Generators Buyer's Guide

Whether you require a generator for domestic, industrial or commercial purposes, there is a great deal to consider before making a decision in favour of a particular model. It is crucial to first assess how and where you plan to use your generator, along with the frequency of use, so that you have a clear idea of your personal requirements. To help you better understand generator specifications and the determining factors for choosing the right product, the following simple and useful buyer's guide will tell you all you need to know.

Leisure & Home Use Power

There are several key considerations when buying a generator for personal or domestic usage. The noise level of the generator is especially important for these generators, and there are products available that operate at lower noise levels. Smaller lightweight models, which are portable and easy to store, are also advisable for these purposes.

Generators for residential and leisure use need to have a 230v and 12v output to make them compatible with the domestic power supply. The run time of the generator is also an important factor and it crucial to assess how long you would need the generator to be continuously running. Generators with larger capacity fuel tanks have longer run times and are more suitable for extended usage.

Inverter technology is a special feature in some generators and it ensures a stable voltage and frequency for appliances such as televisions and computers.

Industrial Use Production

Some of the considerations when buying a generator for industrial purposes are the same as those when choosing a domestic product. Silent running is once again an important factor as is the weight, size and portability of the model. Generators with wheels are particularly useful for improved mobility.

Additional features such as low oil warning systems, which are recommended for generators with large fuel tanks, and which will also shut off the power if the oil level gets too low, as well as extended run times are also desirable for generators for industrial use.

Calculating your Power Output

Although this task may seem a little daunting, it is actually relatively simple. The following step-by-step guide will help you calculate your personal power output.

• Identify the tools and appliances that you intend to power with the generator.
• Determine the required wattage for each appliance (see table below).
• Total the wattage required to power your identified items simultaneously (allowing for motor starting). However, if you have an appliance with a high wattage but which will not be used continuously this can be taken into consideration in your calculation.
  (Example) When in your caravan, turn your lights and TV off when you need to use the microwave!
• Choose a generator that has rated watts equal to or exceeding this total.

This table will help you identify the wattage of the tools and appliances that you need to power from the generator. However, please note that the watts shown are only an average recommendation and you should check your items before use.

Appliance	Watts		Appliance	Watts
Photocopier	1600w		5" Circular Saw	750w
Floor Lamp	500w		5" Angle Grinder	1000w
4" Angle Grinder	550w		Fan Heater	3000w
1/3 HP Airless Sprayer	600w		Arc Welder -130A	3500w
8" Floor Sander	2000w		Belt Sander	1050w
Fax machine	600-800w		Vacuum Cleaner	1100w
Deep Freezer	700w		Coffee Maker	1200w
Air Compressor	2200w		Steam Iron	1250w
12" Grinder	2500w		Cement Mixer	1320w
Orbital Sander	450w		10-16" Chain Saw	1500w
Refrigerator	700w		600w Microwave	600w
Radio / Hi-Fi	50-200w		Coffee maker	1750w
Bench Grinder	400w		Washing Machine	4000w
Palm Sander	175w		Printer	400-600w
Control Heating Pump	100w		Laptop	200-250w
Fluorescent Lamp	35w		VCR	300w
Light Bulb	40/60/100w		TV	300w
Small appliance	200w		Kettle	2500w

Motor Starting

Motor Starting is an important consideration when buying a generator. Keep in mind that induction-type motors, like those that run sump pumps, refrigerators and compressors, typically require 2-3 times their listed running watts to start. Below is a chart you can use to determine how many watts you will need to start up motors of various sizes and types.

Note: Power tools using universal commutator motors do not require additional start-up power.

Motor Size	Watts	Start-up
1/8 HP	275w	850w
1/6 HP	275w	850w
1/4 HP	400w	1050w
1/3 HP	450w	1350w
1/2 HP	600w	1800w
3/4 HP	850w	2600w
1 HP	1110w	3300w
2 HP	2200w	6600w