potential damage caused by booting up a server using a generator

[Guest]

Is there any potential damage caused by booting up a server using a generator?
I have heard some generators create surges that might harm part of the
server or cause damages to the OS itself. Does any one have any idea if this
is actually a fact? Is it really dependant on the type of generator one
implements or the creation of surge is an inherent fact associated with all
sorts of generators?
I would really appreciate a feedback on this.
Thanks

 

[Joe Richards [MVP]]

You should always run production servers through power filtering equipment such
as UPS devices, etc. I certainly wouldn't boot a computer that was running on a
generator without something leveling the power output. Generally when you see
peope running on generators you see the lights dim and get brighter at different
times, that isn't absolute proof that the power output is inconsistent but I
expect if someone actually tested it, they would find it isn't like normal line
power.

joe

 

[Dave Patrick]

Depends alot on how big the generator is and the level of sophistication for
frequency and voltage regulation. Most UPS's don't do well at all on small
generators. You may want to look at also using a sola consta-volt
transformer between your generator and the load.

--

Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect