How to / DIY > Generators
240 vs 220
Fairmountvewe:
Hello all. Quick question. My ST head is 220vAC. I have an AVR and it holds pretty well under load, but.......
I live in Ontario-ari-ario, and our voltage standard is 240vAC. I am running almost 10% under that standard. My concern is running things like a refrigerator, stove or a washer/dryer that have some kind of computer board but maybe not an actual internal power supply. I am not too concerned about running the 240v well pump, or the electric water heater (straight resistance load). Am I putting my (quasi) electronic items at risk running this get head? I am having a heck of a time finding anyone in this province that can supply an actual 240vAC 2 bearing head for anything resembling a decent price. Thanks for your time, and have a great day.
Peter
dieselgman:
Likely not a 100% answer... but, if your power output is steady on frequency 60Hz. then the actual voltage is somewhat flexible in most devices. Also, 220 ac vs 240 ac is sometimes used loosely as a descriptor or equipment rating. Any computer boards will convert this external ac supply via an internal switching power supply (often to 5volts) and regulation will be very close.
Generator head rating: This output value can be adjusted if you run an AVR on your generator head vs the harmonic Z winding (as used in some ST heads). The brushless Stamford designs will be a much better power source for all things computerized and their output will be controlled with an internal AVR. Yes, they are much more expensive. They offer much less maintenance and longer life-spans.
I hope this helps, dieselgman
32 coupe:
I see a lot of the equipment today stating it will run on 208 to 240.
I doubt you have anything to worry about.
AdeV:
Chances are, it won't mind. Mains powered appliances, in this day and age, are pretty forgiving of the input voltage - and even frequency - given the massive worldwide differences in voltages. The real giveaway will be the specification plate, if it has one; this should give a voltage range: 208-240 is apparently "standard" in the US, given the differences in how you get to your 200+ volt outlets. Technology Connections made a good video on how the US mains system works, and why some outlets are 208v and not 240v (or 220v).
38ac:
It seems to me that 220-240 is a range, not an exact voltage? Have you checked your grid voltage or just assumed it is 240? Our grid voltage varies a lot depending on usage. Runs 235 or so on nice days but have seen it as low as 219 when very hot in the summer, none of our appliances seem to care. My AVRs are adjustable via a pod on the board and I'd bet yours are. I have never installed them as my ST head both are very close without the added complexity.
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