Why does my generator keep tripping its breaker when I plug in my refrigerator?
Your generator's breaker trips when the refrigerator starts because the compressor's startup surge exceeds the generator's peak wattage or the breaker is…
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Generators & Backup Power
Practical, step-by-step fixes for generators & backup power problems — 32 published so far.
Why does my generator keep tripping its own breaker when I plug in a load?
Your generator's breaker trips when it draws more amps than the breaker is rated for. That usually means the load is too…
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Why does my generator keep tripping the breaker on the generator itself?
Your generator's breaker trips because you're pulling more watts than it can output, or because a plugged-in cord or appliance has a…
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Why does my generator run but not produce power?
Your generator runs but produces no power because the outlet breaker tripped, the rotor's residual magnetism is gone, the voltage regulator (AVR)…
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Why does my generator run but produce no power
Your generator is running but not producing power most often because the circuit breaker has tripped, the AVR (automatic voltage regulator) has…
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Why does my generator run but the outlets have no power?
Your generator runs but produces no power because the circuit breaker tripped, the GFCI outlet reset button popped, the voltage regulator failed,…
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Why does my generator start but the outlets have no voltage?
Your generator runs but outlets have no voltage because the circuit breaker tripped, the GFCI reset button popped, the voltage regulator failed,…
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Why does my generator start then die after a few seconds?
Your generator likely starts then dies because the low-oil shutdown sensor is triggered, the carburetor is clogged, or the fuel supply is…
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Why does my generator surge and sputter when I plug in a load?
Your generator is surging and sputtering under load because it can't get enough fuel or airflow to keep the engine speed steady.…
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Why does my generator surge and stall when I plug in appliances?
Your generator surges and stalls under load because the carburetor is likely clogged or the fuel supply is restricted, causing a lean…
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Why does my portable generator run but output low voltage?
Low voltage from a running portable generator usually means the engine isn't reaching full RPM, the voltage regulator (AVR) has failed, or…
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Why does my portable generator run but produce no power?
Your generator’s engine runs but the alternator isn’t producing electricity, usually because the circuit breaker tripped, the outlet GFCI reset button popped,…
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