SDMO Unstable Voltage Regulation

SDMO generator output voltage fluctuates noticeably under steady load; lights flicker and equipment behaves erratically.

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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

Failing AVR, Loose alternator sensing connections, Harmonic distortion from non-linear loads, Poor AVR grounding

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Disconnect sensitive loads before testing. Voltage fluctuations can damage electronics.

  • Inspect AVR wiring and ground: Tighten all AVR terminals and ensure a solid ground connection to the alternator frame.
  • Check sensing leads: Verify that the AVR sensing leads are firmly connected to the correct alternator terminals.
  • Test with different load: Remove non-linear loads (e.g., large UPS, VFDs) and see if voltage stabilizes. If so, consider adding filtering or derating.
  • Replace AVR if unstable: If voltage remains unstable with clean load and good connections, replace the SDMO AVR with a compatible unit.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR)
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