Generators are a great way to power electronics in an emergency or natural disaster. However, there is one major problem with generators: dirty power.
Dirty power can cause severe damage to your expensive electronic equipment and leave you without any working devices during a time when you need them most.
This blog post will discuss how to clean up generator power for electronics.
What is Dirty Power?
Dirty power, also known as dirty electricity and electrical pollution, is a term to describe the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that are generated by your household appliances.
These EMFs can be extremely harmful because they interfere with other electronics in their vicinity and put unnecessary stress on them.
What Causes Dirty Power?
Dirty power comes from wall outlets, appliances, and wiring. This includes compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), more common now than incandescent lightbulbs.
Other causes include:
- Imbalanced load of appliances
- Electrical wiring errors
- Poorly grounded circuits, extension cords, and power strips
- Faulty utility poles
Related: Inverter Vs converter
How to Clean Up Generator Power for Electronics
It is essential to clean up generator power to keep all of your sensitive electronics safe and sound. Here are some steps to take:
- Do not plug anything directly into the generator with an electrical cord or mains wire
- Plug any devices you’re using in the house into each other – do not connect them to a wall outlet
- Do not use CFLs – they emit dirty power and harm other electronics. If you need lighting, use candles instead
- If you have to use a laptop or other device with an adapter, try and keep it as far away from the generator as possible
These steps should help clean up your generator power and ensure that all of your devices stay safe. However, if you are still having problems with dirty power, here are some solutions to cleaner generator power.
1. Use Inverter Generators
Inverter generators are a great way to power electronics in an emergency or natural disaster. They also have a built-in device that filters out dirty power from the electrical output.
They are more expensive, but they will clean up your generator power and protect all of your electronic devices.
Read: Power inverter generator for DJ equipment
2. Use a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply device)
A UPS is an inexpensive and easy way to clean up generator power.
It provides temporary power to your devices by taking the electricity produced by the generator and converting it into clean, safe electrical currents.
This makes it perfect for sensitive electronic equipment such as computers and phones.
3. Use a Power Conditioner
A power conditioner is another easy and efficient way to clean up generator power.
They can be plugged into both the generator and into your devices, filtering out dirty power before it reaches your electronics. Power conditioners have three settings:
- Line mode, which provides 120V standard AC output.
- Online mode bypasses any internal battery to provide clean, uninterrupted power.
- Generator mode filters out dirty power and provides safe voltage for your devices.
Read: Top-rated generators for 15000 BTU air conditioner
4. Use a Separate Voltage Regulator
A separate voltage regulator is an efficient and cheap way to clean up generator power. It provides safe, filtered voltage for your devices and can either be plugged directly into the generator or connected to other devices via an extension cord.
They come in various associated sizes and will protect all of your devices from dirty power at home or while you’re out camping.
5. Use an AC to DC Power Converter
If you have a device that needs a specific voltage to operate, such as a laptop, you can use an AC to DC power converter.
This will clean up the generator power and provide the necessary voltage for your device to run safely.
See also: Which power inverter is best for camping?
6. Use a Battery Backup
A battery backup is a great way to keep your devices running in the event of a power outage or emergency. They come in all shapes and sizes and can provide backup power for anything from a single device to an entire household.
Read also: How do you run a generator incase of a power outage
Most battery backups have filters that clean up generator power and keep your devices safe and operational during a power outage.
7. Use a Surge Protector
A surge protector is an easy way to clean up generator power.
They automatically detect and block any dangerous or harmful voltage reaching your device, which can be particularly important when using generators for extended periods.
One benefit of using a surge protector is that it can also protect your devices from other types of power problems, such as spikes and surges.
8. Use a Portable Air Conditioner
Portable air conditioners provide clean power for your devices without the need for generators. They are an efficient way to keep your electronics running during emergencies or while you’re camping.
Portable air conditioners can be expensive, but they will save you money in the long run by protecting your devices from dirty power.
Read: Dangers of floating neutral generator
FAQ’s on Cleaning Up Generator Power for Electronics
Is Generator Power Bad for Electronics?
Generator power is not inherently bad for electronics, but it does contain a lot of fluctuations. You can generally expect to see voltage fluctuation between -10% and +11%. This type of power is complicated for devices to process, which can cause them to break or malfunction. Over time, it can also damage your appliances if you use them regularly with generator power.
Are Backup Generators Safe for Electronics?
Yes, backup generators are safe for electronics. They provide a clean, filtered source of power that is perfect for sensitive devices. Backup generators also come with surge protectors, which will help to keep your devices safe from any harmful voltage fluctuations.
Does a UPS Clean Up Generator Power?
The short answer is yes. A UPS will clean up any voltage fluctuations from generator power, which means you no longer have to worry about surges or spikes damaging your devices. A UPS can even help protect your appliances from brownouts and blackouts.
Dirty power, or electrical current that does not meet minimum voltage standards, comes from many sources. Things such as generators, solar panels, and even some power inverters can produce dirty power.
Dirty power will damage or destroy electronic devices over time, so it is essential to clean up generator power properly if you have sensitive equipment.
References and Citations
Electrical Engineering Portal(EEP): Current systems (AC/DC) and voltage levels basics you must never forget- https://electrical-engineering-portal.com/current-systems-voltage-levels
