Providing power backup during power outages or working as a power source in a remote area is what generators do. It’s an innovative device that helps get reliable electric power when the power goes out.
However, sometimes you may encounter problems with your generator, which will prevent you from getting electrical power. And one of the common issues is not getting power after turning on the generator.
Well, nothing can be more frustrating than when your generator runs but no power. This issue can occur due to several factors, but luckily you can easily fix this condition. All you have to do is follow this article to get reliable guidance.
Why Does My Generator Runs But No Power Produce?
There are many types of generators that are used in home, office, remote areas, and even for many remote services. And when it’s about remote services like mobile detailing generator is one of the crucial devices that work as a power source.
However, as the generator is an electric device, it’s not surprising that you have to face some unexpected issues. And one of the annoying and unexpected issues is not getting power even after firing up the generator.
Not getting power even after turning on the generator can happen due to several reasons. And if you want to know about those reasons in detail, follow the section below:
1. Loss of Residual Magnetism
One of the most common reasons for not getting electric even after turning on the generator is because of a lack of residual magnetism. The generator works by moving electrical current through a magnetic field.
And magnetism is vital in the process of power output that allows electrical energy to pass through to release energy for use. However, the residual magnetism can be lost due to several reasons, and some of the reasons are:
- Not using the generator for a long period of time can cause residual magnetism loss.
- Another reason is keeping several items plugged into the generator after turning it off.
- Keep the generator running for a while with no load or without plugging anything into the generator.
These are some common reasons that will cause loss of residual magnetism of your generator.
2. Tripped Breaker
Another common reason to face no power issue even after turning on the generator is the tripped breaker. It’s a safety feature that works to detect overload and voltage spikes.
If you connect a more powerful device that draws more power than the breaker is capable of, an overload will happen. And overload can lead to overheating and many potential damages. In that case, the circuit breaker disconnects or trips the power supply to trims potential threats.
3. Defective Breaker
Defective or faulty breaker is another core reason that causes no power even after turning on the generator. However, how do you know if the circuit breaker is in good condition or not?
In that case, you have to take help from a multimeter and by testing the resistance of the lead wire connection. If the multimeter shoes Infinity or OL, then it’s time to replace the breaker.
4. Defective AVR
Faulty AVR or automatic voltage regulator is another major aspect of a power failure after starting the generator. Wondering how to identify the defective AVR? Here we’ve included some signs that will let you know about AVR’s condition:
- Completely zero or no voltage
- Consistent low voltage output
- Hunting or surging
5. Defective Capacitor
Bad or defective capacitor is also one of the reasons that you’re not getting any power even after turning on your generator. So how to know if there is a problem with your capacitor or not? In that case, you’ll need a multimeter and then follow the section below:
- First, locate the capacitor and then disconnect and discharge it.
- After that, use the multimeter to take the reading through the current capacitor’s terminals.
The capacitor should show +/- 5uf of the specific rating if the capacitor is in good condition. Or if you don’t see the reading (e +/- 5uf) then the capacitor is defective and needs replacement.
6. Worn Brushes
Bad or worn brushes are another key reason that you’re facing no power issues in your generator. So how to check if there is an issue with the brushes? Here is how you can do it. Have a look:
- Locate the brush usually you’ll find alongside the AVR and bearing.
- Then identify if there is any damage, sticking, or broken issues.
While checking the brushes, if you notice burn marks or any unusual thing, that means you need to replace them.
7. Bad Outlet
Last but not least, a bad outlet is another reason to face no power with your generator even after turning it on. Well, the generator’s output can go wrong for several reasons, and you can check its condition through a multimeter.
Start the generator, then the AC power, and utilize the multimeter to check the AC voltage. If you’re not getting any reading, that means you need to replace the outlet. Here is how you can check the voltage through a multimeter.
How To Fix Generator That Runs But No Power Produce
Above we’ve explained some of the common problems that can cause no power after starting your generator. And in this section, we’ll show you how to fix these issues and again get electric power from your generator. Have a look:
Fixing Residual Magnetism
There are many ways that you can follow to recharge your generator’s magnetic field. However, here we’re going to show you the easiest way which is using an electric drill. Here is the procedure:
- Step – 1: Get the generator running, plug the electric drill in and start your generator.
- Step – 2: Now hold the electric drill and also hold the trigger in the on position.
- Step – 3: Keep holding the trigger and start spinning the drill’s chuck backward. And keep spinning the chuck.
The drill will generate a little bit of power during spinning the chuck. And the magnets in the drill will be fed back into the generator through the drill’s cable. Once you notice the drill is working through the generator power, that means you’ve fixed the residual magnetism issues.
Remember to wear safety gloves while fixing the residual magnetism of your generator. And also, you can take help from this video to understand the process more easily-
Fixing Tripped Breaker
If there are issues with your circuit breaker, then you can follow the below-mentioned steps to fix it. Have a look:
- Since most of the generators have two breakers, including a standard circuit breaker or GFCI, find out which one is tripping.
- During power outages, don’t connect non-essential devices. And also, connect devices based on your generator’s power capacity.
- You should strictly avoid daisy-chaining as it overloads the circuit.
- Another simple solution you can follow to fix the tripped breaker is resetting it.
Fixing Defective Breaker
If there is an issue with your generator’s circuit breaker, then replacing it is mandatory. Here are the steps you can follow to replace the defective breaker:
- First of all, remove the spark plug to reduce the risk of accidental starting.
- Remove all the screws holding the outlet housing and then disconnect the power harness.
- Open the outlet cover and remove the wires from the circuit breaker. (Note the placement of the wires.)
- Use a small flat-head screwdriver to release the old breaker. And also, transfer the breaker protective cover from the old to the new one.
- Place the new breaker in place and reconnect the wires to the proper terminals.
Now reposition the outlet housing cover, reconnect the power harness and secure the outlet housing.
Fixing Defective AVR
Fixing defective AVR is relatively easy, and by following the section below, you can easily do it. Have a look:
- Remove the sparking plug and remove all the screws that secure the generator’s alternator cover.
- Detach both positive and negative wires from the carbon brush holder.
- Unscrew all the screws holding the regulator in place and disconnect the quick connector.
- Now simply reattach the new AVR to the quick connector and reverse the previous steps to reassemble everything.
Replacing Defective Capacitor
The capacitor replacement process is as easy as counting numbers. All you have to do is choose the right capacitor for your generator and replace it with the old one. During replacing, remember to put the right wire to the right capacitor terminals.
Replacing Worn Brushes
Well, the replacement process is relatively simple. Purchase the right brushes based on your generator and then simply replace them with the old ones. Or you can take help from this video to clear your confusion:
Replacing the Bad Outlet
Many people find it complicated to replace the generator outlet. If you’re also one of them, follow the section below:
- Remove the spark plug and unscrew the nuts that hold the outlet housing. And after removing the nuts, now disconnect the power harness.
- If your generator’s outlet has any cover, detach screws to release the covers.
- Now unscrew the nuts that secure the outlet you’re replacing and also note the orientation of the wires.
- Loosen the old outlet’s screws to release the wires, and it’s time to install the new outlet.
- Put the wires to the appropriate terminals, tighten them, place the new outlet in the housing post and secure it.
- Also, secure the outlet cover, reconnect the power harness and reposition the outlet housing on the bracket.
Secure the outlet housing properly and reattach the spark plug. And now try to turn on the generator and check if you’re getting power or not.
Final Words
As you can see, there are many things that will cause no power even after turning on your generator. Here we’ve included some of the most common reasons that contribute to no power issues.
Alongside including the common issues of not getting power from your generator after starting, we’ve included solutions to these issues. All you have to do is identify the issue and fix it according to the provided guidance.
In short, don’t panic when you face issues like your generator runs but no power, and follow our mentioned solutions to fix this annoying condition. We believe our provided guidance is good enough to fix no power issues in your generator.
