[Nut-upsuser] Slightly OT: Generators & UPS

[Doug Reynolds]

Basheer Noorgat wrote:
> Can anyone shed some light on this:
>
> My PC's are on a separate power circuit. Each PC has its own UPS.
>
> I have an old Honda generator. When the power goes out, I fire up the 
> generator. However, the UPS's still run on battery. If I connect the 
> PC directly to the socket and bypass the UPS, the PC works.
>
> I was told by a UPS supplier, that the power output from the 
> generator was "dirty" hence the UPS's preferred to remain on battery 
> power.
>
> Recently, the power went out and fired up the generator. 
> Surprisingly, all UPS worked and accepted the generator power.
>
> This time the only difference was that we also powered off some 
> halogen spotlights and some energy saving compact flourescent 
> lighting from the generator.
>
> Can anyone shed some light on what happened?
>
> When I get a chance, I will try and repeat what happened and see the 
> outcome...
How many watts is your generator?  Most small ones only put out enough 
juice for a 15A circuit. Halogen lights normally pull a decent ammount 
of current....
Sounds like you need to figure out your load and see if your generator 
has enough power.