What Is An Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR)?

An automatic voltage regulator (AVR) is a device used in generators with the purpose of automatically regulating voltage, which means that it will turn fluctuating voltage levels into constant voltage levels. AVRs work by stabilizing the output voltage of generators at variable loads, but can also divide the reactive load between generators that are running in parallel (voltage droop), and helps the generator respond to overloads.

To put it as simply as possible, AVRs continuously take input variable voltage ranges and maintain a constant output at a fixed voltage. Having an automatic voltage regulator for your generators is essential to protect the generator from power fluctuations and ensure better performance.

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How Do Voltage Regulators Work?

Voltage regulators deliver a constant output voltage level to your equipment, regardless of incoming voltage. Your AVR constantly monitors incoming voltage, detecting changes in the voltage level. Each AVR generates a stable reference voltage, which it uses to ensure it delivers the correct output voltage. As the AVR compares voltages, it adjusts the output from the incoming voltage to match that reference voltage. Then, it gives your devices an adjusted output voltage. A generator voltage regulator is critical for keeping your generator working when needed.

What Are the Functions of an Automated Voltage Regulator?

The most important function of AVRs is to automatically control generator voltage and keep the output constant at the appropriate voltage level range for your generator regardless of the current being drawn by the load. Along with voltage stabilization and regulation, they also provide:

Surge protection: AVRs adjust voltages to safe levels and provide surge protection against electrical surges, spikes and generator overload.
Load division: They can also divide the reactive load between generators that are running in parallel.
Automatic bypass: Some AVRs can switch into bypass mode when faults are detected. The AVR allows power to flow directly to the device, preventing AVR issues from causing problems.
Fault detection: Advanced AVRs might detect faults like over-voltage, under-voltage and over-temperature conditions. They’ll alert users to these issues, ensuring you can get fixes faster.

Why Are Automatic Voltage Regulators Important for Generators?

Unregulated generators have no AVR. This often makes them generally unable to meet the power needs and requirements for every piece of equipment connected to the generator. This is because some unregulated generators cannot control or regulate voltage, so the terminal voltage will always continue to decrease as the load requirements continue to increase.

If generator voltage is not consistent, it can affect the generator and anything powered by it. Too much or too little voltage can cause your equipment to experience performance issues or lead to damage. Overheating might cause equipment damage, while insufficient power can lead to malfunctions. Your equipment relies on consistent voltage to get the job done correctly and with minimal wear. This is where AVRs come in — they keep the voltage consistent. This helps mitigate and even eliminate fluctuation damage to appliances, machinery, devices and equipment.

The AVR directly influences your generator‘s performance and life span. It’s an essential generator part — its performance affects the items to which the generator provides power. Additionally, it ensures that the voltage output delivered will be consistent in its load current, even if fluctuations happen in the background.

Benefits of an AVR

An AVR keeps your generator and electrical devices safe by maintaining a steady voltage level. While power supply voltages might fluctuate, the AVR delivers consistent voltage to your device. Some benefits of an AVR for your equipment include:

Longer life span: Delivering stable voltage can extend your equipment’s life span. Dealing with fluctuating voltage, especially too much, can affect your equipment. Giving your equipment the proper voltage consistently can reduce wear, minimizing repairs and costs.
Better protection: An AVR’s consistent voltage delivery protects your devices from voltage spikes and drops. Spikes create excess heat, potentially overloading and damaging your devices. With an AVR, you reduce the risk of spike and drop-related damage.
Enhanced performance: Consistent voltage also means better performance. Instead of dealing with fluctuating voltage levels, your devices consistently get the necessary voltage. They can operate more efficiently and effectively. Additionally, you protect critical applications where minor disruptions can create significant issues.

AVR Maintenance

Regular AVR maintenance is critical for proper function. Like all electric devices, your AVR needs regular maintenance to prevent breakdowns. Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate, components can wear out, and calibration needs fine-tuning. Professional AVR maintenance protects your devices and ensures your AVR is performing effectively. AVR maintenance can include:

Visual checks: Technicians inspect all components for wear, fraying, corrosion, loose connections and overheated components. Spotting these early lets you correct minor problems before they become major issues.
Airbrushing: Technicians will airbrush your AVR components to remove dirt and dust buildup if needed. Clearing buildup keeps everything clean and prevents connection issues.
Voltage testing: Voltage testing ensures your AVR can handle different voltages while delivering consistent voltage to your equipment. This testing ensures your AVR can handle sudden fluctuations.
Calibration: Calibration aligns your AVR’s output with your desired voltage levels. Regular calibration is critical for safe, effective performance.

Even with the best maintenance, your AVR can experience issues. If you’re dealing with these problems, it might be time for repair or replacement:

Unusual sounds
Frequent generator shutoffs or restarts
Deviations in the power output stability
Generator failing to meet loads
Frequent error codes or alerts in the diagnostic system

Get Your Next Generator From Woodstock Power

Woodstock Power, headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, stocks a wide range of generators, ensuring you get the best fit for the job. If you are looking for a generator for your business operations, industrial applications, facilities like data centers, hospitals, commercial real estate, industrial real estate, or business properties, we’re here to help. With comprehensive generator services and an expert team ready to answer your questions, you can count on Woodstock Power to get you the generator you need.

Give us a call or send us an email: 610-658-3242 or sales@woodstockpower.com

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The Woodstock Power Company Experience

We have industry experts that focus on commercial backup power generator sets, with in-depth industry knowledge to help you choose the right generator that fits your needs. We supply generators to commercial real estate properties, industrial real estate properties, data centers, hospitals, commercial business facilities, and more!

Our experts are ready to assist you from answering any questions you may have about power generator sets to help you find the best selection in our inventory based on:

Peak & Average Power Requirements
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Portability & Stationary Power
Prime & Standby Generator Requirements
Available Space & Exhaust Restrictions

Our experts are also able to help coach you on prime, continuous, and standby power generators, as well as finding the best surplus, new, or used commercial generator that best fits your required application.

We carry only the most top-rated new, used, and surplus power generator sets for sale, providing you with a great value generator that will fit your budget.

Our generators have been thoroughly inspected, serviced, and verified, which ensures that you will be buying a quality generator that you can depend on. If a generator is not up to par with industry standards, we make all necessary repairs or modifications and fully test every generator before we sell. This ensures a full turnkey generator that’s ready to fire up and go!

Due to our wide selection of generator sets, we’re confident that we can find the model that best suits your operational needs.

We also buy used generators in good quality, if you have already upgraded and you’re looking to sell your older model.

Feel free to contact us with any questions, concerns, or inquiries to learn more about the Woodstock Power Company experience and the quality level of products & services we provide.

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