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Total Harmonic Distortion

Choosing a generator? Understand total harmonic distortion (THD) and how Champion's options protect your sensitive electronics effectively.

Juan Velez
Updated by Juan Velez

Champion portable generators will output an industry standard total harmonic distortion (THD) rating of about 12%-20% depending on load applied. They will produce a sine wave, not a modified or square wave. This is perfectly acceptable for running common commodities found in your home such as TVs, computers, your appliances, etc.

THD is a measure of the deviation of a sine wave from a "perfect" sine wave.  All electricity, including line electricity, has measurable THD.

If you have a specific item that requires less than 3% THD such as a UPS style battery backup, a pellet stove, or high efficiency furnace control board, we recommend purchasing a Champion Inverter Generator (sizes from 2000W to 11,000W); Champion Open Frame Inverter (sizes from 4250W to 9000W) or a Champion Home Standby Generator (range from 8.5KW to 22KW); all units provide less than 3% THD. 

Please consult your specific appliance manufacturer to determine if the appliance requires low THD (less than 3%) to operate properly.

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