generator damages AC, other electornics
I have a Champion dual-fuel 3400 gen. I contacted the manufacturer and asked what happens when/if it runs out of fuel. Answer was that both the gen and everything electronic connected could/would be...
Forum Discussion
way2roll wrote:
How would anything be damaged? It would be no different than a power outage. Sounds like a CYA response.
Though inclined to agree there are a few things that can happen on a traditional generator (NOT on an Inverter generator) So I will describe fuel fail on both.
An inverter generator uses an alternator to make DC which it then converts electronically to AC if the engine stops.. The output stops "CLICK" style (like the breaker tripped or you turned off a switch) No harm.
On the "Traditional" The generator runs at a constant speed and makes 120V 60HZ or whatever (Different standards elsewhere this is USA/NA standard) but when it runs out of fuel the speed and thus HZ drops.. this can. in theory. bother some stuff.. In practice.. Never seen it happen... also it can sputter. surge a time or two and the voltage may fluculate.. Again... I've never seen damage from "out of gas" fluculations.
Now PORTABLE generators.. Like open frame contractors... Well some years back the American Radio Relay League put 'em on a scope.. Some of those were downright scary and may damage electronics (You need to be a member and good at searching to find the article.. it's in the QST Archives) Inverter generators.. Clean and sweet.
(NOTE not all.. I used to have a 1,000 Generac (Forget who made it... Oh. Briggs & Stratton I think) that I scoped.. Looked good after the first tank of Gas.. Not so good on first (New out of box) Start.
I do know why.
