A generator is an electrical machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
When the voltage supplied to the load exceeds the rated output of a generator, it will create an excessive current flow to fulfill its duty. This can lead to a voltage drop, which is when the voltage supplied by the generator decreases below what was required by the load.
There are many reasons for this to happen, and we will at the main causes of voltage drop in generator below.
Main Causes of Voltage Drop in Generator
1. Overloaded Generator
The overload can be caused by an increase in load or by an increase in resistance.
When large resistances are present in the power circuit, a voltage drop will occur because the generator will produce more current.
Read Also: Whole house natural gas generator installation costs
2. Under-loaded Generator
Under-loading of a generator occurs when the load is not consuming all of the voltage supplied by it. This can be solved by increasing or upgrading to higher capacity generators that provide enough power for the entire circuit.
3. Low Voltage Supply
The low supply voltage may also cause insufficient energy, which will lead to the need for more current, resulting in voltage drop.
The best way of solving this issue is by increasing the generator rating to supply enough energy during peak hours and reduce power consumption during off-peak hours.
4. Old Wiring Systems
Wiring systems are another cause of low voltages getting supplied to consumers or loads. This can be solved by replacing old wiring systems with new ones.
Read: Generac battery charger installation guide
5. Loose Connections
A loose connection in the wires of a power system will cause lower voltages to get supplied, which leads to voltage drop, and this needs to be fixed immediately when it is detected.
Otherwise, damage may occur due to increased current flow that could lead to a fire.
6. Damaged Cables
Damaged cables might also cause a voltage drop. This is solved by replacing them with new ones to ensure the entire circuit has a constant power supply from the generator, which is not interrupted due to damaged wires or cable lines.
7. Excessive Energy Consumption
Being able to monitor energy consumption and power generation is the best way to avoid voltage drops.
This can be achieved by installing a smart meter to provide consumers with detailed statistics about their energy consumption and usage patterns for each day, week, or month.
8. Poor Generator Maintenance
Maintaining generators regularly ensures that they are running at peak performance and prevents any damage to their components, leading to voltage drop.
See this: Securing a portable generator to prevent theft
9. Faulty Generator
Sometimes, generators can develop faults. This is a significant cause of voltage drop because the generator might need repairs or even replacement depending on how severe the fault is.
This problem requires immediate attention from a qualified electrician who knows what they are doing for generator repairs.
10. Bad Power Lines
Power lines are the cables that carry electricity from generators or power plants to consumers, and they must be in perfect working conditions for a proper supply of electrical energy all over the grid network.
Bad power lines can cause voltage drop, which needs to be solved by replacing them with new ones as soon as possible.
11. Underground Cables
Underground cables are another cause of voltage drop because they have a high resistance to electrical current, which leads to low voltages being supplied to consumers from the generator, and this needs to be replaced by overhead power lines that can reduce resistance up to 50%, which in turn will lead to higher voltages getting supplied to consumers.
Read: Petrol generator-related problems and solutions
12. Dirty Power Transformers
Power transformers are essential for transforming high voltages down to levels that homes and businesses can use. They reduce the amount of electrical energy supplied, reducing losses that occur during transmission through power lines due to high voltage drops.
If these transformers get dirty or dusty over time, they will need to be cleaned and maintained correctly to prevent any failures that might lead to voltage drop.
13. Heavy Loads
All of the equipment and appliances that get supplied with electricity from generators require a certain amount of wattage for proper functioning. This can cause power fluctuations because many consumers are using high loads during peak hours, reducing the voltage supplied from generators.
This problem can be solved by staggering high consumption times or installing a generator with higher power output to reduce wait time for consumers who need more wattage during peak hours.
Best Liquid-cooled Whole House Generators
14. Poor Power Factor
A poor power factor occurs when there is an imbalance between current and voltage, which causes heat generation because of resistance.
This causes the voltage to drop and is solved by upgrading equipment like capacitor banks, power factor correction capacitors, or installing high-quality cables that can effectively reduce resistance.
15. Faulty Consumer Appliances
Consumer appliances such as microwaves, air conditioners, and other devices require a certain amount of wattage for proper functioning.
This increases their power consumption, and this can cause voltage drop because of high wattage usage during peak hours, which needs to be solved by increasing the capacity of generators or staggering times when large amounts of electrical energy are needed.
16. Weather Conditions
Bad weather conditions like thunderstorms also affect voltages supplied from power plants to grids because lightning strikes may damage power lines or transformers, which will lead to power fluctuations and voltage drops.
This problem can be solved by installing lightning protection systems for generators, overhead power lines, and other electrical equipment susceptible to damage during thunderstorms.
Frequently Asked Questions on Generator Voltage Drop
How High Should My Voltage Be?
The correct nominal value of the AC voltage supplied to your home or business is 210 and 240 volts. If it falls outside this range, you might have a problem requiring an electrician’s attention for proper functioning.
Why Does Generator Voltage Drop When Load Increases?
Suppose you are using a generator to power your home or business. In that case, a voltage drop can occur if the wattage being used by all of the appliances and equipment exceeds its capacity. If this happens, generators need to be upgraded with higher capacities to supply enough wattage for proper functioning.
How Do I Test My Generator’s Voltage Output?
The best way to test the output of a generator is by using an electrician or other professional who can check it properly through equipment that measures wattage and voltage. This will let you know how much load your home or business requires from generators for proper functioning, which might help reduce voltage drop over time.
If your voltage is dropping, you need to make some changes. Voltage drop can be caused by various factors, including heavy loads on the generator or faulty appliances in your home.
To prevent future problems with power fluctuations and voltage drops, consider upgrading equipment like capacitor banks, power factor correction capacitors, or installing high-quality cables that can effectively reduce resistance.
Now you have an idea of causes of voltage drop in Generator as explained by experts.
Check Recommendations: Different types of generators for homes
