Generator voltage surge

[Eryavitz]

Hello everybody,

When camping I run a small 1200 watt generator. Just enough to get the lights and fridge going. Last year at Michigan, I ran a small set of speakers through an stereo amplifier without anything else running. It played for a couple of hours then quit. The amplifier/reciever shut itself off. I later discovered that the error message on the amp was a burnt circuit. I figure this was a result of surging on the part of the generator. Is this the case? Lights bulbs always dim/shine with the RPMs of the generator. Does a surge protector flatten out these surges or is this something that you have to live with using a generator? IE: no sensitive electronics. I should also add that the engine does run smooth, there was no obvious surging of the engine at the time.

Thanks

[DCNascarFan]

There are people on here with a lot more experience than me that will know the technical details... but my generator (a newer Kipor) says it has some sort of regulator that makes the power "clean" and safe for today's electronics. I'm assuming older generators or lesser models might not have that feature?

Stereo amps are pretty easy to blow - I bet you're right about the cause being the power from the generator.

Was the amp a total loss, or did you just have to replace a fuse?

[Eryavitz]

I checked the amp manual and other boards regarding the amp. It is a write-off. It is older and not worth the repair since I can go to a pawn shop to get a cheap camping disposable amp if need be. Cordless, BOSE I-pod docks have really taken the place of the amp/truck box speaker combo, but even that will need to be charged after a day's work. Not sure if charging the BOSE with the generator is a smart move.

[madfinnhockey]

I'd agree with DC Nascar that the generator probably doesn't create "clean" power that could of been the cause of your failure. If your lights dim and brighten with the generators rpm, you're not putting out a constant power supply.

I don't think a surge protector will take care of the problem, I believe that they are designed more to absorb surges of power, preventing surges from reaching what is ever plugged into it. My guess is that your generator is probably causing something similar to a "brown out" where the voltage, and or frequency is reduced, causing problems.

Like DC, I too have a Kipor and I've run everything from computers, disc jockey systems, etc, from it with no problems.

[DCNascarFan]

Like DC, I too have a Kipor and I've run everything from computers, disc jockey systems, etc, from it with no problems.

Disk jockey systems? If we're ever at the same race, I'm headed to YOUR campsite! :)

(sorry, off-topic)

[madfinnhockey]

Hey DC, I've been tempted to bring the system to NHMS, but......... I was a dj at clubs and functions for about 25 years, gave it up about 12 years ago once it was no longer fun, but the equipment still comes out a few times a year for a party!

[Buddlite]

Hey Finn, bring it all down to Daytona for Speedweeks next year!!!!!!

[Bignascarfan]

Hey DC, I've been tempted to bring the system to NHMS, but......... I was a dj at clubs and functions for about 25 years, gave it up about 12 years ago once it was no longer fun, but the equipment still comes out a few times a year for a party!
That is what happened to me, it became too much like work.... I sold my equipment but I kept all the cds after I digitized them to my hard drive..:-)

I know for a fact the Surge protectors do NOT clean up the power. I also am very sure that if your generator does not use converter tecknowlegy,(spelling stinks) It will have "Dirty" elctricity. The newer "quiet" generators usulay have cleaner power. I do not know if there is a filter that you can buy or not... now you have me thinking.

[stewartfan]

I think you need a inverter generator, they produce clean power. We have a Honda and I never have lights dim.

I also installed monitors to measure voltage of both AC and DC for our trailer.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2450/3548958670_8cc8a30f80.jpg

This is from Honda's website:
How does the inverter work?
Honda 's inverter technology takes the raw power produced by the generator and uses a special microprocessor to condition it through a multi-step process.

First, the generator's alternator produces high voltage multiphase AC power. The AC power is then converted to DC. Finally the DC power is converted back to AC by the inverter. The inverter also smoothes and cleans the power to make it high quality. A special microprocessor controls the entire process, as well as the speed of the engine.

Honda uses only high quality inverters in our generators, which produce stable, consistent power.

The end result? Clean enough power to run even the most sensitive electronic equipment.

[MASTERTECH]

stay away from cheap kipor genes buy the honda you won`t be sorry