AVR for Generator, do I need one?
Voltage regulation is a big problem when it comes to supplying power to your house or workplace. Generators are helpful in providing users with a constant electric supply, so your daily chores are performed without any disruption. But things can get even worse when your generator, instead of helping you get through power outages, completely fry your electronic devices. The generators are capable of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. This energy produced by the generator is supplied to the electronic devices and makes them work even if your electric supply is disconnected.

This power supply needs regulations. If there will be a transient voltage or fluctuation in the power that is supplied to the devices then the chances are more that they will overheat, fry, and in turn, become completely useless. So, if you are planning to get a new generator that will make you stress-free, then instead of buying an unregularized one, you should look for one with a good AVR. If you have never heard of this life-saving device then here I have brought to you all the details about AVR for generators. So, without further ado, let’s sink into the details about its uses and benefits.
AVR For Generator
Have you just bought a new generator or are you planning to get one? You must be wondering why some generators keep the electronic devices that are connected to them safe during power surges while others don’t. This is because the ones that are regulated will provide constant power output whereas the unregulated ones will have no mechanism to make the fluctuating output voltage constant. So, AVRs are a must-have feature for efficient generators.
What Is An AVR And How Does It Work?
It is simply a regulating device in a generator. The term AVR stands for Automatic Voltage Regulator. This device is a part of a generator and helps it in stabilizing the output voltage. In cases when the output voltage is either higher or lower than the demand of the devices attached to the generator, this small part becomes even more helpful as the output of the generator has to go through it. Without it, your generator will direct the high power output to the electronic devices and they will become useless. You might be wondering how this small part can make such a big difference.
The AVR has sensors and a potentiometer in it. These two parts of an AVR play a crucial role in its working mechanism. As when a high-voltage power source from the generator output comes to the AVR the sensors, these sensors identify how much voltage is there. Whether this output of the generator is high or fluctuating, the AVR device with the help of the potentiometer divides the voltage in such a way that the output of the generator now becomes constant. This will keep the devices safe from getting fried even if there is transient voltage.
What Is So Special About AVR Devices?
The difference that having an AVR device in your generator makes is that you will have more regulated and constant output. This will reduce the possibility that your electronic devices end up frying when there is a fluctuation in output voltage. All of the devices that are connected to the generator will have a smooth and constant power supply. Your generator will be able to meet the demands of the number of devices attached to it. So, instead of saving your money by getting an unregulated generator, you should rather invest in getting one with an AVR as it will save you from greater loss.
Position Of AVR In A Generator
The Automatic Voltage Regulator is a part of most but not all generators. Only the regulated generators have the AVR installed in them by the manufacturers. Whether you have a portable one or a nonportable generator you will have to make sure that it has this device to help you in preventing any loss. If you have a portable generator, then you can easily locate the AVR at the rear side of the alternator in between the slip ring and rectifier. On the other hand, if you have a nonportable one then users can find it in the terminal box or control box of the generator.
What Are The Symptoms That The AVR Has Stopped Working?
When your generator’s AVR is working efficiently, then the power supply of the generator will be smooth and there will be no upsurge in the output that the devices that are connected to it get. But if your AVR’s sensors, potentiometer, or the whole device itself has got some issue, then you will be able to identify it only if you pay a little attention to it. Otherwise, you will only notice it when your electronic devices will get fried.
When the AVR regulating device is not in its best position or has stopped working completely, then the users will observe that when the output voltage increases, reduces, or is fluctuating, then the devices that are connected to the generator will produce strange noises, turn off, or get fried. The generator might overheat and turn off. This is because when the power voltage is high and there is a direct transfer of power, then the high and extra voltage will cause the other parts to heat up and the generator will have more load.
The Best Generator With AVR
The Duramax XP4400EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator is without any doubt the best generator when it comes to performance, affordability, fuel efficiency, and convenience. DuraMax is one of the oldest brands in the business of generator making so you can rely on the efficiency of this model for sure. You can use this generator to provide a smooth and constant supply of power to many different electronic devices. The running wattage is 3500 watts, you can use it to supply power to refrigerators, construction tools, and air conditioners without worrying about voltage consistency.
Whereas the output wattage of the DuraMax generator is about 4400 watts. It is the highest wattage that this amazing generator can provide to its users. This generator has an engine that is 212CC OHV. This engine is responsible for the compatibility of the generator with robust construction tools such as cutting tools, sanders, and grinders. You don’t even have to worry about the power supply. People can use this generator even if they have no gas to power it as they can fill the tank with propane.
You can fill the tank with gasoline with the help of an inlet that is present on the front side of the generator. Users cannot end up having a completely empty tank thanks to the sensors that tell the user when the oil level becomes less and you have to refill at times. It has a voltage capacity of 240 Volts. There is one twist lock switch, whereas two standard outlets. The gasoline tank can store around 3.4 gallons of gasoline at a time. You can replace the DuraMax XP4400Eh Generator if you want within a month.
This generator by DuraMax is available in two color options that are green and blue. It has a length of 25 inches, a width of 24 inches, and a height of 21 inches. Even though it has a large power supply, this portable generator has a weight of 59 kilograms which helps the user not only in moving it but also helps in saving a lot of space. This generator also has MX2 switches. This means that there are two different types of switches depending on the voltage.
I hope that now you know everything about the AVR for generator, its working mechanism, position, uses, and benefits. This will give you more clarity and prior knowledge if you are about to get a new generator. Make sure that it is regulated and supplies constant power to the electronics easily. You don’t have to rush to turn off your generator when the power supply is low, there is overload or fluctuating voltage as no matter what the circumstances are, you will have a constant and equal power supply with an AVR.