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Welcome to Techsurvivors => Tech => Topic started by: jcarter on August 30, 2011, 10:33:52 AM

Title: is it OK to run an iMac off a generator?
Post by: jcarter on August 30, 2011, 10:33:52 AM

We have an extra old 4KW generator and my husband is going to take it over to my brother's house so that he can fire up his computer(and fridge and freezer). He is in the middle of a very important project that needs to be finished right away and power wont be back on till Friday there at the earliest.
Thanks,
Jane

Title: is it OK to run an iMac off a generator?
Post by: tacit on August 30, 2011, 12:29:19 PM

QUOTE(jcarter @ Aug 30 2011, 03:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yep, not a problem at all. If you're worried, you can use a surge suppressor, but generators usually provide pretty clean power.

Title: is it OK to run an iMac off a generator?
Post by: pendragon on August 30, 2011, 12:34:49 PM

Jane,

I think much depends on how stable the generator current is. In any event, I would definately insert a UPS system between the generator and the computer and thus groom the power and dampen voltage spikes and the like. Then fridge & freezer compressors cycling on & off may well cause unwanted fluctuations.

No doubt, others will have additional comments, some of whom may have actually used a (home) generator to power a computer (I have not).

Title: is it OK to run an iMac off a generator?
Post by: jcarter on August 30, 2011, 01:33:32 PM

Thank you all.
I wish I had an extra UPS unit I was looking for an old one that I thought we had in the cellar, but could not find it, but hopefully the surge suppressor will be enough.
Maybe I could borrow one from the local Mac store for a couple of days. Shall give them a call tomorrow morning.
Jane

Title: is it OK to run an iMac off a generator?
Post by: dolphin on August 30, 2011, 02:53:57 PM

I've run off of a generator a couple of times without any problems.

Title: is it OK to run an iMac off a generator?
Post by: daryl66 on August 30, 2011, 06:01:55 PM

QUOTE(pendragon @ Aug 30 2011, 12:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think that the fluctuations could be an issue, spikes being the biggest culprit. The Honda, Suzuki, Honeywell etc all recommend the "inverter" type gens for those of us who RV and take the "toys"

I personally would be very cautious about hooking up my Mac to one without the inverter or something like a UPS between it.

Daryl

Title: is it OK to run an iMac off a generator?
Post by: gunug on August 30, 2011, 06:55:48 PM

Back in technical school we used an oscilloscope to examine the output from a pretty cheap generator back in the 90's (think it was a Honda) and it was surprisingly clean and even cleaner when we ran it through a pretty cheap surge protector. Our teacher didn't expect the output to be as clean as it was in fact. You shouldn't overload the thing though we tried that as well!

Title: is it OK to run an iMac off a generator?
Post by: jcarter on August 30, 2011, 07:42:22 PM

We had an old oscilloscope here until about 20 years ago, what a fun instrument. We had our stereo hooked up to it. I think we gave it to one of our kids, but its gone, not in the cellar or attic.

Our generators are the cheapo ones and just 4 KW, but if I could find or borrow an UPS, we would take the whole rig right over to my brother's house right now, as still no power in his village.
The Honda is in Maine.

Love your beer quote, there was a sign outside a bar in the next town over that said "We have power!, so come in and charge your phones and have a beer!"

Keeping an eye on the new one, Katia, its on a similar track. Hope it continues to veer off more easterly than Irene did. Watching the NOAA info right now.
I think I would rather go into the living room and watch the Red Sox,,,,,,,,,,,

Title: is it OK to run an iMac off a generator?
Post by: gunug on August 31, 2011, 09:10:48 AM

Watching the weather rather than the Red Sox will probably result in a "very" long seventh inning stretch! You need to drink a lot of beer!