Using a generator to power my Macbook

[lapinjanet]

I live in Mexico and last October my 1 year old Mac would not recharge. I sent it back to Apple and it was fixed. A very reliable Apple tech told me the reason it happened was probably that my house was not grounded and there were power surges. He suggested that I use a small generator to charge my Mac.
Can someone advise me as to what type of generator? Or power source. I should use. I am in the states now but will return to MX end of month.

 

[chscag]

If you intend to use your Mac in Mexico where the line voltage and power is "dirty" and varies, your best best is to purchase a line leveling UPS while in the States. You can probably find a good one for around $250 or so. That's what you need, not a power generator. A line leveling UPS will keep your AC power clean and steady so that you can charge your Mac without worrying about possibly damaging the MagSafe Charger unit or your Mac.

 

[lapinjanet]

Ups

Your information is very helpful and right on target. Can you suggest a particular UPS or a site I can goto?

Thanks again, I can't tell you how many computer gurus and apple tech's I spoke to over several months without any answers and your short and to the point answer spoke to the problem and offered a solution.

 

[RadDave]

Thanks again, I can't tell you how many computer gurus and apple tech's I spoke to over several months without any answers and your short and to the point answer spoke to the problem and offered a solution.

Hello - I've used UPS(s) on my computers (and electronics) for years and usually have purchased those made by APC (other brands include TrippLite, CyberPower, etc.) - there are 3 general types of Uninterruptible Power Supplies: 1) Standby (or Offline) - least expensive; 2) Line Interactive; and 3) Online (runs on the battery w/ or w/o power - most expensive). These units come in various sizes in part depending on how much battery 'run time' is desired (more Info HERE).

A 'line interactive' UPS (assume same as the previous suggestion) unit should serve your purposes (similar to the one I have attached to my iMac - shown below, an APC Back UPS-Pro 1000) - this will provide surge protection, power line conditioning, and battery backup if the power goes out. The other day our power went out for 3 hrs - shut down the iMac but kept our modem & Airport Extreme powered, so still had Wi-Fi in the house which pleased my wife -

Now your other comment about NOT being grounded warrants further investigation - these units all have a grounded connection, so you should make sure that exists in your place of residence and if not can be corrected - good luck!

 

[chscag]

That's an important point made by member RadDave with regard to proper grounding. If the Mexican power outlets are not grounded, (two female connectors vs three) you'll need to find a way to ground or isolate the UPS from the mains. I'm sure a local electrician in Mexico who is familiar with their power line systems would be able to advise you on how to do that.

(By the way, modern electrical code here in all 50 states of the US call for polarized grounded outlets.)

 

[TattooedMac]

Nice advice RadDave. Learnt something today, as i have never heard of UPS's