When Your AVR Unit Needs Sorting Out

AVR units are one of those bits of kit you take for granted until they stop working. Then suddenly your generator’s behaving weirdly, voltage is all over the shop, and you’re scrambling to work out what’s wrong.

If you’re dealing with generator problems and suspect the AVR unit might be at fault, here’s what you need to know.

What an AVR Unit Does

The AVR unit controls voltage output from your generator’s alternator. It’s constantly monitoring voltage and making adjustments to keep it stable.

Load increases, AVR compensates to stop voltage dropping. Load decreases, AVR stops voltage spiking. Happens continuously, keeping voltage within acceptable limits.

Without a functioning AVR unit, voltage wanders all over. Big swings that damage equipment and trip protection.

Dead simple job, absolutely critical.

Signs Your AVR Unit’s Playing Up

AVR units don’t usually fail without warning. You get symptoms first.

Voltage fluctuating when it should be steady. Generator tripping out on protection randomly. Output that won’t settle down.

Sometimes the AVR unit fails completely and voltage just collapses. Generator should shut itself down. If protection’s not working and it keeps running with no voltage regulation, you’re asking for expensive damage.

Catching AVR problems early saves massive hassle.

Why AVR Units Fail

Heat’s a big killer. AVR units in hot environments don’t last as long. Electronic components cook slowly until they fail.

Vibration from the generator can shake components loose. Poor mounting makes this worse.

Moisture getting in causes corrosion and short circuits. Generators in damp locations or outdoor installations see more AVR failures.

Age eventually catches up. Components have finite lifespans. An AVR that’s been running for years will eventually pack in.

Power surges can fry AVR units instantly. Lightning strikes, short circuits, other electrical nasties can kill them dead.

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Getting the Right Replacement

When your AVR unit needs replacing, getting the exact right model matters massively. Wrong AVR won’t regulate properly, might damage your alternator.

Generator manufacturers specify particular AVR units for their models. Voltage sensing type, current ratings, response characteristics, all need to match.

Bellwood Rewinds stock AVR units for major brands. Stamford, Leroy Somer, Marathon, Mecc Alte. They know which AVR fits which generator because they’ve been doing this for over 35 years.

For older generators where original AVR units aren’t available, they can guide you to compatible replacements.

Don’t Bodge It

Temptation when an AVR unit fails is to find any old replacement that looks similar and bung it in. Rarely ends well.

Wrong AVR unit might seem to work initially but won’t regulate properly. You’ll get voltage instability, poor response, all the problems you thought you’d fixed.

Worse, incompatible AVR units can damage alternators. Incorrect excitation current, wrong sensing configuration. Saving a few quid on a generic AVR then having to replace a damaged alternator is false economy.

Use the right AVR unit.

Testing and Diagnosis

Working out if your AVR unit’s actually faulty or if something else is causing voltage problems needs proper diagnosis.

Could be the AVR. Could be alternator issues. Could be wiring problems, faulty connections. Chucking a new AVR at it without diagnosing properly wastes money.

Bellwood Rewinds’ workshop can test AVR units properly, diagnose what’s actually wrong, and fix the real problem.

Their field service team can attend site for critical generators that can’t be brought in. Proper diagnosis, right parts, sorted properly.

Don’t Ignore AVR Problems

Dodgy AVR unit won’t get better on its own. It’ll get worse, cause more problems, eventually damage something expensive.

Voltage instability stresses everything connected to your generator. Equipment fails prematurely, protection trips unnecessarily, reliability tanks.

Sort AVR problems when they first appear. Get the right replacement from specialists who know generators properly. Don’t bodge it.

Your generator’s worth looking after properly. The AVR unit might be small, but it’s crucial.