surge protection

[GreyGhost]

New to inverter generators.....Should you use a surge protector while using the generator only (no shore power)? If yes, do you pug the protector into the generator then into the power cable to the unit?

 

[Mikendebbie]

I’m no expert on this but someone here will provide a good answer.
Here is a link to a thread from May 2021 concerning the use of a surge protector with an inverter generator, and the need for a grounding plug.

https://www.montanaowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84078

 

[Carl n Susan]

Personally I don't use my EMS system (Progressive) when using my Honda generator. Should I? Maybe, but I trust the Honda inverter circuitry.
I *DO* use a ground plug as some devices (EMS system, Splendide washer/dryer, etc.) don't respond well to the generator's lack of a ground.

 

[mlh]

I tried my EMS while my generator was running out of fuel. The generator was surging from almost stopping to full throttle. This is very bad for anything that is hooked to the generator. I thought when the EMS saw low voltage from low RPMs it would cut itself off. It didn’t I guess because my inverter generator was still putting out full voltage but no amperage.
To your question. I don’t see any reason or advantage to using a surge protector with an inverter generator. There might be with a straight generator but for the good of your electronics you shouldn’t use a generator anyway.
Lynwood

 

[Bourbon County]

Most generators especially in that size do a good job of voltage regulation and there's no danger of a surge traveling for miles over power lines. If it gives you piece of mind, go ahead and install one, can't hurt anything.

 

[rames14]

Our Hughes Watchdog is installed inline, so regardless of power source, if it comes through the cord, it protects the unit. If you do use an EMS with your generator, as mentioned, you will need a bonding plug more than likely. Most generators have a floating neutral. The EMS sees that as an open neutral and blocks power. The bonding plug bonds the neutral and the ground. You can buy a bonding plug for about $10 or make your own for about $2. It’s just a plug with a piece of copper wire between the ground and neutral.

 

[Beamer132]

If you use one it will probably not work since you won’t have a real ground. My doesn’t work a Bulldog. I have a 3500 predator with inverter and it’s fine without it
.

 

[DutchmenSport]

I've never used my portable Progressive EMS when running my Cummins Onan P4500i Inverter Generator. I've not grounded the generator, not had any issues with power or electronics inside the camper either. The generator is suppose to regulator the power, same as an EMS. I don't know if it does or not because I've never had an issue.

 

[Beamer132]

If on an inverter generator I wouldn’t worry about using one. In a campground definitely use one. If you don’t have an inverter generator your cycles hertz will fluctuate with the rpm’s of generator. It’s just how it works. Gas gens need to run at 3600 rpm and diesel’s 1800 rpm. The older idle controls don’t work so well. Anything with a timing chip/ computer will be off.

 

[Mikelff]

EMS not necessarily with an inverter generator, but a grounding plug is. They are cheap and can pick one up at most hardware stores.

 

[wadek01]

https://hughesautoformers.com/product/ground-neutral-bonded-plug/