Portable Inverter Generator is the next logical step from the established use of inverters, cutting out the need for vast banks of expensive and bulky banks of batteries with their continual need for topping up with distilled water and occasional acid.

Originally inverters are used in an environment, which had no alternating current [AlC] electrical supply but depended on batteries and was a means of converting direct current [D/C] stored electricity in a 12V battery and changing i.e. inverting it to 120V AC, normal domestic electricity supply so in a camping or boating environment the power source of the vehicle could be used to run domestic appliances and laptops.

With the advent of modern scientific advances the production of electricity by portable equipment has improved beyond all expectation.

A portable inverter generator is the most up to date economical and environmentally friendly way to produce relatively clean electricity.

This differs from a normal generator by inverting the current from alternating current to direct current and then inverting it back again to make a more regular wave pattern and produces standard 120 volt 60 hertz which are less potentially damaging than the power surges produced by a normal generator. They are normally powered by a small, less than 100 cc, 4 stroke petrol engine which is similar, although much smaller, than the engine of your car.

So to explain further the points we have identified as relevant let us take them in order.

Portability is assured as the size of the unit is about the same as a suitcase and weighs about the same at around 40 pounds which alters as the amount of electricity produced will obviously alter both size and weight but they will be in this general area.

They can produce a range of electrical supply from 1000 watts up to 400 watts and whilst the larger unit will be heavier it is still portable.

Economically the portable inverter generator will have a fuel consumption of around a quarter of a gallon an hour depending on output required and some model can run for 10 hours without refueling. It uses regular gas and can be purchased when you fill up your car.

The flexibility of an inverter generator comes from the fact that unlike a conventional generator the engine doesn't have to run at a constant speed and the lower the take up of electricity the less engine revolutions required so less noise and less fuel usage.

The efficiency of the new engines causes less exhaust fumes and with modern technology increased fuel efficiency means less impact on the environment.

The amount of noise produced is much less than a conventional generator and is generally about the same as a normal conversation when overheard from about 7 feet, much less than a vacuum cleaner, and obviously with the necessity of removal of the exhaust fumes it is unlikely that you would be closer than 6 foot anyway.

Most units would come with internal insulation to prevent noise transference within the body of the unit which is normally filled with glass wool to reduce noise.

The lightweight units are easily transported and are frequently used by builders and handymen as they can run larger power tools than conventional battery powered cordless equivalents and this means instant workability as there is no waiting for chargers.

They are also indispensable for campers, boaters and tailgater's as the unit is easily transported and means you can use normal house hold items, computers, games consoles and televisions which, because they have microprocessors in their circuitry, need a constant, clean electrical supply with minimum disruption and surges.

An inverter generator also has uses apart from recreational if you live in an area with frequent power outages. It is possible to have a supply circuit installed by a licensed electrician which can safely use the power supply from an inverter generator in times of power cuts and to make sure there is no circuit leakage back to the grid.

To be more specific let's have a look at a very popular model produced by Yamaha the EF2000iS produces 2,000 Watt of electricity from a 79cc OHV 4-Stroke Gas Powered engine and is mid price range at about $11 OO. lt is approximately 20'' x 18'' x 11'' the size of an airline carry on bag and weighs 55 ponds so a little bit heavier than a normal suitcase.

The output of 2000 watts is sufficient for most recreational uses and in an emergency could power lighting circuits and an air-con unit as well as refrigerator and freezer. This is just one of many available units but is well recommended and easily available.

Because of the universal availability of these affordable portable inverter generators and the energy they can supply they make an excellent back up for unseen malfunctions of the local power system coupled with the myriad of usages in the recreational area and a home from home feeling when camping or boating.