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?

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.

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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 8000 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.

Atlas Copco, Pramac, and Shindaiwa brand generators are available for sale at MSM Industrial.

For more information, call: 7718-1111.

📍 Address: “MSM Group” LLC building, on the left side of Yaarmag Bridge.