How To Flash A Generator With A Battery And Drill Using DIY Techniques?

In this article, we will tell you How to Flash a Generator with a Battery, and how to flash a generator with a drill using DIY methods.

Sometimes we store a generator or put it away when we are not using it, and when we got to use it again, it may not produce power. So to get it to produce power again, we flash the generator.

Flashing a generator means restarting the machine. We can restart the generator by applying mechanical force throughout the input part of the generator, or we can flash it by applying electrical by using a battery.

Why Is My Generator Not Producing Power?

The loss of residual magnetism is the main cause. The magnetic field is created by borrowing some of the generator’s output voltage is converted into DC. Later, feeding it into a coil to make an electromagnet.

The residual magnetism is leftover magnetism from the last time generator was running. This leftover magnetism is more than enough to create a very strong electric magnet.

This leftover is lost when you store or don’t use the generator for some time. It is completely natural. It can also happen when you run a generator for too long without connecting it to a load.

Check out our detailed article about Why Is My Generator Not Producing Power?

How To Flash A Generator With A Battery

We are going to flash a generator using a 12V battery.

  • First of all, located the generator voltage regulator. In most modes, it is on the bottom, left-hand side of the generator head.
  • Unplug the two wires connected to the generator brushes. One will be red and the other will be either white or black.
  • Now connect the black or white wire to the generator ground battery terminal.
  • Turn on the generator breaker, start the motor, and plug in a light.
  • Connect the battery (red cable) to the red wire on the terminal just for a second. It should be just a tap.
  • Remember, as soon as the generator starts generating, you suddenly are holding a live wire of 120 volts on the bare copper ends.
  • Make sure the generator is generating power before taping it a second time.
  • Remove the brush wires from the voltage regulator to prevent damage.

How To Flash Generator Using A Drill

Over time, magnets inside the generator lose their charge and they are not excited enough to get started. The engine will work fine, but you will not get any power.

So the strategy is to take a ½” corded drill and plug it in and follow the steps mentioned below.

  • Hold down the trigger.
  • Now twist the chuck backward by sticking something in it. We are sending the electricity into the generator to make it excited enough to generate power.
  • Start the generator and try this method.
  • Your drill must have permanent magnets otherwise this trick won’t work.
  • Be very careful when you stick something in the chuck to twist it backward. When the generator kicks on, the drill will tangle you up.

The drilling method doesn’t always work but flashing a generator with a battery always works. I don’t even remember how many times I have used this method to power my generator.

When your unit is generating power again, keep it running for at least 5 minutes otherwise, it will lose magnetism again.

If your generator is not starting at all, then there could be 10 reasons your generator won’t start.

Alex black

Alex Black

Alex Black is a seasoned electrical engineer with a remarkable 8-year track record specializing in appliances, generators, and transfer switches. With extensive hands-on experience in the field, Alex possesses a deep understanding of electrical systems and their intricate workings. Throughout their career, Alex has consistently demonstrated expertise in designing, troubleshooting, and maintaining various electrical appliances.

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