While power engineers are working to restore the system, the streets of Ukrainian cities are filled with the noisy sounds of generators. Even a small convenience store needs to ensure its energy independence to continue operating. We have prepared a guide with a selection of popular models, talked about their advantages and disadvantages, and collected useful tips for a successful purchase.
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Similarly to charging stations, the first step before buying a generator is to calculate the required power. You need to determine the total power of all the devices that will be connected to the generator. When choosing a suitable model, it is advisable to add a certain power reserve of 20-30% to its characteristics. Small household appliances require 2-3 kW, and you can choose 10 kW to power a large house.
However, the numbers alone do not explain the capabilities of the device because there is a difference between starting and operating (rated) power. At the starting power, the generator «starts the engine of the device», and at the operating power — it works constantly, stably supplying power to the devices. Therefore, if you need to use energy-intensive devices (power tools, kitchen appliances, air conditioners), pay attention to both indicators.
There is also a difference between the types of fuel that the generator itself uses. Most often on the street we see large and noisy models that run on diesel or gasoline. Diesel ones are better suited for long-term use because they are reliable in case of frequent interruptions and have a longer motor life (however, in winter they require «winter» fuel).
Gasoline models are also popular, but are considered less economical. They are compact, and such models are adapted for hiking. However, note that they are not suitable for commercial use, as they require frequent charging. There are also gas-powered or combined gas models, but they require a «» gas supply to the device or constant refueling with a gas cylinder. Please note that the connection of a gas generator to the main gas supply is only carried out by the relevant services.
Gas-powered generators are also available as large standby generators, which are no longer of the portable class. They are designed to power large buildings, complexes, business, or shopping centers and are the safest solution for long power outages, but also the least expensive in terms of installation costs.
If you’ve seen a picture of a person starting a generator like a motorboat, you’ve seen a generator owner with a manual starter. A regular button — is an electric starter. To avoid having to run outside in the dark, it is better to choose a generator with an automatic start (ATS) so that the device works as a UPS (when the power goes out, the generator turns on independently for backup power).
It is advisable to choose a generator with wheels or handles, which will greatly simplify the transfer of the device from the room to the street. By the way, a special casing will help to reduce the noise from the operation — it can slightly isolate the sound, which is important both in a private house and in dense urban areas.
The basic generator model from Konner&Sohnen is a balanced solution in a compact size. With a weight of 15 kg and a low noise level, this generator has everything you need to power even sensitive devices. This model is easy to transport and has a rated power of up to 1.8 kW, with a starting power of up to 2 kW.
It offers a pair of 230 V sockets for connecting consumers. The generator should be refueled with 92 or 95 gasoline; the indicator will tell you when to refuel. Compared to other models, this generator requires more frequent refueling, as the tank lasts only 4 hours of operation at 50% load.
Price Konner&Sohnen BASIC KSB 22i S is not the most affordable, so the price varies from 21 to 36 thousand hryvnias.
The EcoFlow brand offers not only charging stations but also generators. Smart Generator (Dual Fuel) — the second generation, which implements a combined fuel system from gasoline or propane. It supports all the manufacturer’s promoted features, such as app control and automatic start (but only when connected to EcoFlow DELTA Pro or DELTA Max charging stations).
The dimensions of the device are not small (weight 30.5 kg), and the noise level is slightly lower than traditional models. When running on gasoline, it can withstand a workload of up to 1.8 kW (and up to 1.6 kW on propane). The generator is designed for consumers who use charging stations as the main source of power during prolonged power outages (for example, camping, hiking, in places remote from the city). However, this generator will not be suitable for some jobs, as the output voltage of 230 V and the 4-liter tank are hardly designed for such tasks.
Pros EcoFlow Smart Generator (Dual Fuel) «on gasoline» the manufacturer asks for 35,970 hryvnias.
It is a compact and easy-to-transport device. Not too noisy, it will prove to be good for basic needs, but will only power small devices.
The model has a power output of 1 kW and a maximum value of — 1.2 kW, fuel consumption is 0.63 l/h, and a 2.5-liter tank is enough for 4 hours of continuous operation. This generator will not be enough for longer power outages, but it provides stable power, which is important for sensitive electronic devices. And the presence of a USB port in the design will allow you to charge other portable devices, small electronics and gadgets Hyundai HHY1050Si can be purchased at a price of UAH 14,150 to 16,800.
The PGG series offers different levels of generator power, and the Karcher PGG 6/1 is just a middle ground between the entry-level and the top class. This model is already suitable for various tasks, powering a house, cottage or garage, and can cope with long-term operation (a 25-liter tank will last for 10 hours of operation, and at full power up to 6.5 hours).
The rated power is 5 kW, and the maximum power is — 5.5 kW. The generator has an electric starter for starting the engine, a fuel remaining indicator, and an automatic voltage regulator.
The built-in handle and wheels make it easy to transport the device (the weight of this model is 85 kg), and three sockets will help power the necessary devices. Price for Karcher PGG 6/1 varies from UAH 26,299 to UAH 43,999.
A more budget option ITC Power GG3300F with a 208 cc engine is also suitable for powering a home. However, it will provide a shorter backup power period (the fuel tank is designed for 15 liters) and a lower power level (the nominal value is 2.8 kW). This model is suitable for an average number of household appliances, handling the connection of a refrigerator, TV or microwave.
It is equipped with two 16 A sockets with automatic machines and has a DC 12V output. The generator is of a standard design, weighs 45 kg, has a handle and wheels for carrying. Noise level ITC Power GG3300F is identical to the previous model from Karcher, but the price is more affordable — this generator can be found on the market from 12 thousand UAH, and the maximum price does not exceed 18,000 UAH.
If the previous models belonged to the basic or entry-level class, then the powerful Vulkan SC13000-III generator can be used to evaluate the difference with professional categories. The Vulkan SC13000-III is one of the most powerful in the manufacturer’s range, it can cope with powering many devices, household appliances and power tools.
In addition to its high-power output, the device is capable of generating both single-phase and three-phase electric current (230 V and 400 V, respectively). The nominal power is 8.8 kW, with a starting level of up to 9.6 kW (for a single-phase network), and for a three-phase network, the power is 10 kW with a maximum load level of up to 12 kW. The generator is equipped with a pair of conventional 230 V sockets and one 400 V socket.
The generator can be used for sensitive electronics, as it has a built-in AVR voltage regulator. It is IP23 protected, equipped with a voltmeter and an hour meter. The model weighs a lot (175 kg), but the design includes wheels.
Thanks to its size, powerful engine and 45-liter gasoline tank, the Vulkan SC13000-III can operate for 9 hours when fully loaded. The duration of work increases up to 16 hours on a single refueling, if the load does not exceed 50%.
Of course, the price for this portable power plant is much higher than for previous models and starts at 110 thousand UAH. However, the same manufacturer has more basic options in its assortment, such asVulkan SC4000E-II or Vulkan SC9000E-II.
For private homes, it is also advisable to consider using special batteries that are not generators but accumulators that collect energy. When there is no electricity, they «give» energy to the grid, and when the power comes back on, they gradually replenish the supply. In essence, these are huge power banks or charging stations that are connected to the house network.
A similar solution is the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel, which, when paired with DELTA Pro, makes the house energy independent for a certain period of time. Additionally, you can consider installing solar generators that do not require fuel at all, but are charged by solar panels.
However, for commercial or industrial needs, it is more common to use professional-grade backup generators that provide a stable voltage and can operate for a long time. However, for all household consumers, it is important to read the generator manual carefully, as well as the rules for its maintenance (frequency of engine oil changes, for example) and connection to the mains. We recommend that you contact the appropriate services for the first installation of the generator, and purchase equipment only from authorized stores.