Are you seeing your house lights flashing and appliances jumping between extremely fast and really slow? It sounds like you might be encountering generator surging. Surging is a common issue you might experience with an at-home or portable generator. So what causes generator surging, and what can you do to fix it?
A Predator generator may have power surges if it faces wear and tear with age or issues with the fuel being used. If you haven’t maintained it well, damaged parts can also cause problems. Starting the generator too quickly or too much load can also be common causes.
You might be wondering how you can resolve these issues. Keep reading this article to learn in-depth about fixing a power surge issue with your Predator generator.
Why Is The Predator Generator Surging?
Power surges from your Predator generator are a sure-fire sign that something isn’t working right. You should never ignore a power surge issue because it can indicate a deeper problem at hand. So what can cause this issue? Let’s explore that first.
Wear And Tear
Like any other piece of machinery, generators will undoubtedly age with time. You may find that some parts are performing less effectively, which is just because of the normal wear and tear, and that machinery goes through. However, this can affect your generators’ efficiency and may cause power surges.
Lack of Maintenance
Generators are a massive piece of technology, and they are often exposed to the elements. Like any other machine of that magnitude, they need to be maintained on a regular basis to combat the everyday wear and tear they encounter. If you have neglected your generator’s maintenance, you may start experiencing issues like power surges.
Related: Can I Use Synthetic Oil in My Predator Generator?
Fuel Problems
Issues with your fuel management can also cause power surges with your generator. These issues will affect how the generator operates and can be troublesome in the long run. You may not be using the right fuel, amount, or the required quality. Additionally, fuel blockages can restrict access to the generator, whereas faulty pimps can affect how much of the fuel is getting to the generator at any given time.
Broken Parts
In some cases, damage to the inner components of the Predator generator can cause also cause surging. This damage can cause fluctuation of energy which is extremely dangerous. Capacitors are the first example to consider. The capacitors help maintain a regular flow of power, so if this component is damaged, the flow will go haywire.
Hasty Start
A common mistake you can make when using a generator is that you may abruptly start heavy machinery on the generator. This action will immediately increase the load that the generator is handling and can affect its function. While the generator may well be capable of handling the load if started correctly, an abrupt shift can lead to a power surge.
If the generator can not handle the load altogether, it may shut down completely or continue to fluctuate. In some cases, the generator can drain the power from other equipment, which is why you may see lights flickering. However, it will eventually resolve itself.
Motor Issue
Generators use motors to drive the power. However, a faulty motor can cause many problems, including power surges. If the motor engine is not functioning correctly, the power might abruptly drop or increase.
AVR Failure
The AVR, or the Automatic Voltage Regulator, is a device used by the generator. This device helps maintain the power and monitors how much output the generator creates. The AVR helps keep things running smoothly in situations where there is a load on the generator. A fault in the AVR will disrupt the power regulation, causing surges.
How Can Power Surges Be Fixed?
Now that we know what can cause issues with Predator Generators, we can discuss what you can do to fix the problem. There are different ways to solve the issues, but here are some broad tips.
Use A Power Surge Protector
While fixing a power surge is a lengthy process, one thing you can do to protect your devices and electronics is to use a power surge protector. This plug helps your appliances from large power surges and avoids more significant damage while you fix the power surge issue.
Replace the Generator
If you have had your generator for so long that there is significant wear and tear and damage, you may consider replacing the machine. Replacing the generator way a new model will help improve the efficiency and cut down the chances of power surges occurring.
Replace Damaged Parts
Another way to look at replacing is to avoid replacing the machine and just replace some parts instead. For example, if the capacitor or the motor isn’t working, you can replace them. However, replacing parts can sometimes be more expensive than purchasing a new machine.
Regularly Maintain Generator
Now that you know your machine can get damaged by environmental factors quite easily, consider maintaining your generator regularly. This process is effective because you can catch issues before they become bad enough to cause serious problems. A professional can help you detect warning signs and save a lot of money in the long run.
Avoid Overloading
A good rule of thumb to avoid power surges is carefully considering what machines will work on the generator. This consideration will protect the generator from damage and keep your devices safe as well. Don’t connect heavy machinery if you want to keep your Predator generator working in healthy condition.
Check Fuel Lines And Filters
Cracks and leaks in the fuel lines are a significant cause of power surges. You will need to either replace the lines, or get them fixed by a professional. This change will resolve your issues. On the other hand, you can also change your fuel filter if the problem is not resolved with the fuel lines.
Conclusion
Power surges can happen with Predator generators, and thankfully there are fixes to resolve the issue. However, your best bet at getting the problem sorted is to reach out to a professional. The professional will be able to evaluate your generator and decide what can be done.