The importance of protecting an electricity generator from power surges cannot be overstated. Generators serve as reliable backup sources of power, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply during emergencies or in areas with limited access to the main power grid. However, these vital machines are not immune to the damaging effects of power surges. Power surges can occur unexpectedly, leading to excessive voltage levels that can harm the sensitive electrical components within the generator.
Protecting the generator from surges is essential to safeguard its performance, prevent costly repairs, and extend its lifespan. By utilizing surge protection devices specifically designed for generators, such as surge suppressors or surge protectors, you can effectively mitigate the risk of power surges and ensure the reliable operation of your electricity generator. These protective measures provide peace of mind, allowing you to rely on your generator during critical times without worrying about the potential damage caused by electrical disturbances.
To tackle these problems, professionals recommend using a surge protector.
You can use a whole-house surge protector to save your home appliances, but what if electricity blacks out. What if it forces down to use another source of energy? Mostly, that would be a generator. So here we will help you to find the Best Surge Protector for your generator.
A generator will be the best go-to device if electric conditions don’t work for you. Here is a question that might come to your mind.
Can generators cause surges?
Yes, generators can cause power surges that may harm your pieces of equipment’s health. There can be many reasons that cause a generator to surge.
- It can be the Old Age of the generator. As generators age, their components start to fade out due to normal wear and tear. It is apt for them to surge.
- It can be Fuel problems that cause surging. There are three scenarios in this case. 1. incorrect fuel, 2. low fuel levels, or 3. poor fuel quality. Most generators have specific fuel requirements. Using any other fuel outside of those parameters can cause operational issues, including surges.
- Poor maintenance of the generator is also a major reason for surging.
- Other reasons include Unbalance load, Erratic motors, Intermittent AVR failure, faulty plugs, etc.
The surge coming from the generator is a pretty bad thing, right? Suppose electricity already blacked out and this condition forced to use a generator that is causing unbalance voltages. Your pieces of equipment are at greater risk in this situation.
We recommend you use a surge protector with the generator.
Now many of you be thinking like, “Hey, how can we use a surge protector with a generator?”
You can use a surge protector with a generator. There are generator-specific surge protectors available in the market. Actually, a surge protector is a power strip with the ability to diffuse unbalanced loads of voltages down and prevent harming your device down.
Generator-specific surge guards are created to withstand wide fluctuations in voltage, and they are wired and installed for the specific purpose of protecting your equipment. This means that, during a power disturbance, these devices can endure higher electricity spikes, shielding your appliances from more electrical damage.
Okay, that is totally fine. We can use a surge protector with a generator but is it safe to use so?
Is it safe to use a surge protector with a generator?
Generators are very hazardous items. They are very turbulent and can generate toxic fumes, so you have to keep them outside.
If you want to bring power to any of your appliances, use a surge protector extension cord.
These are attractive. These come in higher gauges and are insulated against elements like sunlight and moisture. They have two advantages.
- They provide protection against fires and electrocutions.
- They extend and provide more outlets for the generator in your home.
What if the generator blew up the surge protector?
Surge protectors are power strips with the ability to diffuse unwanted loads that may harm your appliances. Berkley Lab ETA Safety suggests surge protectors can carry the only particular load.
If you treat your low-range surge protector with a higher voltage frame, it will definitely blow off.
Before buying a generator, you should check the total wattage of all the devices you want to power. The capacity of the generator you select should be 1.5 times greater than the total wattage of all the devices you want to use with the generator.
But it is not enough to buy a generator with the right capacity. If the surge protector is not rated to carry the load of all the appliances you have connected to your generator, it could blow.
Some of you might be heard that generators didn’t mainly cause surges often.
OR
Which type of generator causes more surges?
Types of Generators:
There are two categories of generators present. Each category of generators has two types further.
Conventional Generators VS. Inverter Generators:
Conventional generators run at 3600 rpm and kind of fluctuates. They produce minor drops and surges in power. On the other hand, inverter generators only give your home as much energy as it needs anytime. They are not apt to surge.
Portable Generator VS. Standby Generators:
Portable generators are small devices that we can move effortlessly. They can produce enough power to run a house. Standby generators have one thing similar to portable generators that they can run a home. The standby generator automatically turns on when the power goes down, while the portable generator requires a manual start. So, a portable generator can sometimes cause a surge.
Here is a simple guide of the characteristics to keep in mind when buying a surge protector for a generator.
Clamping Voltage: Clamping voltage is the minimum amount of voltage that causes a surge protector to direct excess power to the ground. The lower the clamping voltages, the earlier will be the activation of surge protection, and the better will be the protection.
Joule Rating: If you want to know the point at which your surge protector stop working, you need to check out its joule rating. You need a surge protector with the maximum value of joule rating.
UL Rating: A good surge protector has always been tested by independent laboratories. You should always check up on the UL rating before buying a surge protector to avoid any mishap in the future.
Lights: A surge protector should have lights that indicate its life expectancy. It should alert whenever they encounter a spike to find a replacement before the next surge occurs.
Read Also: How to test a Surge Protection device
Some top best surge protectors for generators voted by the professionals:
POWSAF Surge protector 4100 Joule & 30 Amps:
POWSAF surge protector is one of the best, got excellent value for money surge protector rated at up to 30 amps with Diagnostic LED indicator to help identify potential trip hazards.
Yodotek 25Ft Generator Cord with Surge Protector Breaker
Yodotek is a HEAVY DUTY GENERECTOR EXTENSION CORD with 4×10 SJTW gauge cable that can run the max wattage of 7500 watts, power of 30 Amp 125/250 volts, a good generator adapter for emergency use.
Conclusion about best surge protector for generator:
Generators are the devices used to supply power when the electricity goes down. But some generators (non-inverters) produce poor surges that can destroy your sensitive components.
People should use a surge protector with their generators to avoid surges, redirecting excess load to the ground.
Read also: Best Surge Protector for Refrigerator