Generator blows electronics

[tmark]

When I start my generator I make sure all circuit breakers are off and the shore line is not plugged to power. Also turn off the A/C and fridge. Yet, there has been 2 instances where some electronics were burned out. Two fans and 4 electronic pest repellers that were plugged into outlets quit working. I thought that by turning off the circuit breakers this would not happen but, it did. Also tried a plug in outlet surge protector and the pest repeller still burned out. Is it me or just cheap electronics? No other stuff was blown that was plugged in, i.e.; clock radio, all TV's and stereos, DVD players, etc. Any thoughts???????? Thanks, Mark

[AFChap]

Sounds to me like a problem with the generator power plant ...it should not be doing that.

[tworootless]

Check your transfer switch.

[WSRG]

One sure way to find out is to purchase a "kill-a watt" P3. It is a small grey box that plugs into any 110 volt outlet and will show you the voltage and frequency that the gen is producing. This item can be purchased online or at most Camping World or other rv stores. It's about $29.00 and can be left plugged in to any outlet permanently. It also has a plug socket built in it, so you can check amperage draw on whatever you plug into it. It's also nice to be able to check the voltage at the campground when you're on shore power.

Great little device.

Hope this helps.

Bill

[casagamble]

You did not mention what brand of generator you have but mine is a Generac. I had same problem and found the voltage regulator card in the gen. was bad.Run gen. with no load or with the power cord unplugged and use voltmeter to check voltage at gen. receptacle. If voltage is greater than 130 volts you have a problem with the regulator card on the gen. It is a plug in circuit card which is easy to change but the first one I purchased was also bad so I would suggest you let a service shop check it out for you. The card was about $65 when I bought mine 3 years ago. Good luck.