Clean Power with Generac Portable Generators

What is Clean Power?

As if the subject of electricity was not challenging enough, there is an aspect of power generation that sometimes causes even those experienced with generators to scratch their heads: the notion of “clean” power. The following article is everything you need to know before buying your Generac portable generator from our wide range at AcmeTools.com.

In its purest form, alternating current (AC) flows in sine waves at a specific frequency, measured in cycles per second or hertz (Hz). In the U.S., 60 Hz is the frequency for AC power. When a generator produces AC electricity, it does not create a pure sine wave. There are always distortions of some kind, described as total harmonic distortion (THD). The lower the THD percentage, the closer the electrical output is to a pure sine wave. A THD of zero would equate to a pure sine wave. Utility power typically has a THD of 5 percent or less.

What does THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) mean?

If the voltage, amperage, and frequency are all correct, the tool should work, right? The answer is yes. However, THD affects how well some tools work, the electronics they contain, and their overall life expectancy.

“It all comes down to how much distortion exists in the electrical signal,” said Jeff Magedanz, marketing manager of Generac Power Systems. “The more the distortion, the more likely potential problems will exist. Significant distortions in the sine wave — a high THD — can result in variations in the electrical voltage. That can mean fluctuations in the tool’s performance.” That’s why, at Acme Tools, we recommend Generac portable generators for any home improvement or job site project.

These distortions can also create excess heat in tools or appliances. That additional heat can lead to premature wear and a shorter life expectancy. This is particularly true for tools and appliances that contain electronics. Higher temperatures can negatively impact the performance of electronics, and if they get high enough, they can damage circuit boards, which could lead to equipment failure.

Thus, it is crucial that when selecting a generator for professional use, you choose one that produces the above “clean” power — a THD of less than 5 percent. For example, the Generac Pro XC Series portable generator meets these requirements.

“We designed the XC Series portable generator not only to endure everything the modern job site can throw at it but also to ensure it didn’t do any damage itself,” Magedanz said. “Not only is professional equipment a serious investment, but failures lead to downtime. The low THD on the XC Series — less than 5 percent — is intended for use with today’s modern power tools. Clean power means those tools run the way they were intended to. And that keeps the job site up and running.”

Generac Portable Generators, Clean Power, and Modern Jobsites

Clean power is even more critical in the modern working environment because tools are not the only things being powered. Today’s construction workers often use laptops or tablets to access plans and email clients. Smartphones are used similarly, and they stay in touch with one another on the job site and at other locations. All these electronics need to be charged, and if your only power source is a generac portable generator, it is better to produce clean power.

“Electronics are susceptible to THD,” Magedanz said. “And they are becoming as important on the job site as traditional power tools. Having clean power for recharging them ensures they will consistently be there when you need them.”