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Outbackdave View Drop Down
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Posts: 31 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: TV / Generatoor
    Posted: 20 Jul 2014 at 8:36pm
Is it safe to use the TV withe the generator running. Have a 3500 Champion?
176T, Dodge Dakota TV,
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dockguy View Drop Down
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Posts: 9 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Jul 2014 at 9:38pm
Hi Fellow Camper,

It is ok to use an inverter generator with your tv, but not a home generator.  If it is not an "inverter generator" it may fry you tv. 


Inverter generators are made specifically to run electrical equipment like tv's, computer, etc.  They are different than a regular household generators as these generators surge electricity which can fry your tv, etc. 



Hope that this helps...
Dockguy
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Jul 2014 at 9:42am
Generally it's OK, even with a non-inverter generator. However, you should use a surge protector like the SurgeGuard just like you would use at a campground and I would not start the generator with the TV or anything else connected. . 
Charlie
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Old Dingo&Mrs.Dingo View Drop Down
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Posts: 138 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Jul 2014 at 10:30am
If it's a 12 volt TV w/ a transformer, run it on battery and the battery will absorb any surges.  that said a SurgeGuard (or it's equivalent) is a smart investment for any of us.
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Jul 2014 at 10:47am
Originally posted by Old Dingo&Mrs.Dingo

If it's a 12 volt TV w/ a transformer, run it on battery and the battery will absorb any surges.  that said a SurgeGuard (or it's equivalent) is a smart investment for any of us.


Agree 100%. If the TV is the same POS as in my 172 it is 120V only. However small inverters are available (Radio Shack) so it can be run from 12V. Most useful while boondocking, but would also add protection from the generator.
Charlie
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Sleepless View Drop Down
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Posts: 556 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Jul 2014 at 10:48am
We use a 5000 watt generator during hurricanes and other outages for over 20 years.  We have surge protectors on our TVs, computers, etc., and don't worry about it not being an inverter.  The same is true for running a regular generator for our pod, although we do use a surge protector there, too.  I carry a quiet 1000 watt generator, just in case we have no hook-ups and we want to watch TV or use other small appliances.
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WillThrill View Drop Down
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Posts: 298 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Jul 2014 at 4:59pm
A surge protector should be used (in theory) all the time, no matter what kind of generator you are using or even (especially!) if you're connected to shore power.

The power produced by a regular generator is fine for all standard home electronic equipment and is better than a lot of the shore power you get in some campgrounds. If you're connected to shore power, you absolutely need a surge guard.
"Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien

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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Jul 2014 at 11:30pm
To clear up a misconception, modern power supplies (computers, televisions, etc) must accept a large range of inputs by spec, well beyond the normal utility sinewave.  There is no problem feeding them the dirty power from a cheap genset.  In fact, many of them will operate from DC (90-260 volts).
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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