Re: Generators and electronics

On Jan 22, 6:57 pm, Eric in North TX <tine...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
The problem is more a matter unstable & unfiltered than surges I don't
think asurgeprotectorwould help.
A really good UPS might though. We lived on our generator for 2 weeks
following a storm a few years ago, I finally freaked after a week &
booted a computer to make sure the internet hadn't forgotten me.

Good reason why so many use Honda generators; not some discount
generator attached to a Briggs & Stratton engine.

Surge protectors are for single events that occur typically once
every seven years. Repeated 'surges' means protector failure and no
appliance protection.

Computer grade UPSes output electricity so dirty (and constantly)
that manufacturers quietly recommend no surge protectors on a UPS
output. Just another example of why the surge protector question is
an obvious "No solution".

What does a UPS do? It typically connects AC electric directly to
appliances when not in battery backup mode. Instead, many assume a
UPS magically 'cleans' electricity. Well the 'cleanest' electricity
comes directly from AC mains - when UPS is not in battery backup
mode. 'Dirtiest' electricity (and why a surge protector should not be
connected) occurs when UPS battery provides power.

Solution starts and ends with that generator.

Read numbers provided with a laptop. What voltages must a laptop
work at? Any voltage from 90 to 260 volts. What happens when a 120
volt generator outputs 150 volts? If may harm a refrigerator or DVD/
VCR. But it must not harm the laptop. Others feared damage because
they did not first read the numbers. Laptop would be more robust than
the refrigerator.

What does each appliance manufacture list for voltage variation?
Always first get numbers. Just more reasons why some generators (ie
Honda) cost a little more money (as well as operate so much longer on
same fuel when loads are constantly changing).
.

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