FAQ: What You Need To Know About Automatic Voltage Regulators
When you want to maintain a preferred voltage of various electrical products including power generators, an automatic voltage regulator is the tool you need. But what is an automatic voltage regulator? AVRs, as they’re also known, automatically regulate voltage to prevent performance malfunctions. Sudden power surges can wreak havoc on power generators and electronic products. AVRs protect them.
Before you buy an automatic voltage regulator, check out these frequently asked questions so you know what to look for if you need an AVR from Stamford, Leroy Somer, Mecc Alte, Marelli or other manufacturers.
1. What are the most important qualities to look for when shopping for an AVR?
There are a couple essential qualities you’ll want when AVR shopping: 1) genuine parts and 2) available stock/quick delivery. Let’s break down these qualities.
Your AVR will only work as well as the components that make it. AVRs that malfunction due to poorly designed knockoff parts, reused or secondhand parts, or shoddily manufactured parts will negatively impact your power generation.
Your needs may also dictate that you must get reliable AVRs quickly, sometimes on the same day.General Power Limited, Inc., provides AVRs with original parts, like those from Stamford, Leroy Somer, Mecc Alte, Marelli and more, that are available for same-day delivery.
We carry the single largest stock of AVRs in the United States, with more than 1,000 units of all major brands ready to ship the same day to any country worldwide. We offer same-day assistance, same-day quotes and same-day shipping. We’re here for you when you need the highest quality AVRs.
2. What questions should you ask an AVR dealer you’re considering?
Regulating voltage and power for your company is serious business. Companies that need reliable AVRs to protect products and services that affect their customers must carefully consider the AVR provider. Here are some questions to ask, along with the reasoning behind each question.
1.What is the warranty?
A significant purchase like an AVR should be protected by a warranty. A warranty provides you, the customer, assurance against a defective product that fails to perform satisfactorily over the warranty period. Without a warranty, you aren’t protected. An AVR provider that doesn’t offer a warranty may not have faith in their products and may not care about their customers.
2.Is it genuine?
Genuine products made from genuine parts have been rigorously tested to ensure the highest quality. Genuine parts and products will typically be more expensive than cheaper knockoffs or secondhand parts, but the quality saves you money, time and hassle in the long run. Inauthentic parts can compromise the quality of the product. That puts your power, devices and products, and the services you provide, in jeopardy. You may have to replace shoddy parts more quickly, or you could run into expensive issues when inauthentic parts fail to work.
3.How quickly can it be shipped?
Power regulation isn’t something that can wait. Same-day shipping is important because it keeps your business operations, and whatever services you offer, up and running.
4.Is it easy to install?
Easy installation is also an important quality of an AVR. If there’s a likelihood you’ll face challenges or incorrectly install an AVR, that can put its functionality at risk.
3. How can you tell which type of AVR you need?
Generally, when you’re replacing an AVR, you’ll want to purchase the same make and model as you previously had. That ensures that the AVR will work with your existing systems, so you’ll want a direct replacement.
In some cases, the same type of AVR will no longer be manufactured. In that case, you’ll need to purchase one that has been designated as a direct replacement for your old AVR. An AVR consultant will help you identify the right one.
4. What’s the most important thing to know about AVRs before purchasing one?
AVRs perform a significant function: regulating power. Power surges can damage generators and electronic devices and permanently impact them, rendering expensive products useless.
Power outages can negatively impact customers and business operations. Mere minutes of unregulated power can result in thousands of dollars lost. The most recent “Cost of Data Center Outages” study by the Ponemon Institute found the average cost of a data center outage is $9,000 per minute.
That’s why quality is so important when shopping for AVRs. You’ll want to get the same model or direct replacement for your AVR.
Do not sacrifice quality to save money in the short term. Poor-quality AVRs will not last as long and will have to be replaced more quickly. At worst, they can cause significant unit damage.
Always look for genuine original pieces from the manufacturer. This ensures your new AVR will perform similarly to the one you’re replacing.
It also means you’ll be able to install it without any issues. A genuine, original AVR that is the same model or a direct replacement will protect your business operations and your customers.
Have More Questions About Automatic Voltage Regulator Products?
At General Power Limited, Inc., we’re here to answer any other questions you have regarding our comprehensive line of power generation products and accessories from Stamford, Leroy Somer, Mecc Alte, Marelli and other manufacturers. With more than 40 years of combined experience, we’ve helped clients around the world get the best quality products to keep their power up and running optimally. We can help you.
Contact our team to order an automatic voltage regulator for your genset now.