Do Emergency Power Generators Require The Use Of Surge Protectors?
Issue:
Are Surge Protectors Needed in Panels using Emergency Power Generators?
Product Line:
Surge Protective Devices
Cause:
Application
Resolution:
The event of transferring the home power source from the utility to a generator can create an electrical voltage spike and the generator itself could be a source of spikes and surges. Home emergency generator manufacturers do consider this possibility and most manufacturers include a surge protective device to the output of that generator.
One very important point to take into consideration when applying an emergency generator for house power when that house electrical system also has surge protectors applied to the electrical panels is to insure the generator voltage level output (example - 120Vac power for electrical outlets) is very well regulated so when an applied load fed from that generator turns off the electrical power from that emergency generator does not swell (rise) and possibly cause any surge protector to be affected by that voltage increase and cause premature surge protector device failure.
Released for: Schneider Electric Canada
