Surge protect plasma TV when using portable generator

[dwill001_apc]

I have a 4KW Generac portable generator for use when we have a power failure. A local small engine store told me that I should never attempt to power my plasma TV or other video equipment from this generator. He claims to know of customers who "fried" their TVs that way. He told me that no surge protector would help save the TV. He sells Honda generators that he claims are safe to use. It could be a conflict of interest. My generator has voltage regulation. However, I have no idea what happens to the voltage waveform when a compressor, such as a refrigerator or freezer, starts and stops. I don't mind if the picture flickers or momentarily loses sync, but I don't want my $2000 TV destroyed.

My question for the gurus on this site is twofold. First, what problems are caused by portable generators and, second, will APC surge protectors actually protect my video equipment? If APS recommends their surge protectors for this application, what models are most suitable. Generac sold their portable generator business to Briggs and Stratton. However, this generator was sold as a home power backup unit and no cautions are given in the manual about not using it with sensitive electronics. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Dave

[dwill001_apc · Accepted solution]

Thanks for the reply. I can live with brownouts that cause the TV to either go dark or behave poorly. If I were trying to watch a program that I really didn't want interrupted, I would temporally turn off the circuits that power the refrigerator, freezer, and possibly the furnace. What I am really concerned about is the possibility that the generator power could actually destroy my plasma TV. If that is a possibility, will an APC surge protector save my TV? The Generac users manual does mention powering TVs, but does not offer any caution that the generator could cause harm. Of course, that doesn't mean it won't cause harm. There is no warranty that Generac will pick up the bill if the TV is damaged by their product. Would the APC surge protector warranty cover such damage should it occur?

Thanks for your help.

Dave Williams

[BillP]

Just thought you would like to familiarize yourself with APC's Equipment Protection Policy.

http://www.apc.com/support/service/equipment_protection_policy.cfm

[dwill001_apc]

I have a 4KW Generac portable generator for use when we have a power failure. A local small engine store told me that I should never attempt to power my plasma TV or other video equipment from this generator. He claims to know of customers who "fried" their TVs that way. He told me that no surge protector would help save the TV. He sells Honda generators that he claims are safe to use. It could be a conflict of interest. My generator has voltage regulation. However, I have no idea what happens to the voltage waveform when a compressor, such as a refrigerator or freezer, starts and stops. I don't mind if the picture flickers or momentarily loses sync, but I don't want my $2000 TV destroyed.

My question for the gurus on this site is twofold. First, what problems are caused by portable generators and, second, will APC surge protectors actually protect my video equipment? If APS recommends their surge protectors for this application, what models are most suitable. Generac sold their portable generator business to Briggs and Stratton. However, this generator was sold as a home power backup unit and no cautions are given in the manual about not using it with sensitive electronics. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Dave