A generator is a handy piece of equipment that comes quite in handy during power blackouts and power outages. Of course, there are lots of backup plans, but none beats the power of a generator. It’ll keep you safe by lighting the house during the nights, keep the fridge running, and much more. And as you can imagine, the power produced by a generator can do quite a lot depending on the size of the generator.

 

However, even though a generator delivers reliable power, the generator power isn’t the same as the normal, uninterrupted power from the grid. Most of the time, normal generator power get fluctuations resulting in ‘dirty’ energy.

 

What are the signs you’re getting dirty power?

 

It’s quite easy to spot dirty power signs. It’s more manifested in sensitive electronics such as PCs, laptops, mobile phones and LCD panels. You can also see it in the lights. If you have experienced the following when using the backup power from your generator that was the dirty power.

 

Disruptive breaker tripping

Flickering and blinking lights

Lower than expected system capacity

Vibrations and noise of your equipment

Appliance Transformer noise, heating or premature failure

 

What is Dirty Power?

 

Dirty power is an abnormality in the quality of energy provided to the load. Dirty power is mostly caused by frequency variations, voltage variations, low power factor and surges. This mostly common with generator power and during a storm. The result of using dirty power can range from mild to severe. At times the effect is expensive. Luckily there vary ways on how you can clean up your generator power.

 

How to clean generator power

 

Considering the effects of dirty power can result in including the nuisance light blinking and expensive damages, it’d be best to know how to clean generator power. And here are some options I have gathered for you:

 

Using a UPS

 

A UPS or rather an Uninterrupted Power System is a device designed to even out surge and gaps in dirty power. Similar to how inverter generators work, it uses advanced circuitry to give your appliances and equipment smoother power. A UPS does this by effectively smoothening out any frequency and voltage spikes from the generator output.

 

However, not all UPS will support generator power. Why? Most of the UPS used with power grid energy are designed to help constant 60HZ frequency while what a generator produces is rather all over the board. That means you need to use a UPS that’s compatible with generator power, preferably your model. And you know what, the UPS market is quite diverse, it’s easy to come across a model suiting your generator output.

 

Inverters

 

Lastly, there is the use of an inverter. An inverter uses technology and advanced circuitry to convert generator power from AC to DC and then back to AC. During this process, the fluctuations and voltage surges are smoothened out, leaving you with clean energy. The best part is, an inverter can also control the generator speed to allow it to operate at lower speeds when the loads are reduced. And you know what, an inverter will make your conventional generator quite, optimizes its fuel efficiency and lowers fuel consumption.

 

Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVR)

 

Another method of cleaning up generator power is by use of an automatic voltage regulator (AVR) device. An AVR is a handy technology designed to help smoothen the generator output and also normalize the generator RPM fluctuations. By using an AVR, your generator will be able to deliver cleaner and more consistent power. However, you must pick an AVR that has wattage range compatible with your generator.

 

Other alternatives – Using an inverter generator.

 

If you want to enjoy cleaner power without all these devices for cleaning generator power, you can invest in the best inverter generator. Inverter generators like an inverter device, have an advanced technology fitted to its circuitry system. It uses it to converter the output from AC to DC and then back to AC. By doing so, it cleans the power to give you low THD power that is ideal for use with sensitive appliances. Another benefit of using an inverter generator is you get to enjoy quieter power and improved portability.

 

Conclusion

 

As you have seen, how to clean generator power is a straightforward step when you have the right tools—there are multiple ways of doing so. The best option depends on your preference. Pick a method that suits your needs, get the device and enjoy clean power next time you’re using your backup power generator.