Electric generators, also known as generator sets or simply generators, are very useful devices. They are ideal to have them as a precaution in case of service failures in your home or to have an electrical source to travel. If you are thinking of buying one, 10 Power Up explains everything you need to know to choose the best one.
Electric generator
A generator or electric generator is a machine designed to convert the mechanical energy of an engine into electrical energy.
This is achieved thanks to the interaction of the rotor, which is the moving part of the apparatus, and the stator, which is the static part. When the generator is running, one of these two parts functions as an inductor to transmit a magnetic flux that the other part transforms into electricity.
The best electric generators
The best value for money
It is a gasoline model with a maximum output power of 3.0 KW and a nominal output voltage of 220 V. It is a single-phase and its engine is 4 times. It has an electric start system with remote and manual control. It is compact and offers a range of 13 hours.
The best high-end model
This is a 6000W petrol model with an electric/manual start, which is activated at the push of a button. It has a robust chassis and anti-puncture wheels.
The best cheap model
It is a gasoline generator of 4.5 KW of maximum power. It has a 4-stroke engine with 3000/3600 RPM. It is a single-phase and includes wheels and handles for easy transport.
Why buy an electric generator
Electric generators are a kind of insurance for people. And it is that with these devices you will make sure you have electricity in case the service fails.
At home, it can be a great help, especially when you have small children. On the other hand, you do work in which you do not use tools that need energy, with an electric generator you will never stay in the middle of the job.
These devices are also ideal because they allow you to work anywhere. It does not matter if you do not have a plug nearby or you are outdoors, with an electric generator you will solve the problem.
A small generator can also be of great help in those places where electricity does not arrive, such as when you go camping.
How to choose an electric generator
If you have decided to buy an electric generator, you should know that in the market you will find a wide range of models. How to choose the best? To do this you must pay attention to certain key features.
Power
This is one of the fundamental aspects of these devices since this determines their power generation capacity.
You should know that you cannot connect at the same time, or at least use at the same time, devices whose final power is greater than the generator output power.
Therefore, before choosing a model you must add the watts consumed by the equipment you want to power: light bulbs, computers, televisions, refrigerators, etc. The resulting number will have to divide it by 100 to get the KVA you need. It is also recommended to add an additional 20%, since motorized equipment, for example, needs more energy during start-up.
Revolutions
In addition to power, you should also pay attention to the revolutions of the device. Electric generators are usually divided into two subgroups according to the revolutions with which your engine works: 3000 RPM and 1500 RPM. In this case, the 'the more the better' does not apply, since each model works differently.
3000 RPM generators are generally used as emergency generator sets since during the time the engine is to work it will work more revolutionized, so it is not recommended to give it continuous use without pause cycles. These types of generators are usually also the ones with the lowest power, lightest and most economical.
Noise
Electric generators are noisy devices, but there are some that offer a lower level than others. The noise they emit depends on several factors such as the engine and chassis, as well as their soundproofing level. It is important that when choosing a model pay attention to this aspect to get an idea of how loud it will be when it is in use.
Size and weight
These are factors that depend on the use you want to give to the electric generator. That is, if you want the device to have it as an emergency backup at home, its size and weight will not be very relevant.
However, if you want to take it from one place to another as when you go camping you must choose a compact model. To make it easy to transport, it is best to buy an appliance that has folding handles, wheels and manageable weight.