Charge MacBookPro from generator?

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Charge MacBookPro from generator?

Running MacBook Pro early 2013

I live in Maine, expect power outages. Just got an 8000 w portable generator.

How can I charge the MacBook without frying it due to "unclean" electrical output? Can I charge the battery itself if I'm not operating the computer? (And then run the computer from the charged battery.)

Is there any kind of surge protector that will help (without costing a fortune)?

Is there a rechargeable power pack that's robust enough to do the job?

Many thanks for any help!

MacBook Pro (15-inch 2.53 GHz), macOS Sierra (10.12.1)

Posted on Dec 8, 2017 10:14 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 8, 2017 11:17 AM in response to tufo222

I am not sure why you are so disparaging of your generator output. Spikes (not sags) are much more likely to do damage to electronics. Larger devices like your 8K watt generator tend to produce much cleaner power output than little inverters, which have a reputation for not producing good clean sine-wave power.

Just use your regular power adapter. If you have a surge-protecting power strip, that would be a plus.

You can also install a "whole house" surge protector on your main electrical panel. It would be hooked to one circuit-breaker on each phase that would be sure to be ON, even on emergency power.

Yes, your Mac can be charged at any time, when working or when off, and it will not overcharge. The battery inside the notebook computer acts as its internal "surge protector". Do not operate a notebook computer without its battery installed -- that opens it up to damage from power fluctuations.

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