Why Power Quality Matters for Concrete Cutting, Grinding, Coring, and Sawing Equipment
For concrete cutting, grinding, coring, or sawing professionals, power quality is critical to maintaining performance and protecting your equipment. Poor-quality power—defined by harmonic distortion, voltage variations, and unstable sine waves—can lead to inefficiencies, safety risks, and costly rework.
Power Quality: Dirty vs. Clean Power
Generators differ from utility grids by providing "soft" power with higher impedance and lower stability, making them more sensitive to load changes. Nonlinear loads like Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), often used in construction tools, can introduce harmonics—distortions in the sine wave caused by power conversion. These harmonics, if excessive, result in "dirty power," leading to overheating, equipment malfunction, uneven cuts or inconsistent grinding and flat-topping voltage peaks, which hinder tool performance.
Dirty power doesn’t just compromise performance—it also poses significant safety risks. Sudden voltage drops or spikes caused by harmonic distortion or sine wave instability can result in unexpected equipment malfunctions. These unpredictable failures increase the likelihood of unsafe situations for operators.
Why THD and Sine Waves Matter
THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) measures power quality, with values under 5% considered acceptable for most tools. Generators with high THD struggle with VFDs, increasing the risk of disruptions, overheating, and long-term wear. Sine wave distortion further impacts voltage and frequency stability, causing dips or surges that modern electronics are particularly sensitive to.
Makinex Generators: The Ideal Choice
Makinex generators maintain less than 3% THD, ensuring exceptionally clean power that is perfect for high-frequency applications like concrete cutting. Their advanced alternators deliver stable sine waves, minimizing the effects of harmonic distortion and supporting precise, efficient tool operation.
By providing clean, consistent power, Makinex generators help avoid frequent power interruptions or inconsistencies that lead to stoppages on the jobsite. This means less downtime, smoother workflows, and fewer risks of costly rework—making inefficiencies extinct.
Which Generator is best for you?
To select the best generator for your application, refer to the Makinex Generator Comparison Guide. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of our various models, including the 16kW 240V, 16kW 480V, 23kW 240V, 23kW 480V and 32kW options. Whether you need a portable power solution for construction, or industrial use, the guide helps you compare performance, capacity, and other essential factors, ensuring you choose the ideal generator for your power needs.
