How To Charge Batteries With Generators? [2 Easy Steps]

Do you have an inverter generator having 12-volt built-in outlets? Maybe you think about how these generators are used to charge 12-volt batteries? or how to charge a car battery with a home inverter and charge a battery bank with generators. Well, here is a brief detail about that. Most inverter generators possess a 12-volt output, yet when it counts, they are not directly made to charge your batteries to their fullest capacity. There are two basic causes for this:

Firstly, the DC outlet on your generator can only support a maximum current of roughly 8 amps. Any battery will thus require some time to charge completely. Second, the generator’s RPM determines how much voltage is present in the DC output because it is not controlled.

Suppose the generator is running on a low load; that is not a problem, but it is not good if it operates at a moderate to a higher load. It would be best if you didn’t risk keeping the battery charging for overly long since the generator won’t reduce the charge whenever the battery is almost full.

Below we have discussed a detailed step-by-step guide that assists you in how to charge batteries with generators. Let’s get started!

Steps To Charge A Battery With Generator

Batteries may require charging when Ac from a house or garage is not accessible, whether the battery has run out because of freezing temperatures from a storm or has died in a remote place. Thankfully, if you have access to a battery charger, you can also recharge a battery using a gas generator.

The battery charger requires AC power produced by the generator and uses that electricity to charge the batteries by converting them from AC to DC.

So, if you want to charge your battery, follow these given steps:

Step 1

The first step while charging any battery with a generator is to check the generator’s fuel levels. Any poor scores should be raised. The negative terminal of your battery must be connected with the battery charger black wire(negative). The positive terminal should be connected to the charger’s red wire (positive).

Step 2

The next step is to turn off the battery charger. Use the starter switch or the start cable to turn on the generator. Give it a minute or two after the generator begins for the voltage and engine rpm to settle. It’s crucial to wait for the voltage and velocity to normalize since doing so helps prevent damage from power surges to connected devices, like the charger adapter.

The generator’s 110-120 volt AC outlet should be used to connect the battery charger. Adjust the battery charger so that it is “active.” make sure that your battery charger and the inverter generator should charge the battery; otherwise, you’re unable to charge any battery.

By following these simple steps, you can charge the battery of your car and even the battery of your mobile and whatever you want to charge by using your home inverter generator.

Does A Generator Charge Its Own Battery?

Yes! By changing mechanical energy into electrical energy, a generator may recharge its battery. During this process, electrons move from the generator to the battery due to the generator’s magnetic field’s interaction with the battery’s magnetic field. The battery is charged by this electron transfer, which subsequently powers the engine.

Here is a question how does the generator charge its battery on its own? Let’s find the answer.

Regeneration is the process through which a generator charges its own battery. This process transforms kinetic energy from the generator’s engine into electrical energy, which is subsequently applied to the battery charge. The generator’s alternator is connected to the battery, generally found in the engine compartment. The engine’s mechanical energy is transformed into electrical energy via the alternator.

The alternator generates an alternating current when the engine operates (AC). The rectifier, housed in the engine compartment of the generator, transforms this alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). The generator’s battery is then charged using the DC.

Until the generator needs power, the battery holds the electrical energy.  While the generator is functioning, the charging process proceeds automatically. Once the battery is fully charged, the generator will cease recharging it.

That’s all there is to it! You now understand the process generator uses to recharge the battery on its own. Also, it would be best if you put the cables into the outlet for the battery to charge. The house’s wiring is connected to the generator, so the battery may be charged when the electricity goes out.

How To Charge Batteries With Generators – FAQs

Here is the answer to some basic questions:

Our Verdict

To summarise we hope that you understand how to charge batteries with generators. As all we know, that generator helps us to lighten our house when the power goes out. But they also assist in charging the batteries, just by the simple steps mentioned above.

Not only does this generator also charge itself using the process of regeneration.