Is it safe to run a computer on a generator: A Comprehensive Guide
Generators are an excellent source to power your home and provide an independent appliance supply. But is it safe to run a computer on a generator? We must focus on every component to answer this question because many internal systems start working when you operate a PC.
Each segment requires a specific amount of energy to work. So before purchasing a generator, always check for what size generator will run a computer. A simple computer uses 30-70 watts, 3-5 amps, and 120 volts outlet to operate efficiently. However, most generators run at 3600 rpm.
Therefore, the chances of a small power drop by two shakes of lamb’s tail increases. Due to inconsistent supply and sudden voltage surges, the computer provides a low output and randomly shuts down. Therefore using an inverter generator for sensitive electronic devices is always a good idea.
In this article, we will see whether using a generator to run a computer is safe. And what are the safety measures to take to run a computer on the generator?
Potential Risk of Running a Computer on a Generator
Both generator and computer are working at total capacity; therefore, a minor distortion in the power supply leads to a big problem. A conventional generator with a short alteration supplies direct AC of 60Hz and 120 volts. These fluctuations are known as harmonic distortion.
As mentioned, these voltage variations and sudden electrical surges harm your electronic device. It damages your computers and affects your laptops and cameras badly. The following are the potential risks of running a computer on a generator. Let’s have a look!
The potential for voltage fluctuations and electrical surges
Voltage fluctuations and electrical surges cause potential hazards to generators and their devices. Electrical overload, fault wiring, blackout, or power outage are the main reasons for this problem. Using improper accessories, high temperatures, and humidity can also fluctuate voltage.
Inconsistent power supply from a generator and the impact on computer performance
Your computer is a complex machine. It is built to run on consonant supply, allowing different components like RAM and processor to work smoothly. A small inconsistent power supply from the generator causes significant problems for the hardware and hinders the overall computer’s performance.
The risk of harmonic distortion and how it can affect sensitive computer components
Harmonic distortion occurs when a signal passes through a nonlinear device, including amplifiers, filters, or any other circuit component exhibiting nonlinear behavior. Your computer has sensitive parts, and when they operate at a frequency higher than programmed, it causes severe problems with the audio and video performance of the computer.
Measures to Safely Run a Computer on a Generator
Your PC is a hypersensitive device to operate. As conventional generators use AC, there is an increased chance of an electrical surge. Therefore one question stuck in your mind: can you run a computer on an inverter generator? Well! Inverters are much better as they convert AC to DC and back to AC.
Suppose you run a computer or any sensitive electronic equipment on a generator. In that case, ensuring the generator is designed and built according to the manufacturer’s specifications and certified by an independent lab.
You can also use the following measures to safely run a computer on a generator.
Ground a generator before use.
You can use a portable generator to prevent complications. As per the manufacturer’s instruction, grounding the portable generator before use helps to prevent shocks, electrocution, and sparks. Grounding a portable generator helps to provide a backup path for electricity to flow through the least resistance.
Use a voltage regulator.
If you run a computer on a generator, you always need a voltage regulator to regulate the voltage supply and protect your computer from severe damage. The regulators are made to use for DC/DC, AC/AC, or AC/DC power conversion. So whatever the load condition is, a voltage regulator always keeps the voltages within the range.
Use an uninterruptible power supply (USP)
One of the main issues regarding the usage of generators is power surges. The uninterruptible power supply helps to prevent this electrical surge with the help of battery backup. This also prevents sudden shutdowns and protects your data from loss during power outages as it responds instantly.
Final Verdict
In power outages, generators provide electricity to your homes and electronics. As conventional generators cannot maintain steady and constant power, sudden voltage surge causes extreme damage to your system. If you’re using a generator to power a computer, it’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure your and your equipment’s safety. And therefore using the inverter generator is always the best idea.
