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 Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: New Orleans Posts: 818	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? __________________ Unblock Websites Game Server Host The Private Islander

03-June-06, 12:14 PM	#2 (permalink)
musclecars&computers Apex Tech Demi-God Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pimping in Lancaster, S.C. Posts: 1,962	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 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,502	I agree with musclecars&computers. You should be fine as long as you are behind that UPS. __________________ Check out my Custom Etches Project Purple Aspire Project Tsunami Dream MY First Mod on a HP Pavilion 533w ASUS A8N32-SLI Deluxe Opteron 165 @ 2.7 3GB Corsair XMS DDR500 Corsair HX620 PSU EVGA 8600 GTS

03-June-06, 12:22 PM	#4 (permalink)
4x0n Proud New Daddy Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Reykjavík, Iceland Posts: 2,067	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. __________________ "Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is knowing not to put one in a fruit salad."

03-June-06, 12:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
Pharaoh Apex Tech God Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Coming soon to a hotel near you Posts: 2,405	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. __________________

03-June-06, 01:07 PM	#6 (permalink)
fhsfiremanco1 Apex Tech Fanatic Supreme Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: va Posts: 752	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 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: The middle of the Desert, in idaho Posts: 618	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.) __________________ Thanks to Jobi for the sig and avatar, your an incredible artist.

05-June-06, 11:52 PM	#8 (permalink)
carbongraphite Pow - Hoe playa Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Seattle, WA. Posts: 1,780	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. __________________ "YouÂ’ll do that when I genetically engineer a dragon to ride to work"

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Slogan Generator	TheGreatSatan	Anything Goes	0	02-July-06 08:07 AM
The Register // New tidal generator could mean cheaper electricity	Gizmo	The Register RSS	0	21-June-06 03:02 AM
The Register // ISS oxygen generator claps out again	Gizmo	The Register RSS	0	18-May-05 03:12 PM
The Advertising Slogan Generator	TykSak	Anything Goes	25	20-November-02 07:33 PM