How To Test Your Generator Voltage Regulator

Your generator gives you a sense of security during times of emergency. Given its importance, you should always check it carefully and regularly.

A critical factor that you should always inspect is your generator’s voltage output. If you are still new to this maintenance precaution, knowledge on how to test a generator voltage regulator will be beneficial.

We will also share how

Testing Your Generator

The process is simple and safe. However, preventive measures should still be taken to avoid risks.

When working, stand on a rubber mat. Also, wear a pair of shoes with non-conductive soles. Moreover, make sure that you do not touch the voltage regulator or other wires when testing your generator.

Instructions

To check if your generator is producing the correct voltage, follow these steps:

1. Start your generator.
   
   
2. Turn on the voltmeter. Set it to the ‘AC Voltage’ position. Having it in other modes will blow your meter’s fuse.
   
   
3. Ground the meter. Attach the voltmeter’s black lead alligator clip to the generator’s frame.
   
   
4. Touch the red lead to your generator’s output plug
   
   
5. Check the voltmeter display. There, you will read the voltage output of your generator.

Troubleshooting No or Low Voltage Generator

A portable generator’s output voltage should be at or close to 120 volts or 240 volts. If the current output of your generator is way below these numbers, you can perform a simple troubleshooting method.

Check The AVR

The lack of voltage is a problem that may be caused by your generator’s automatic voltage regulator or AVR.

Follow these steps on how to test AVR with multimeter:

1. Remove the two leads from the AVR.
   
   
2. Detach the red and black leads that are going from the AVR to the brush set.
   
   
3. Cover the red and black leads with electrical tape to prevent them from touching each other or the housing.
   
   
4. Take a 12-Volt direct current (DC) power source and alligator clips. Attach the alligator clips to the brush set.
   
   
5. Connect the positive line that you attached to the brush set to your battery. Make sure that the positive line is towards the bearing.
   
   
6. After, start the generator.
   
   
7. Keep it running for at least 10 seconds before hooking the negative line from the brush set to the battery.
   
   
8. With your multimeter, test the first two leads that you detached from the AVR. The reading should be at least 60 volts.

This method on how to test a voltage regulator on a portable generator usually resolves the problem as it restores the residual magnetism required by the generator.

To check if it worked, test your generator again for correct output voltage. If the reading is still below 120v or 240v, you should seek the assistance of a manufacturer-approved technician.

Conclusion

As we have said, how to test a generator voltage regulator is simple. Carefully follow the instructions we shared to avoid injuries. Also, conduct other maintenance precautions regularly. This way, your generator is ready and in good condition when an emergency occurs.