Forum Discussion

gbopp's avatar
gbopp
Explorer
Jul 24, 2014

Generator Voltage with Electronics

I have a 1996 Southwind with a Onan 5500 generator.

When I'm on shore power my Kill-A-Watt shows 121.1 to 121.3 volts in the Southwind.

On generator power it shows 119.1 to 121.3 volts.

Will the small fluctuation on generator power cause any problems with electronics, computers etc.?

The generator is running great and is not surging.

Thanks for any help.

6 Replies

  • Standard generators are not designed to provide the type of sine wave needed to power electronic devices without damage. The portable generators made by Honda and Yamaha are different in this regard compared to the ones designed for use on a construction site to run power tools where it does not matter.

    Older Onan generators are pre-computer and may or may not provide the correct output. If it is going to charge the battery bank which in turn provides power to an inverter then it is going to be safe to attach electronic devices.

    This was a common problem in the 1980's with computers on boats which had generators to provide AC to chargers that divers were using for their equipment and the result was fried electronics in the chargers. Boats ended up putting in a second generator that would provide the right output and had special outlets for the chargers to use this generator's output.
  • I would suggest loading the genset up. Turn on both AC units. Voltage maybe even lower with these heavy loads.
    Onans normally run a little higher voltage then you are reading. I would expect to see above 125 volts without a load.
    You still would not have a problem.
  • Thanks for the quick response. I didn't think it would harm anything but, I really didn't know.

    Thanks again.
  • No x2

    Most electronics/electric devices are designed to work over a range of 110 to 130 volts with the ideal voltage at 120 volts. Anything outside that range can cause problems.