Led Lights Flickering on Generator Power | Reasons & Solutions

The voltage and frequency and voltage output of a generator are not as stable as mains power. The control electronics of inductive lighting such as LED and fluorescent lamps are extremely sensitive to voltage and frequency variation, so they flicker on generator power.

Small generators run on petrol or diesel engines; the RPM of these engines is not very stable. Due to fluctuations in the engine’s RPM the voltage and current output of the generator also fluctuate. Which causes LED lights to flicker.

Why Led Lights Flickering on Generator Power?

Small residential power generators are powered by small petrol or diesel engines. The RPM of these engines is not precisely controlled. The relation between the synchronous speed (RPM) of the engine, and the frequency of generated AC is given by the equation, f = synchronous speed × number of poles120.

Due to variations in the generator RPM, the output voltage of the generator will also vary. Because the RPM of the generator is the rate of flux lines cut by the coil. Which determines the voltage of the generator. So, a change in RPM will change the output voltage.

Some small generators use modified sine wave inverters instead of pure sine wave inverters to cut costs. The output waveform of these generators is not a pure sine wave but contains ripple and distortions.

The electronics of inductive lighting like fluorescent and LED lamps are very much sensitive and react to small variations in the supply voltage, frequency, or waveform shape. LED lights flicker when these abnormalities in the supply voltage are encountered.

When LEDs are powered with a generator, there is a fluctuation in the voltage and frequency and the output waveform is not ideal too. So, LED lights flicker on generator power.

Why Do My Led Lights Flicker on Generator Power?

The generator’s voltage and frequency output are not stable. This is due to the variation of engine RPM or due to cheap inverters used in them. And LEDs are extremely sensitive to voltage and current fluctuation. So, they flicker on generator power.

Will A Generator Damage Led Lights?

If the voltage and frequency of the generator are too much unstable then it can damage the LED lights. The control electronics of the LED are very much sensitive to the variation of the voltage and frequency. So, if the voltage and frequency vary too much then it can damage the control electronics of the LED.

How Do I Stop My LED Lights From Flickering?

Using a capacitor bank to smooth out the ripple in the output voltage of the voltage may stop the LED from flickering. Using a voltage stabilizer may also work. Using a dimmable LED bulb may also reduce the problem. This type of bulb has a capacitor that helps smooth ripple in the dimming process.

Which Light Bulbs Will Not Flicker on Generator Power?

Incandescent light bulbs or bulbs that contain smoothing capacitors will not flicker on generator power.

Conclusion

LED lights flicker on generator power due to the variations in the output voltage, frequency, and waveform of the generator. LED lights are very much sensitive to these factors. A stable supply is needed for LEDs to work smoothly. So, LEDs flicker on generator power.