Voltage regulator for a generator?

jaymeister99 · Nov 9, 2012

I got a 5500 watt generator on the way. But I've heard that using a TV, frig, or computer on it is a big no no. Supposedly the power fluctuations can fry some electronics, particularly TV and computers.

Anybody noticed any problems hooking up a (non-inverter) generator to a TV/frig/computer for extended times?

I was thinking an automatic voltage regulator could fix the issue without breaking the bank. Anybody try this?

alex · Nov 9, 2012

I have used my Yamaha Industrial non inverter 6kw generator multiple times for power outages (as long as 6 weeks during Andrew) and several times for several days for other minor hurricanes and never had a problem with my TV sets or refrigerator or chest freezer. Of course it is a top of the line generator unlike the China made Home Depot specials and I am sure its internal voltage regulation is very good. I suggest you unplug the major appliances before connecting them to your generator and plug them in one at a time so the initial inrush current draw doesn't trip your generator's main breaker. If you are running your computer off some small UPS then you shouldn't have a problem with using it while your generator is running. It will be running off the UPS and won't care where the AC power is coming from.

IUKE12 · Nov 9, 2012

I have not experienced any problems running a flat screen TV, fridge, DVD player or other electronic devices through my 5000 watt Coleman Powermate Contractor series generator. I have a surge protector for the TV and DVD player at all times. Power is supplied from the generator to a transfer box and then to the individual house circuits. Get a good generator, run it once a month. Have enough fuel on hand for a ten day black out and you will be ahead of the game. It was reassuring during the most recent storm knowing I had the furnace and sump pump. Everything else is icing on the cake for me.

gadgetgeek · Nov 9, 2012

Some generators don't produce a clean frequency of power, so the variation can cause some problems with some equipment. something with a voltage-regulated DC power supply like a laptop can cover for quite a lot of that. If you are unsure, a power-conditioner is cheap insurance, some can be wired right into the house, handy if your local mains power is a bit flaky. And you might get an improvement on your home insurance.

It really depends on the generator. Some the no-nos are from old generators that didn't have auto throttles, or good voltage/frequncy regulation. Fridges run intermittently, so that can cause problems for some old gennies, but the solution to that problem is to just keep the thing running at full throttle, so it can always give the needed power. You can also check your appliance tolerances for power input, should be a sticker on it, or contact the MFg. As long as you have good over-volt protection on the genny, at worst your TV or whatever might not like the power, and not turn on. But I don't think that is going to cause any damage. Im not an engineer though, just run a couple rock shows off of gennies, but then the you'd expect the big three-phase monsters to be reliable.

Quirt · Nov 9, 2012

Do research on pure sine wave generators which produce clean power for computers, electronics etc. Not all generators produce this pure sine wave. For example the Honda EU series are all pure sine wave and save for all.

Bufford · Nov 10, 2012

I use generators around the home and at the remote camp and never had any problems running appliances or computers. I have an older Honda 2500 W for the house and newer Yamaha at the cabin. 2500W will run the essentials of a home like freezers fridges, TV, water pump and furnace all at the same time if one applies the load one at a time. If one needs to apply a heavier appliance like the microwave then shut off a heavier load like the furnace while cooking.

The only problem I ever had was with some cheaper generators like the cheap Yamaha line made in China that would run most things fine, but the battery chargers would not budge, not even in low charge mode, it was like the electricity was not right and would not excite the charger unless the generator was running on a full load- not practical. When I reduced the load the chargers would not put out. I took that Yamaha back, paid more for a Japanese built one and then the chargers worked. Yet I also have a cheap coleman generator and it would run everything including battery chargers well, but the drawback of the old coleman was its noise and fuel consumption.

jaymeister99 · Nov 10, 2012

Thanks for all the responses.

In hindsight I probably should have spent the money for a Honda EU2000 (2000w), but I got the Champion 6800/5500w from Home Depot for $600.

Although I doubt its really needed, I'm going to get a good quality line conditioner/voltage regulator. The 2400w regs run around $180. IMO I'd rather spend the extra money than worry about it.

Geez, back in 1985 when Gloria hit we had a simple 2000w generator that powered the tv, frig, and a few lights for a week. No problems. I would think a brand new one with a good line conditioner/voltage reg will be fine.

Bufford · Nov 11, 2012

You will do fine with the Champion. We have one of those at the family camp although it is the 4000W model. Change the oil after break in and it will serve you well. One thing I noticed was that it was heavier on gas for the first couple of tanks of gas and after that its efficiency improved. They are a little bit on the noisy side, but kept out in the shed we wouldn't notice it. If you are concerned about power surges use a regular surge protector for the electronics.