determines the generator’s proper engine speed based on the connected electrical load.
This is designed to optimize fuel consumption and noise reduction since you won’t need the unit to run at even half-load all the time.
This 2000isn model also has the parallel capability and is available in a two-pack with the parallel kit, which can be quite useful.
You can check the price here on Amazon
Parallel Inverter for Portable Generators
A parallel kit for inverter generators allows two units to be linked together to increase your power production.
A parallel inverter kit for portable generators acts as a link to tie two inverter-type generators together to increase the available power output.
This doubles the power output of your generator setup, meaning that you can use a single device that draws more current than one entire generator can produce.
The parallel kit distributes the energy load between two units, however, it is not able to tell what power capacity each unit is so the energy pull is distributed evenly between the two units.
It is highly recommended to have two generators with the same wattage, to ensure safe operation and longevity of the equipment.
Traditional open-frame (non-inverter) generators cannot be paralleled because they do not have strict digital synchronization of the power output.
Check the price and availability here on Amazon.
Benefits of Parallel Generators
Parallel kits with portable generators allow two smaller units to be combined to meet larger electricity demands when needed, and smaller needs as standalone units.
One main reason people opt for parallel-capable generators is being able to segment the power of how you need it, like building blocks. When you need a little power, bring one.
When you need more power, bring them both and parallel them together to increase available power.
A regular 2000W portable generator might be fine running a handful of devices like a fridge, some lights, and random electronic charging.
But in disaster situations that might not be sustainable to run a high-BTU air conditioner, or powering the whole home with multiple appliances.
Generators are only supposed to be paralleled when they are designed in such a manner.
Aside from the necessary cables and ports to connect them together, paralleling generators requires both units to be of the same specification.
PG4000ISR 4000W Inverter Generator
The Pulsar PG4000iSR inverter portable generator is a big unit capable of providing 30A service.
Size/power
- 4000W peak
- 3500W rated
Engine size 224cc OHV engine
Dimensions 21” x 20” x 30”
Fuel source & tank size
- Gasoline, 3.5 gallon
Noise 63 dB
Run time is 15 hours at half-load
Outlets
- 1 x 30A RV
- 2 x 120V
- 1 x 12V 8A
- 1 x 5V USB
The PG4000ISR has 5.5” wheels, with a telescoping spring-loaded handle for helping to cart the unit around, and at 92.6lbs it is getting to the heftier end of the portable generator scale.
This unit is altogether on the larger side and requires two people to lift it out of a truck bed.
The wheels are great for moving it around once on flat land, and a unit of this size can be enough to power a larger RV or even some lighter construction job sites.
The 4000W generator is designed for maximum ease of use with high power output, with a push-button electronic start (no pull cord necessary), and it comes RV-ready with the TT-30R RV outlet.
Portable generators like the Pulsar PG4000iSR often have wheels on larger units to facilitate mobility.
One of the unique things about this model is the remote for use to start or stop it from inside your camper or trailer which is awesome.
If needed, this model can be used with the parallel kit, to ramp up the power production even more if needed.
It also comes with all the features like a DC power port, oil warning light, automatic shutoff, overload indicator, and economy mode.
You can check the price and availability here on Amazon