Turning off the lights even for a couple of hours completely knocks the owners of the house out of the usual rut of life. The lack of electricity makes it necessary to postpone household chores, without light it is impossible to cook or warm up food on an electric stove, well, sitting by candlelight, though romantic, but in low light gives little pleasure. If the light goes out in a small office, things are even worse — work simply stops.

The most important parameter when choosing a backup power source is the rated power of the equipment and its distribution to consumers.

Rated power and output voltage

In matters of the correct selection of the generator, you need to be guided by several important criteria. The very first stage on the eve of the purchase of an autonomous power plant is the calculation of the total capacity of all electrical appliances planned for simultaneous connection. At the same time, it is worth distributing them according to the scale of importance — it is desirable to organize the work of a refrigerator, hob or heater in the off-season without fail, whereas you can do without the services of an iron, blender, vacuum cleaner or washing machine for a short time.

Classify electricity consumers according to the degree of importance — you can safely do without a number of household appliances, as long as there is no light.

The total power of consumers is added according to the passports of electrical appliances or the table of capacities. Generator manufacturers usually indicate two types of power: nominal and maximum. Long–term operation of autonomous power supply sources is possible at a load of 30 - 70% of the rated power. The maximum performance mode of the generator can only be maintained for a short period of time, otherwise an overload occurs. The practical meaning of this characteristic is to describe the efficiency of the generator when working with increased starting currents. In some cases, such currents may exceed the power consumption by 3-7 times. For example, in normal operation, a conditional air conditioner consumes 1 kW, while its starting power is 3.5 kW. For specific electrical equipment, the starting currents are even greater — a kilowatt downhole pump consumes up to 5 kW of power in the start-up mode.

Approximate electricity consumption by different appliances.

For normal operation of the generator without overload, it is necessary to take into account the power "in reserve". To do this, add about 20% more to the received amount of capacity from on top. The stock will protect against equipment breakdowns, will have a positive effect on fuel consumption and will be life-saving in cases when it is necessary to adjust the operation of additional electrical appliances.

According to power classes , generators can be divided into several groups:

  • up to 3 kW — household generators for a cottage or a small private house; their strength is enough for the operation of lighting, a refrigerator and a small list of vital electrical appliances;
  • 3 – 5 kW — the same household generators that provide more comfortable conditions for staying in the house during light outages; they will be able to adjust the operation of one or two burners of an electric stove, TV and computer;
  • 5-7 kW – powerful generators for a large house, where there is a boiler, air conditioning, electric heating, etc.; they allow you to imperceptibly survive light outages and periodically turn on other electrical appliances in the manner of a vacuum cleaner; also, units of such power are suitable for small offices and small shops;
  • from 7 kW and more — this league includes professional-class power plants used in industry, in production and during repair and construction work.

If the electrical system of the house is designed for standard 230 V mains power, it is easier to buy a single-phase generator model. Three-phase units with an output voltage of 400 V are designed to ensure the operation of appropriate equipment. It is important to take into account the number of sockets on board the power plant.

The more powerful the generator, the more outlets it is desirable to have on board.

In the most popular segment of generators (5-6 kW), one socket is often installed, well, or two of them. It can be problematic to extract maximum power from one outlet. It is optimal to have 2-3 outlets at the outlet. In high-power models, there is often a 7.5 kW power outlet and 32 A current, but it is often incompatible with household appliances.

Engine

For the most part, not very famous brands are represented in the range of generators. And the equipment from the "sharks of the industry" will cost three times as much. Power plants with branded engines are optimal in terms of price/quality ratio from venerable manufacturers (Honda, John Deere, Mitsubishi, etc.). A generator from a little—known brand with a top engine is the best choice today.

Gasoline generators

Gasoline generators have become the most widespread. They have proven themselves to be excellent backup or emergency power supplies. The advantages of gasoline generators are obvious. In particular, it is the low cost of initial investments, relatively low noise level, small dimensions and weight, high mobility. In addition, at sub-zero air temperatures, gasoline generators are easier to start.

Disadvantages of gasoline power plants: high fuel consumption, which negatively affects the cost of electricity produced, short motor life, inability to work for a long time without a "smoke break". For every 5-8 hours of electricity generation, they need to be given at least an hour of rest.

Gasoline generators

Low-power inverter models stand apart in the line of gasoline generators, which are perfect for powering highly sensitive electronic equipment. Such equipment produces a "clean" voltage without fluctuations and surges, consumers can be safely connected to it directly — using a voltage stabilizer. And thanks to its compact dimensions and light weight, "invertorniki" are suitable for use in traveling and during outings into nature.

Portable inverter gasoline generators will help to establish autonomous light generation when relaxing in nature away from electric civilization.

To perform welding work, specialized asynchronous generators with the ability to connect electrodes directly to the power plant are displayed on store shelves.

How to start a gasoline generator correctly?

Gasoline generators with a mechanical starting system of the power unit are started by the starter cord. It must be pulled on itself until a pronounced resistance appears, then sharply pull the handle with one movement to the end and gently release it. If the motor did not start the first time, the procedure must be repeated.

Gasoline generators with electric starter

Starting a gasoline generator with an electric starter is performed using a special button on the control panel or by turning the key, as in a car. In advance, you will need to check the polarity on the battery and the reliability of the "landing" of the terminals.

Gasoline generators with autorun

Gasoline power plants with automatic reserve input are switched on immediately after the electronic control unit on board receives a signal about the absence of power from the main power supply source. When the light supply resumes, autorun generators usually turn off on their own.

Models with an autorun system of the power unit constantly monitor the availability of power in the main electrical network and automatically switch the load to the generator when there are interruptions in the supply of light.

Fuel consumption of gasoline generators

On average, gasoline generators in the ward consume about 350 g of fuel per 1 kW of electricity generated within one hour. Consumption strongly depends on the load on the power plant, clogged filters and low-grade gasoline can lead to increased fuel consumption. It is extremely important to perform timely maintenance of the generator units and change the oil in time. More on this below.

Maintenance of a gasoline generator

The key to a long and uninterrupted service of any gasoline generator is the systematic passage of maintenance. During maintenance, the oil level, the condition of filters and candles are checked at the power plant. For the period of "running-in", it is necessary to perform these manipulations after about 20 working hours. In the future, the generator will need to be serviced every 50-100 hours — the specific terms of replacement of consumables are regulated in the instructions for each device.

And a gasoline generator is like a car that should drive. And if the electrician rarely disappears, at least once a quarter it is advisable to start a power plant and let it work for 15-20 minutes so that it remains in a vital state.

With proper maintenance and compliance with the norms of "mileage", gasoline generators reliably operate in trouble-free mode.

What kind of oil is poured into the gasoline generator?

Semi-synthetic oils 10W-30 and 10W-40 are optimal for gasoline generators. The replacement of the lubricant has a certain interval, which is prescribed for each generator in the technical passport. For proper operation of the power plant, it is important to periodically check the oil level, for which a special probe is introduced into the design of the power unit — the "minimum" and "maximum" dashes are indicated on it. If the level is low, it is recommended to top up the oil before starting the engine.

Diesel generators

Diesel-powered generators are sharpened for long non-stop operation, often in "non-stop" mode. They are distinguished by economical consumption of "diesel fuel", reliable and trouble-free operation, and resistance to high loads is also a characteristic factor for diesel generators.

Pros and cons of diesel generators

Diesel generators consume an average of 250 g of fuel per 1 kW of electricity produced in 1 hour, i.e. a good third less than gasoline counterparts. At the same time, they have durability and a large motor resource.

Among the disadvantages of diesel—powered generators, high noise levels, high cost and sensitivity to low temperatures are noted - in frosts, they will require a special seasonal "diesel fuel" with anti-freezing additives.

Portable and chassis-mounted diesel generators

As a rule, heavy diesel generators are assembled on the chassis and often mounted on wheels for the convenience of transporting the power plant to the location. Professional models of diesel generators are installed permanently — they are usually used in production and construction as permanent sources of electricity. Such units are many times more expensive than gasoline, but they benefit due to a much larger engine life and fuel economy, which pays off in the long run.

For convenience of movement, diesel generators of household design are often mounted on a wheeled chassis.

Maintenance of diesel generators

Compliance with the maintenance schedule of diesel generators guarantees a long service life and trouble-free operation. Checking of components and replacement of consumables in the equipment of constantly operating power plants should be carried out approximately every 100 hours. For installations that operate in standby mode, scheduled maintenance is tied to a certain period of time, but they are performed at least once a year. With rare blackouts, it is advisable to start the diesel generator at least once a quarter, so that it retains a viable state.

Diesel generators

Gas-fueled generators

Gas generators have wastefulness in fuel consumption, a small amount of harmful emissions and low noise. On the other hand, the use of gas as fuel is associated with certain difficulties: it is necessary to connect the power plant to the gas main or regularly replace special cylinders, and the fuel system of gas generators is particularly sensitive to leaks.

Purpose of gas generators

There are very few portable models for gas fuel, and most gas generators are stationary high-power devices. Mobile dual-fuel units operating mainly on gas and gasoline are targeted for domestic use. They can generate electricity using two types of fuel, moreover, it is not necessary to turn off the generator when switching the mode. Mixed units are quite economical and give the opportunity for manoeuvre in the event that one of the types of fuel has run out.

Hybrid generators run on both gas and gasoline.

Pros and cons of gas generators

The main advantage of gas generators is the low cost of generating 1 kW/h of electricity in comparison with other variants of autonomous power plants. In addition, gas units produce less harmful emissions into the atmosphere and are the most low-noise.

During the installation and connection of the gas generator to the centralized supply line of "blue fuel", you will need to contact specialists from the nearest "regional gas". Otherwise, you will have to constantly fill the cylinder with compressed gas, which is not always convenient and easy. The operation of cylinders is always associated with certain risks due to the possibility of gas leaks.

Additional equipment of generators

Additional attachments increase the convenience of using a backup generator. For example, an hour meter showing the "mileage" of the engine from the moment the unit is first turned on will be useful. According to the data from it, you can plan routine maintenance, and the parameter will also be important when buying a "worn-out" generator.

The current voltage at the output of the power plant often shows a built-in voltmeter. It helps to control the operation mode of the unit and reduces the risk that an unacceptable voltage will go to the load.

A voltmeter is an optional thing, but very useful in the onboard equipment of the generator.

Through a 12 V output from the generator, DC current is generated to charge car batteries. And you can charge portable gadgets from the USB port in the equipment of individual models of generators.

An important role in the armament of generators is played by an indication of the fuel level and a sound insulation casing, which helps to muffle the noise from the operation of the power plant.

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A properly selected generator will become a reliable insurance in case of permanent or emergency power outages.