How To Choose The Right Generator – The Ultimate Guide

Do you want to buy a generator but you have no idea where to start?

With so many options it can seem very confusing. How do you choose the right generator for your needs? Do I need an inverter generator? 3 phase generator? How many kVA?

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Have no fear! This helpful guide is the best place to start and will give you a simple overview of the most important things to consider when purchasing a generator. Now let&#;s get cracking!

Types of generators

It&#;s useful to put generators into a few categories:

Recreational &#; These generators are the lightest, quietest and most efficient models around. They are designed to be super portable and convenient. They are popular for recreational activities such as camping and caravanning. But many people use them for outdoor events, commercial and backup purposes too. These range from 1 &#; 6kVA in size.
Trade/Backup &#; These models are bigger, heavier and louder than recreational types. They are also available in a much greater range of sizes. They typically have an open, roll frame design. They are available with a wide variety of features including inverter models, different start options and petrol or diesel powered units. These range from about 2.5 &#; 16 kVA.

Stationary &#; These are large units for heavy commercial/backup usage. They are diesel powered and available in single, 2 phase and 3 phase options. They are designed to run for extended periods of time and provide as much power as is required, even for large scale industrial or agricultural operations. Smaller stationary models are also popular for home and business backup. These start at about 6kVA.

Subcategories

Inverter &#; Inverter generators create the cleanest power available, known as pure sine wave power because of the stability of the current wave. They are the best for powering sensitive equipment such as computers. They are often lighter, quieter and more efficient than conventional (non-inverter) generators. Recreational generators are nearly always inverters, and trade/backup style inverters are also available.

AVR &#; An Automatic Voltage Regulator prevents spikes in voltage and is another way of protecting your appliances. They are used on trade/backup and stationary generators.

3 phase &#; 3 phase power is used to power some buildings as well as larger equipment. These are used for commercial and backup purposes. Stationary generators are often 3 phase. If you want to power your home or worksite and you aren&#;t sure whether you need 3 phase power, it is best to consult an electrician (this is recommended if you want to power a building in any case).

Petrol powered &#; All inverters and many trade/backup generators are petrol powered. They are generally cheaper, lighter and quieter as well as being available in a much larger range of models.

Diesel powered &#; Available in trade/backup models and all stationary units. Diesel engines are more efficient and reliable, so are best suited for long operation.

Specialty generators

Tractor pack &#; PTO driven generators that are popular on farm sites. Powered by tractors they are a convenient solution to transport and use in rural areas.

Welder generators &#; A generator combined with a welding unit in a single frame. It can be used for either purpose.

 

How to size a generator

How to choose the right size generator is the most common question people ask, follow these steps and you will get it right.

Step 1 &#; Decide what you want to power

Simply determine all of the appliances you would like to use at the same time.

Step 2 &#; Determine the maximum total power requirement for all of your appliances

This involves adding up all of the power consumption figures for your appliances. This information can be found on a data plate, or in a manual. This information is usually in watts, and if it is in amps it is best to convert it to watts for ease of choosing the right generator.

It is crucial to get the starting and running power requirement for each appliance!

Most appliances with electric motors or compressors require more power to start than to run. For some appliances this can be 3 or 4 times the running watts. Your generator needs to be able to start your appliances as well as run them. Make sure you find out the starting watts. This information is sometimes found on data plates and manuals, but often requires contacting the manufacturer/supplier or using a watt meter. Another option is giving the size of the motor to a generator specialist.

Step 3 &#; Convert generator kVA to Watts and choose the appropriate size

Generator sizes are given in kVA (kilo-voltamps), and this must be converted into watts so you know which appliances you can power.

Multiply kVA by 0.8 (this is known as the power factor) to obtain the watts produced by the generator.

e.g. 10kVA x 0.8 = 8kW (kilowatts), or watts

This is the rated power output for the generator.

Generators will be able to provide more power than this for a short period of time (this is known as the maximum output). How much depends on the engine and the alternator, a good rule of thumb is to treat the kVA given in the size as the maximum kW, so a 10kVA unit is likely to be able to produce 10,000 watts for a short time. It is not recommended to run a generator at this level for more than a few seconds, just long enough to start appliances. If it needs to run at its maximum level for longer than this, then you need a bigger unit. You will risk damaging the engine and voiding warranty if you overload your generator.

Hint: You may find that you don&#;t need to start all of your appliances at the same time, or that you can turn some off while starting others, allowing you to use a smaller size of generator. For example, you may leave other appliances off while starting an air conditioner or compressor.

Stationary generators are rated for prime power or standby power. Prime power is the amount of output the unit can handle continuously, for extended periods, it is also known as the continuous rating. Standby power is for shorter intervals, typically when used for backup. The prime power capability of a given unit will be lower than the standby power. It is recommended that prime power units have high quality, durable engines designed to handle heavy loads. To determine the best unit for your application it is best to speak to a large generator specialist.

Generator Features

Now that you know about the different kinds of generator out there, and how to size it correctly you should have a pretty good idea of what you are looking for. Below are some additional features and components to consider when making the choice.

Starter type &#; Trade/backup generators include models with electric, recoil or dual starter systems. An electric starter increases convenience, but you also need a charged battery (the battery will come with the generator). A dual system allows you to use either. There are also remote start options that can be wired or wireless.

Portability &#; Most generators, other than the smallest models, are too heavy too easily carry around. Look for models that are equipped with wheel kits and lifting bars to make moving them easier.

Warranty and reliability &#; A generator is no good if it can&#;t produce power so it makes sense to go with as reliable an option as you can. There are many brands of generator out there, but if you look for a reputable brand that uses premium components then you are less likely to encounter problems. A local brand that can be contacted easily and will promptly follow through on warranty claims is ideal. Welling & Crossley is an Australian company with branches in every state. Other reputable brands will also have Australian branches for easy communication.

Parts and service &#; Being a piece of machinery a generator requires servicing and sometimes replacement parts. At Welling and Crossley we have hundreds of dealers and service agents nationwide.

Noise level &#; Noise is often a consideration depending on your application. Recreational generators are the quietest. Stationary generators are loud and often have canopies to muffle and protect the unit.

Transfer switch &#; A transfer switch for a generator is used when the unit is providing back up power to a building. It allows for the building&#;s circuits to be powered as normal, and therefore does not require additional extension cords running to appliances in the building. There are two kinds, an automatic transfer switch (ATS) and a manual transfer switch. An ATS is used in conjunction with a remote start generator and will automatically start the generator and power the building if the other power source is lost. A manual switch requires an operator to start the generator, plug it into the building and then flip switches on the switchboard to transfer power. A licensed electrician must install any transfer switch for a backup system and should be consulted when considering the design of the system.

RCD outlets &#; Residual Current Device designed to trip the circuit. This increases safety for users and appliances and are often compulsory on trade and work sites.

Fuel tanks and efficiency &#; Generators come with a variety of fuel tank sizes. Inverter generators are more efficient than conventional types. Diesel powered units are more efficient than petrol powered models. Trade/backup generators may have long range fuel tanks added.

Mine spec &#; These models are designed to meet mine site safety specifications and come with features such as RCD outlets, fire extinguisher and an emergency stop.

Conclusion

We hope this guide will be useful in helping you to choose the right generator for your needs. It gives you an introduction to the all of the key concepts. We look in more depth at certain topics in other articles and videos so please have a look at those too.

Over the past few decades, diesel generators have earned an unmatched reputation, especially when it comes to powering up commercial as well as industrial setups as and when needed. Rather affordable, these machines help keep the business rolling in the instance of emergencies, making sure they are worth every penny spent on them. 

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Are you interested in learning more about Diesel Generating Set? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Since you are here, we take it as a given that you contemplating the purchase of a diesel generator. While you&#;re at it, we consolidated a list of aspects that need your consideration before you make the final call. So, without further ado, let&#;s get to each of these aspects and understand if and how they&#;ll affect your bottom line. 

Size of the Generator

We don&#;t mean the capacity, but the actual dimensions of the generator. If you&#;re tight on space or have a dedicated space to place the generator, make sure you have the dimensions handy. This will help your dealer to help you find the best generator based on your sizing preferences. While it may seem insignificant to begin with, trust us on this one. A generator is a bulky machine, and the more specific you are about its dimensions, the better it&#;ll be for you in the long run!  

Also read: Tips on Buying a Used Diesel Generator

Standby Vs Portable Generator

Depending on the space arrangements in your premises, and your backup requirements, you can take your pick from a Standby Generator or a Portable Generator. While both these generators prove to be dependable sources of power, a standby generator will be installed in place, while a portable generator can be stored as per convenience and brought out only when needed. Of course, a portable generator can only serve the purpose, if yours is a small business. For large-scale businesses and industrial setups, standby generators are almost always recommended. 

The efficiency of the Unit

A diesel generator is powered by diesel, which by no means is a cheap fuel. Hence, it is in your best interest to check for the fuel efficiency that the generator offers. The goal here is to get a generator that offers the maximum power output while consuming the least amount of diesel. For what it&#;s worth, this efficiency isn&#;t dependent on the age of the generator. You can very well opt for a used generator and still get a great output. The only factors you ought to keep in mind is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and how well-maintained the machine truly is.

When you buy a generator that offers high fuel efficiency, you can rest assured of a relatively low cost of operation!

What are the Factors to Consider When Buying a Diesel Generator? 2

Power Output

When buying a generator for an industrial setup, the power output is one of the most imperative factors that need consideration. After all, in an emergency, you should be able to run all the equipment, machinery, and appliances along with basic electrical fittings that are critical to the functioning of your businesses. Hence, it is strongly advisable that you know the power requirement of your setup before you set out to make the purchase. 

This will help you in picking just the right generator for your needs, lest you may be forced to decide which machines get the power supply and which don&#;t in case of an outage. Needless to say, this may prove to be detrimental to your business, especially in case of extended outages. 

Maintenance Needs 

Like any other machinery, diesel generators require regular upkeep and maintenance. Not only will this require you to give it some added time, but may also require you to incur certain expenses. Make sure you know all about the maintenance needs of the generator that you are about to buy. Moreover, it would help your cause if you purchase the diesel generator from a dealer like Mid America Engine so that you can have continued access to regular maintenance in the most inexpensive and hassle-free manner possible! 

The Noise Factor

While all generators are noisy by their very nature, but if the location or type of your business requires a quiet operation, then you should opt for new-age generators with added technology for noise reduction. While they may be a tad expensive, but they will ensure a relatively quieter functioning.  

Remote Capabilities

More often than not, commercial and industrial setups are situated in remote locations. Hence, it might be in your interest to find a generator that enables remote management capabilities that you can take care of even when you are not physically present on the premises. This will help you be in control of the generator&#;s operation at all times.  

Now that you know all about the various aspects of diesel generators that need your due diligence, we are more than sure that you are truly confident of purchasing one for your commercial or industrial setup. And if that is the case, then you know exactly who to get in touch with. Yes, none other than Mid America Engine &#; your one-stop shop for the best-in-class diesel as well as natural gas generators! Our wide selection of new generator sets used generator sets and accessories, will surely be of great use to you and your business.

Diesel Generators FAQs

How do I keep my generator reliable?

Regular maintenance is the key when it comes to keeping your diesel generator up and ready to face any emergent situations. Not only will it help enhance the overall life of your generator by a regular testing and maintenance regime will also save you from any expensive repairs along the way.  

What is meant by Diesel Generator in Island or Standalone Mode?

Running a diesel generator in island mode, or standalone mode refers to the arrangement where the generator is the only source of power, and the mains power is completely absent. In such a situation, it is preferred to charge alternative sources of power like power banks or battery banks, so that the run time of the generator can be reduced, and fuel consumption can be kept to a minimum. 

Can you convert a 60 Hz generator to 50 Hz?

Yes, most commercial generators can be easily converted from 60 Hz to %0 Hz. This can be taken care of by turning down the RPM of the engine from to , at least in most cases. If not, you may be required to replace a few parts or get the generator modified by an expert. 

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