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However, no matter how many technological advances have been made in backup generator technology, our old-fashioned power generators are still incapable of providing clean energy.
That means your generator is producing imbalanced current or that the power varies dramatically from time to time.
In the worst-case scenario, you could be looking at a malfunction or even a total collapse of sensitive electrical devices like laptops and PCs, digital microwaves, and televisions.
With a few simple steps, you can ensure that your generator power is clean enough for your electronic gadgets.
Generator electricity can be cleaned up for electronics use in the next section (various ways).
What are we waiting for?
How to clean up generator power for electronics
How to clean up generator power for electronics using a UPS
If you’re looking for something more complex, you’ll have to get a UPS, which is basically just a big battery and some electronics.
If you want to manage voltage and stabilize power for your devices, you may want to consider using a simple voltage regulator.
The reason I use the word crude is because not all UPSs are compatible with generators, and you must look for a UPS that does.
This type of UPS converts the incoming current to provide a constant supply of sine wave electricity.
Other options include smart UPSs, which have an automated voltage regulator (AVR) to provide clean energy for your household’s valuable electronic equipment when the mains power goes out.
Using a pure sine wave inverter
An inverter that outputs only pure sine waves is another option for obtaining the ideal power supply for your electrical devices.
For delicate electrical items like televisions, an inverter (a gadget that transforms DC into AC) is necessary to ensure that they are safe to operate.
Even out the rough (or square) wave, which is the normal waveform in most electric current, so that it can be fed to the electronic machinery without the harmonic distortion. These useful devices employ complex technology.
One way to do this is to use a common 12V battery to power your new genuine wave inverter (another name for pure sine wave inverters).
For your generator’s 12V charging system, you connect this configuration to it.
During power outages, you can use this method to supply your specialized gadgets, such as printers and stereos, with electricity that is as clean as that provided by the utility.
Using a power line conditioner
Add a power line conditioner as the third way for ensuring that your devices get constant power.
In the past, this was a mechanism for preventing expensive electronic equipment from being damaged by voltage fluctuations.
It’s now usual practice for manufacturers to include an AVR for voltage balancing in the device.
The affordability (some high-quality models cost as little as $100) and ease of use of these gadgets are two of our favorite things about them.
You should use caution when purchasing one because it is not without flaws.
Incompatible with AC gas generators, for example, and you could wind up with a waste of money.
How to clean up generator power for electronics using a separate voltage regulator
Another option is to use an external solid-state voltage regulator.
In order to provide a constant and clean voltage, separate electronic regulators were devised many years ago and have since been utilized in a variety of applications, including autos.
Because of this, they monitor and adjust the field current to maintain a constant output regardless of load variations.
To support your generator, be sure to choose a voltage regulator with adequate capacity.
Causes of the ‘dirty’ power
When a condenser type voltage regulator is used, the problem is caused by an absence of distorted voltage and frequency (these are pretty inexpensive but the unsophisticated control is sometimes unable to provide proper regulation).
Automatic voltage regulator (AVR) generators, on the other hand, use intelligent technology to adjust the voltage and deliver cleaner power to your devices.
With AVR alternators costing hundreds of dollars more than normal generators, they are more expensive than conventional generators.
Inverter generators are the most expensive backup equipment.
Since it produces a pure sine wave with no voltage or frequency fluctuations, it is the most advanced of all.
All things considered, if you can’t afford to upgrade to an AVR or an inverter machine, you should at least attempt these suggestions.
It has the potential to save you a significant sum of money.
Wrapping up
As you can see, it’s possible to protect your laptops, PCs, TVs, and other electronic devices from voltage swings from your generator without having to fork over a fortune.
An open mind and the willingness to try new things until you find one that works are the most crucial qualities.
Of course, not everyone has the same level of talent, and you might find the entire process draining.
If this describes you, seek the advice of a technician and discuss your options with him or her.
Even though it costs you a little more now, it will save you a lot of money in the long run.
