Can I Run a Computer with a Gas Generator

Sleepy_Sentry · 03-June-06, 12:10 PM

I have a gas generator for hurricane season. I know it can generate more than enough power for a computer, but is it safe to attach a computer to it, assuming it is behind a UPS and surge protector?

musclecars&computers · 03-June-06, 12:14 PM

Hmmm if it's w/ a good UPS then i'd think so. because it would create unequal voltages and amps maybe but the ups should straightin it out.

Sn0wMan · 03-June-06, 12:15 PM

I agree with musclecars&computers. You should be fine as long as you are behind that UPS.

4x0n · 03-June-06, 12:22 PM

I'm working at a site where all the computers are run on gas generators and have UPS so, yes it does work. But just as musclecars&computers says, make sure that the UPS is good.

Pharaoh · 03-June-06, 12:22 PM

I would do it. Even without the UPS.

But that's just the kind of guy I am.

Don't live on the edge if you're afraid to bleed.

fhsfiremanco1 · 03-June-06, 01:07 PM

yeah we have a whole house back up and it does fine

disturbed_pyro · 05-June-06, 10:39 PM

Depends on the UPS make sure its the kind that doesn't simply switch to battery power in power loss but one that draws off the battery as it charges it. Otherwise you may get power spikes from teh generator if it changes idle speeds quickly. thats my .02

(sorry if thats vague the 1st ups is a cheaper one the 2nd that continually draws from the battery not the power line is the better ver.)

carbongraphite · 05-June-06, 11:52 PM

computer PSU's are switchers so they dont really care what you give them as long as its within its operating volatge. if your UPS runs your comp it feeds it a dirty square wave and if you use your comp in an airplane (never know) it gets 400hz 120 volt AC. it depends on the quality of your generator but id still go with a UPS. even with a laptop during a black out i still put the UPS between the generator and lappy.

PHLAK · 06-June-06, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pharaoh


	I would do it. Even without the UPS. But that's just the kind of guy I am. Don't live on the edge if you're afraid to bleed.

I am with Pharoh on this one....just plug her in!!!!! If not direct then I would say your 100% ok with that UPS.

Cyno01 · 06-June-06, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carbongraphite


	computer PSU's are switchers so they dont really care what you give them as long as its within its operating volatge. if your UPS runs your comp it feeds it a dirty square wave and if you use your comp in an airplane (never know) it gets 400hz 120 volt AC. it depends on the quality of your generator but id still go with a UPS. even with a laptop during a black out i still put the UPS between the generator and lappy.

Anecdotal, but i dont think PSUs like dirty power that much. I think the power in the dorms was pretty bad, i know half a dozen people who PSUs crapped out inexplicably, more than one in some cases...

03-June-06, 12:10 PM		#1 (permalink)
Sleepy_Sentry Apex Tech Maniac	Can I Run a Computer with a Gas Generator I have a gas generator for hurricane season. I know it can generate more than enough power for a computer, but is it safe to attach a computer to it, assuming it is behind a UPS and surge protector?

03-June-06, 12:22 PM		#5 (permalink)
Pharaoh Apex Tech God	Hell YES I would do it. Even without the UPS. But that's just the kind of guy I am. Don't live on the edge if you're afraid to bleed.

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03-June-06, 12:14 PM		#2 (permalink)
musclecars&computers Apex Tech Demi-God	Hmmm if it's w/ a good UPS then i'd think so. because it would create unequal voltages and amps maybe but the ups should straightin it out.

03-June-06, 12:15 PM		#3 (permalink)
Sn0wMan Apex Tech Demi-God	I agree with musclecars&computers. You should be fine as long as you are behind that UPS.

03-June-06, 12:22 PM		#4 (permalink)
4x0n Proud New Daddy	I'm working at a site where all the computers are run on gas generators and have UPS so, yes it does work. But just as musclecars&computers says, make sure that the UPS is good.

03-June-06, 01:07 PM		#6 (permalink)
fhsfiremanco1 Apex Tech Fanatic Supreme	yeah we have a whole house back up and it does fine

05-June-06, 10:39 PM		#7 (permalink)
disturbed_pyro Apex Tech Fanatic	Depends on the UPS make sure its the kind that doesn't simply switch to battery power in power loss but one that draws off the battery as it charges it. Otherwise you may get power spikes from teh generator if it changes idle speeds quickly. thats my .02 (sorry if thats vague the 1st ups is a cheaper one the 2nd that continually draws from the battery not the power line is the better ver.)

05-June-06, 11:52 PM		#8 (permalink)
carbongraphite Pow - Hoe playa	computer PSU's are switchers so they dont really care what you give them as long as its within its operating volatge. if your UPS runs your comp it feeds it a dirty square wave and if you use your comp in an airplane (never know) it gets 400hz 120 volt AC. it depends on the quality of your generator but id still go with a UPS. even with a laptop during a black out i still put the UPS between the generator and lappy.