lights flicker with generator in fish house

[walleye_jigger]

Hello, I am looking for some reply's from guys with experience using generator's. We just picked up a generator for the fish house and we have 2 60 watt bulbs wired in. When we run the lights they constantly flicker or get brighter and dimmer. Is this common or did we maybe get a faulty generator. Just wondering what everyone else has seen.

[waskawood]

The problem could be in the generator or in your wiring. You can try and use a volt meter and measure the voltage. Sometimes the old fashioned meter with a needle will react quicker to a varying voltage. Plug a trouble light directly into the generator and see if it flickers. That will eliminate the wiring in the house. Plug your fish house into home power and see if the lights flicker. Most of all be very carefull when dealing with 120 volts. It is the voltage that kills the most people. Be sure to use a GFI!!!

[Macgyver55]

New or used generator, and how big? Does the generator run at a fairly constant rpm? If the rpms are fluctuating the voltage will too. Try adding more wattage load to it and see if it makes any difference. It could be with such a small load the regulator is too sensitive. Also, just to be sure, check your wiring and plugs for tight connections.

[Eric Wettschreck]

I have the same problem and Macgyver hit my problem right smack dab on the head. 2 light bulbs wasn't enough load. I plugged in another extension cord and ran "Outdoor lighting" and things were fine.

[walleye_jigger]

It's a brand new 1250 watt generator. That would make sense that we didn't have enough load on it since we were just running the 2 light bulbs. I am just concerned if we hook something a little more sensitive to it that the fluctuation might cause some damage. But I will try another light like previously mentioned.

[waskawood]

What brand is it. The voltage on my Honda does not fluctuate at low load. Try your wife's hair dryer to check it out. It should be under 1250 watts and it won't be damaged easily.

[camtis]

I wouldn't hook anything with a microchip (some TV's or VCR's) until you get this figured out. I would still be hesitant on connecting these type of items up unless it has a invertor builtin. Those types of voltage sags and swells will damage things quickly.

[_Brad_]

One thing you can try is installing capacitors at each bulb. This will regulate the voltage and keep it consistent. Do a google search for 110v capacitors.