Mpumalanga Generators – FAQ
We present the following information in an effort to reduce the complexity of the generator selection process by identifying a few key questions and providing answers that are as simple as the subject matter allows. In no way is the information presented here intended to be an exhaustive treatment of the topic.
Q.
What’s the single most important thing I should consider when buying a generator?
A.
Without a doubt, the most crucial piece of information that you need to know is how much electrical power you will need in your specific situation. Nothing will be more disappointing to you than buying a generator that does not produce adequate power for your needs.
In order to choose the right emergency power source and to size it properly, you need to understand something about the power requirements of the devices you plan to operate.
The basic unit of power measurement is the watt, and with an emergency power source there are two wattage ratings that are important: steady-state wattage and surge wattage. A normal 60-watt incandescent light bulb requires, as you would expect, 60 watts, and it requires that wattage both when you turn it on and while it is running. A ceiling fan motor, on the other hand, might require 150 watts to get it started and 75 watts while it is running. That extra wattage to start the motor is called the surge wattage and is typical of anything that contains an electric motor. Here are the usual wattages of some of the devices found in a typical household:
One other thing to note is that if you plan to operate sensitive equipment like TV’s and computers from an emergency power supply, you will want to have in place excellent surge protection equipment and, in the case of a computer, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). When a large device like a refrigerator turns on, there is no way that a small generator will be able to keep power stable during the surge. UPS will prevent your computer from crashing during the blip.
Q.
How do I calculate my power needs?
A.
To calculate your power needs, you need to add up the normal and surge wattage figures for all of the devices you want to operate simultaneously. Here is an example based on the previous table:
If you plan to operate your refrigerator, a colour TV and a microwave simultaneously, you need 2,250 watts continuous and 3,800 watts surge in the worst case (if all three happen to turn on at exactly the same moment). If you are willing to manage your power a bit and make sure they do not all turn on at once, then your surge power requirement is only 2,400 watts. If you are willing to operate only one of these devices at a time, then, because your refrigerator is the largest power user, you need to size your emergency power system so it is large enough to handle the refrigerator.
Q.
Do I require Single or Three-Phase power?
A.
Generator sets produce either single or three-phase power. Choose a single-phase set if your motors are five horsepower or less. Three-phase power is better for motor starting and running. Most homeowners require single phase (for small units of 7.5KVA or less), whereas industrial or commercial applications usually require three-phase power. Three-phase generators are set up to produce 231/400 volts. Single-phase sets are 120/240. Use the low voltage to run domestic appliances and the high voltage for your motors, heaters, stoves and dryers.
Q.
What are the major parts of a generator?
A.
There are four major components of a generator: the engine which provides the mechanical power, the alternator which is attached to the engine and turns the mechanical energy into electricity, an output/control panel which provides a place for the electrical outlets (receptacles), circuit breakers, and controls (switches), and a metal frame to hold the whole thing together. In addition to these four major components, there may also be a fuel tank separate from the engine and often mounted on top of the frame.
Q.
What do I need to know about engines?
A.
Your first concern should be the types of fuel they can use. Generators are available with engines that run on gasoline, diesel fuel, liquefied propane (LP) gas, or natural gas.
We recommend diesel generators due to their longevity and lower operating costs. Today’s modern diesels are quiet and normally require much less maintenance than comparably sized gas generators. Fuel costs per kW produced with diesels are normally 30% to 50% less than gas units.
Q.
What do I need to know about alternators?
A.
The alternator is the "business end" of the generator and actually produces the electricity, so it’s important to look for an alternator that is built to last. Look for an all-metal design because plastic housings can warp over time and cause the moving parts of the alternator to come out of alignment and break or wear excessively. Get an alternator that uses "ball bearings" instead of "needle bearings;" it will last longer. "Brushless" designs require less maintenance and produce cleaner power that is more suitable for electronic equipment.
Q.
How are the generators protected from overload?
A.
All generators feature AC circuit breakers. In the event the unit is overloaded, the circuit breaker will pop out. If this happens, the operator needs to correct the overload condition and then reset the circuit breaker by pressing it back in again.
Q.
Can I run the generator inside my home?
A.
NO! A generator has an internal combustion engine and uses gas and oil. The exhaust from running the generator contains lethal carbon monoxide. Therefore, this unit should always be placed in a well ventilated area.
Q.
Can the generator be used during inclement weather?
A.
Generators obviously are used in a wide variety of weather conditions, but they should be protected from the elements to prevent shorting and rusting. Protection for the unit must be provided in a manner that does not impede the air flow to the unit needed for cooling both the engine and generator head.
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