Motor type
Model name of the engine installed in the generator. Knowing this name, you can, if necessary, find detailed data on the engine and clarify how it meets your requirements. In addition, model data may be needed for some specific tasks, including maintenance and repair.
Note that modern generators are often equipped with
branded engines from famous manufacturers: Honda, John Deere, Mitsubishi, Volvo, etc. Such engines are more expensive than similar units from little-known brands, but this is offset by higher quality and/or solid warranty conditions , and in many cases, the ease of finding spare parts and additional documentation (such as manuals for special maintenance and minor repairs).
Engine size
The working volume of the engine in a gasoline or diesel generator (see "Fuel"). Theoretically, more volume usually means more power, but in fact, everything is not so clear. Firstly, the specific power strongly depends on the type of fuel, and in gasoline units, also on the type of internal combustion engine (see above). Secondly, similar engines of the same power can have different volumes, and there is a practical point here: with the same power, a larger engine consumes more fuel, but by itself it can cost less.
Launch type
Method of starting an electric generator engine. To start an internal combustion engine (gasoline or diesel, see “Fuel”), in any case, it is necessary to rotate the engine shaft; you can do this in two ways:
-
Manual. With this starting method, the initial impulse is transmitted to the engine manually - usually the user needs to forcefully pull the cable that spins a special flywheel. The simplest in design and cheapest starting method, the additional equipment requires only the cable itself with a flywheel. On the other hand, it may require significant muscular effort from the user and is not well suited for high-power units.
—
Electric starter. With this type of starting, the engine shaft is rotated using a special electric motor, which is called a starter; The starter is powered by its own battery. This option for starting the generator power unit is the easiest for the user and requires a minimum of effort. Depending on the implementation of the electric starter, it is usually enough to turn the key in the ignition, press a button, turn a knob or spin a special drum, etc. The power of modern starters is sufficient even for heavy engines where manual starting is difficult or impossible. Also note that an electric starter is by definition required to use ATS autostart (see Features). On the other hand, additional equipment affects the weight and cost of the unit, sometimes quite notic
...eably. Therefore, such starting systems are used mainly where they cannot be avoided - in the aforementioned heavy equipment, as well as generators with ATS.Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption of a gasoline or diesel generator, and for combined models — when using gasoline (see "Fuel").
A more powerful engine inevitably means more fuel consumption; however, models with the same engine power may differ in this indicator. In such cases, it is worth considering that a model with a lower flow rate usually costs more, but this difference can quickly pay off, especially with regular use. In addition, knowing the fuel consumption and tank volume, you can determine how long one refueling will last; at the same time, in inverter models at partial load, the actual operating time may be noticeably higher than the theoretical one, see "Alternator" for details.
Continuous operation time
The time during which the generator is guaranteed to operate without interruption.
This parameter is indicated exclusively for liquid fuel models with a built-in tank, and according to the simplest formula: tank capacity divided by fuel consumption. However, in some models, data may be provided for a certain load level (which is specified in the notes); at a higher or lower load, the operating time will be shorter or longer, respectively. As for specific numbers, in most modern generators the operating time is
up to 8 hours - this is quite enough for backup power and occasional use. More reputable models are capable of working for
8 – 12 hours, and an indicator of
13 hours and above is typical mainly for professional solutions.
We also note that, theoretically, many generators can be refueled without shutting down, but in practice it is better to take breaks and not exceed the stated time of continuous operation - this will avoid overheating and increased wear.
Number of sockets (230/400 V)
The total number of 230 and/or 400 V outlets provided in the generator design.
This number corresponds to the number of devices that can be simultaneously connected to the generator without the use of splitters, extension cords, etc. Moreover, if we are talking about a three-phase model (see “Output voltage”) with different types of sockets, it would not hurt to specify the number of both separately, since the set may be different in different models. For example, a unit for which
3 sockets are declared may have 1 three-phase connector and 2 single-phase, or 2 three-phase and 1 single-phase. In general, the most limited modern generators have only
1 outlet, although models with
2 are more common; and in the most powerful models this number can be
4 or higher.
Let us also recall that the possibilities for connecting various devices are limited not only by the number of sockets, but also by the rated power of the generator (for more details, see above).
Sockets 230 V
The number of 230 V sockets provided in the design of the generator, as well as the type of connectors used in such sockets.
The type of connector in this case is indicated by the maximum current that is allowed for the outlet — for example, "2 pcs at 16 A". The most popular options for 220-volt outlets are
16 A,
32 A and 63 A. We emphasize that the amperes in this designation are not the actual current that the generator can produce, but the outlet's own limitation; the actual value of the current strength is usually noticeably lower. Simply put, if, for example, the generator has a 32 A socket, the output current on it will not reach 32 A; and the specific number of amperes will depend on the rated and maximum power of the unit (see above). So, if for our example we take a rated power of 5 kW and a maximum of 6 kW, then such a generator can deliver less than 5 kW / 230 V = 22.7 A nominally and 6 kW / 230 V = 27 to a 230 V socket, 3 And at the peak. And if the power has to be divided between several outlets, then it, accordingly, will be even less.
As for specific types of connectors, the higher the current allowed for the outlet, the higher the requirements for its reliability and quality of protection. Thus, usually, smaller power plugs can be connected to higher power sockets (directly or through an adapter), but not vice versa. And if there are several sockets, by their type it is pos
...sible to estimate with a certain certainty the distribution of the entire power of the generator between them: between two identical sockets, this power is usually divided equally, and more power is allocated to the socket for a larger number of amperes. However, specific details on this matter should be clarified in each case separately; also consider 400 V sockets, if available (see below).Output 12 V
Existence in the generator of an
output with a direct current and voltage of 12 V. The main function of this output is to charge car batteries, as well as power devices originally intended for cars (recall, 12 V is the standard voltage of on-board networks in cars).
The following types of 12-volt outputs are found in generators:
- Terminals. Terminals are used to connect wires directly without using any plugs. This connection is the most reliable.
- Socket. Socket outlet for a plug with two flat pins, designed to connect 12-volt consumers. Holes in sockets come in different layouts, which you need to pay attention to.
- Cigarette lighter. The so-called "car socket", which in many cars is combined with a cigarette lighter socket (hence the name). Such connectors are used to power various automotive devices and accessories.
Protection level
The level of protection provided by the generator housing — namely, the degree of protection of the “hardware” from dust, moisture and foreign objects. It is designated by the IP standard with two numbers, one of which corresponds to protection against solid objects and dust, the second — from moisture, for example, IP24.
According to the level of dust protection (first digit) in modern generators, the following values \u200b\u200bare found:
2 — protection against objects with a diameter of more than 12.5 mm (fingers, etc.);
3 — from objects larger than 2.5 mm (most instruments);
4 — from objects more than 1 mm (almost all tools, most wires);
5 — dustproof (full protection against contact; dust can penetrate inside, but does not affect the operation of the device).
Water protection levels can be as follows:
1 — protection against vertically falling drops of water;
2 — from water drops with a deviation of up to 15 ° from the vertical axis of the device (rain);
3 — from water drops with a deviation of up to 60 ° from the vertical axis of the device (rain with wind);
4 — against splashes from any direction (rain with strong wind);
In general, for indoor use, this indicator does not play a key role, but on the street and in similar conditions (for example, at a construction site), you should make sure that the selected generator is sufficiently protected — or else take additional protection measures.
