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[NetStorm]

As some of you may know, I live in South America. On ocassions, we lose power to our homes, either due to a technical problem(transformer blows) Human error(what happens if I touch those two wires) or Sabotage.
Last week, we lost power to our home. As a backup, I have a Honda 3500 power generator, that feeds our home. Normally, I do not use it, because the power is restored quickly, however this time, the power had been out for an hour, so I decieded to fire it up. 
BIG MISTAKE. I do not know if it is because perhaps power generated by the backup is not clean, or filtered or if perhaps AHP just likes transformer feed power, but I must saddly report that 90% of my modules, and worse, the brians behind the system were fried.
I could not find a topic regarding using generators, so I am assuming that either a- it has never been done, or b- no one here has ever used one.
The rest of the items in the house, work fine on a generator, IE computers, TVS ,fridge etc, so again I must assume that AHP DOES NOT like generator produced electricity.
I am still down because of this misshap, and probably will not re-purchase the system, since you never know when you need a generator....
It has been fun reading and posting here.
I wiss you all the best of luck

Joe

[JeffVolp]

Most X10 equipment incorporates transformerless power supplies.  They are smaller, lighter, and cheaper than transformer supplies.  However, they are designed for normal sinewave power input.  Power sources that do not produces a sinewave, such as a typical UPS, can damage transformerless supplies.

As long as a generator produces a sinusoidal waveform near the correct frequency and voltage, there should be no problem.  I know several people who successfully use X10 equipment in installations with backup generators.

If your generator produces a clean sinewave, perhaps there were a number of rapid transitions when the power failed - possibly due to arcing somewhere.  Like the pseudo-sinewave output of a UPS, rapid transitions can stress the current limiting resistors in transformerless supplies, and caused them to fail.

Jeff

[Brian H]

I can verify that some modules do no like an UPS Modified Sine Wave.
While doing some tests for a forum member asking about a TM751 on an UPS. I did some tests with a few APC Models I have.
Most just made the TM751 stop receiving RF but one UPS FRIED the resistors in the AC Input as Jeff mentioned. 

[tom j]

Wow really glad I read this!!! I was going to buy a backup generator but now I'm having second thoughts. I to would have thought as long as it produced a clean sinusoidal waveform with the correct frequency and voltage that it wouldn't represent a problem, going to have to rethink this whole thing. I got a lot tied up in switches and other components so it would be absolutely disastrous if all my components got fried.


Tom j.

[HA Dave]

... I was going to buy a backup generator but now I'm having second thoughts....... it would be absolutely disastrous if all my components got fried.

Yes... I have a backup generator myself. They can be a real lifesaver! But at lease the smaller portable units... can't take the place of regular 120 AC. I lost power for 8 days here when Ike struck. It was miserable... but I had light, and coffee, a little TV (on the older TV) and I kept the freezer cold.

A couple solar panels and a deep cell 12 volt battery... could work well for some LED lights... and at about the same cost as a generator.

[dahur]

When I lived in Michigan, I used my 4000w generator after we had a transformer go out in the middle of  winter.  Fortunately I had unplugged the HDTV, and HT equipment.  I lost every CFL, my Direct TV receiver, and one of my phones that a lot electronic features.  The electrician told me it was probably when my sump pump kicked on and my generator's power went a little wild.  Apparently my devices couldn't handle the fluctuating power, (according to him)

[Brian H]

The sudden load change from the sump pump may have caused the generator to over compensate momentarily. I know mine sometimes hunts until a new heavy load is stabilized.

[HA Dave]

Wow really glad I read this!!! I was going to buy a backup generator but now I'm having second thoughts.

A backup generator covers a lot of product line. It could mean a small emergency generator like most of us buy. Which is just a small unit that can be rolled or dragged into place, fueled up and started, and an extension cord plugged into.

These units (like the one I own) often cause more problems than they fix. Even though the units have ground nuts for grounding... it is rare to see that done. Often during the [Ike] storm here.. people would share their homemade power with their neighbors. Sometimes the fire department would find HUNDERDEDS of feet of 14 [or even 16] gauge extension cord going from a generator to the burning house.

[not wishing to add to the confusion... the reason the cords cause fires is because of resistance. Wire resists the passage of electrical current... much like friction... with smaller guage wire causing additional resistance and HEAT. The wires can burn through the insulation and catch fire]

I have a place where I set my generator if and when the need arises...

Right next to the grounding rod (OUTSIDE) that normally supplies ground for my homes electrical systems anyway. I clamp on to that for a known good ground. The area is next to a garage entry door where I have made a place where I can slip through one yellow 10 gauge extension cord. The extension cord is hardwired to a box in the garage area and distributed to just one two-plug (yellow) receptacle in the basement. I have two (yellow) 12 gauge extension cords in the basement... one for upstairs.. one for the basement. The yellow cords are only used for the generator... all other heavy and outside cords are orange.

I am very careful and cautious when using the generator.

I know the voltage and cycles can fluctuate. Many sensitive electrical devices many not survive much use on an emergency generator. But during an emergency.. these generators can be real live savers. Do be sure to read the manual and follow all safety precautions and building regulations... and most importantly.. use good common sense.

[EL34]

I have a Troy-Bilt 5500watt generator that has been run several times in the last 5 years during power outages.

It feeds right into a main panel and the 240vac to the street is shut off.
This way I can use all the regular receptacles in the buildings.

I have probably 30 x10 modules throughout two buildings.

Non of my X10 stuff has ever been damaged by running off the generator.