Is It Safe, Good, or Advisable to Use a Stabilizer with a Generator? Let’s Find Out

Certainly, most recently made generators are required to be run without a stabilizer. However, there are conditions to be met when deciding whether or not stabilizers are safe to use. For modern households, businesses, and industries alike, a stable electricity supply is essential for various reasons. For instance, sensitive appliances such as refrigerators, computers, televisions, laptops, etc. all depend on consistent voltage levels with low THD to function properly. 

Nonetheless, some generators are wired to have fluctuations at certain intervals (but not all), and that can be a bad thing, especially if you are running sensitive appliances just like the one we listed above. That’s why it’s advisable to use a voltage stabilizer when such a situation arises. But is it safe, good, or even advisable to use a stabilizer with a generator? Let’s find out about that as you read this article to the end.

How Generators Work

Since generators are mostly used in homes, businesses, and industries, their main purpose is to generate electricity. Generators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy with the help of an engine, an alternator, and also a voltage regulation system. 

There are various types of generators, some of which are conventional generators and inverter generators. Conventional generators are those types of generators that use an automatic voltage regulator (AVR) to control their power output. However, that doesn’t mean the output won’t be without fluctuation. 

On the other end, inverter generators are more stable than conventional generators. They produce a more stable power by converting AC to DC and then back to AC. This kind of generator is widely used for sensitive electronics and doesn’t need a voltage stabilizer. To learn more about inverter generators, read: What is an Inverter Generator: How Does It Work?

However, whether you use a conventional generator or not, nothing is certain. It can’t be guaranteed that the generator will always produce stable power. There may be a time when it will not be able to supply a stable voltage, leading to power surges or drops that can affect your electrical appliances.

What is a Voltage Stabilizer?

Voltage stabilizers were invented in the 19th century, and as the name implies, they are devices that are used for regulating voltage levels and ensuring that there is a steady/stable power supply to electric appliances plugged into them. 

Stabilizers are of various types. They include:

• Relay-based Stabilizer. These types of stabilizers use relays to switch between different voltage levels.
• Servo-controlled stabilizers. These types provide precise voltage correction using motors and transformers.
• Static stabilizers. These types use electronic components for fast and efficient voltage regulation.

Factors to Consider Before Using a Stabilizer with a Generator 

Before we can say whether it’s good to use a stabilizer with a generator or not, there are several factors you should consider. Which include:

• The generator type. The type of generator you are using matters. If the generator has a built-in AVR or is an inverter generator, using a stabilizer may not be necessary. 
• Next is the power load. If your generator doesn’t use AVR and it’s not an inverter, ensure that the stabilizer you want to use can handle the total wattage of the connected appliances without overloading the generator. 
• Voltage fluctuations should also be considered. If your generator produces highly unstable voltage, a stabilizer is advisable, but you should also troubleshoot the generator to check the cause of the fluctuations. 
• Lastly is your budget. Voltage stabilizers are of different types. If you’d like to go for a high-quality stabilizer, although it can be costly, weighing the benefits against the expenses is advisable. 

Is It Safe to Use a Sterilizer with a Generator?

This brings us back to the main theme of this article—whether or not stabilizers are safe to use with generators. For sure, stabilizers are safe to use with generators; however, just like everything in the world, there are some things to be considered. These are:

• Using a stabilizer on an overloaded generator: If in a scenario the generator is connected to a generator that is already overloaded, it may draw more power than the generator can handle, leading to overloading or failure on the end of the generator. Hence, in this scenario, we cannot say that using it with a generator is safe.
• Compatibility issues: Again, not all generators are compatible with stabilizers. Before you start using any, ensure you consult a professional. Some stabilizers may not handle a generator’s fluctuation, causing inefficiencies.
• Incorrect installation: Next, improper wiring or incorrect placement of the stabilizer in the power distribution system of your house or office can lead to malfunction or damage to both the generator and connected appliances. 
• Harmful voltage spikes: There are some generators, especially those that are high-wattage generators, that tend to produce an inconsistent voltage that a poorly powered generator may struggle to correct its fluctuations, which as a result leads to potential appliance damages.

Professional Recommendations 

Experts generally recommend using a stabilizer with a generator if:

• The generator lacks an AVR. 
• Sensitive appliances are connected. 
• Voltage fluctuations are frequent and not high.

However, it is important you know that when choosing a stabilizer, make sure that it matches the generator’s capacity, the generator is not overloaded, and it is installed correctly.

Conclusion

Using a stabilizer with a generator can enhance electrical stability, protect appliances, and improve overall performance. While it is generally safe, ensuring compatibility and proper installation is key. 

Inverter generators and those with AVR may not require stabilizers, but a stabilizer can be a worthwhile investment for conventional generators.

Before deciding, assess your power needs, generator type, and the sensitivity of connected appliances. If in doubt, consult an expert to ensure a safe and efficient setup.