Generators and Pellet stoves

[TJ7960]

Hi all. I was reading an old topic regarding using generators for pellet stoves. Something about "pure sine" or something like that. My question is more general. If you were to hook up the generator to the house, does it affect the electronics of the pellet stove?

 

[cmonSTART]

I have no idea how sensitive pellet electronics are to that sort of thing but I guess to be safe make sure you have an inverter style generator, or a good built in standby generator.

 

[TJ7960]

Thanks. I thinking in my certainly non electrician mind, that wouldn't the circut breaker trip if the power was "uneven"?

 

[SmokeyTheBear]

Thanks. I thinking in my certainly non electrician mind, that wouldn't the circut breaker trip if the power was "uneven"?

Nope, a circuit breaker trips because you are trying to use more amperage than the breaker will allow.

 

[TJ7960]

aha, See thats why I said I have a non electrician brain. thanks

 

[Meneillys]

Most generators even the cheap ones keep the voltage steady some times more so then the power lines depending on where you live. Brown outs are a common thing at my house. If you are worried you can get an APC or line voltage conditioner for the stove that will cut the power if the voltage is to high or low.

 

[TJ7960]

Cool, ah I mean warm. Thanks

 

[SmokeyTheBear]

It usually isn't a matter of the voltage being too high or too low coming from a generator (although a malfunctioning or improperly adjusted one can and if severe enough it will cause issues) , it is the fact that most of them produce electricity that contains a lot of electrical noise. It is the noise that produces most of the issues with electronics. That is why it is important to get the correct kind or use various devices to filter the power produced by one.

You should look for one that produces a true sine wave and has automatic voltage regulation. They frequently will be advertised as being electronics or computer friendly.

 

[TJ7960]

Thanks Smokey.