HOV
Briggs & Stratton
High Output Voltage Fault
Controller displays HOV and generator shuts down or drops load.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Defective voltage regulator (AVR) over-exciting the alternator, Loose or broken voltage sense wiring to controller, Incorrect wiring after alternator or AVR replacement, Internal alternator excitation fault
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: De-energize the system by turning OFF generator and utility main breakers. Only qualified personnel should measure live voltages.
- Inspect sense wiring: Locate the small-gauge wires from the alternator output to the controller/AVR. Check for loose, pinched, or damaged wires. Repair any damaged conductors and ensure all connectors are tight.
- Check for recent work: If the alternator or AVR was recently replaced, verify wiring against the Briggs & Stratton wiring diagram for your model. Correct any miswired connections.
- Test with meter: Start the generator in MANUAL with the main breaker OFF. Using a true-RMS meter, confirm the actual output voltage. If it is significantly above nominal (e.g., >260 V line-to-line on a 240 V system), the AVR is likely defective.
- Replace AVR if needed: Disconnect battery negative, remove the AVR mounting screws, unplug the harness, and install the new Briggs & Stratton-specified AVR. Reconnect and retest.
- Clear the code: Cycle the controller to OFF then AUTO. Start and apply load while monitoring voltage.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Required Part
Voltage Regulator (AVR)
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