Rugged
long-lived engines (usually 20-40,000 hours of service- compared with
6-10,000 hours for 1800 rpm water cooled Natural Gas or Propane models and
500-2000 hours for 3600 rpm air cooled models)
More
reliable, less maintenance - no spark system to fail.
Diesel fuel
with stabilizers will last up to seven years before the fuel should be
recycled...
Natural gas
or propane supplies are often out for days during a earthquake or other
natural disaster and are easily targeted by terrorist groups: diesel or
fuel oil is readily available.....We recommend diesel electric
generators!
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Buying Guide
Electric Generator Buying Guide to Purchasing
Generators
Once you have decided to purchase a generator set, there are several
considerations you must keep in mind when choosing which set to buy, where
to install it, and how to install it.
This guide will help you make informed decisions during the selection
process. Choosing the right machine is not difficult if you take the time
to analyze your requirements carefully. Electric Generator Mart sales
engineering staff is available to help you with all steps of the generator
selection and sizing process.
You will also need to know a few terms and have a basic understanding
of the different types of generator sets and their operating principles.
Installation requires expert assistance and a strict adherence to local
codes and regulations. We recommend that you have a contractor do your
installation.
Stand-By or Prime Power Generators?
you will first need to decide whether you need a stand-by or prime
power generator. Simply stated, prime power is required when you have no
other source of power. A stand-by generator is a backup to normal utility
power.
Generator Types & Features
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 will require single phase, whereas industrial or
commercial applications usually require three-phase power. Three-phase
generators are set up to produce 120/208 or 277/480 volts. Single-phase
sets are 120 or 120/240. Use the low voltage to run domestic appliances
and the high voltage for your motors, heaters, stoves, and dryers.
Gas Or Diesel-Powered Generators?
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 (natural gas or propane)
generators. Fuel costs per kW produced with diesels are normally thirty to
fifty percent less than gas units.
- 1800 rpm water cooled diesel units operate on average 12-30,000
hours before major maintenance is required.
- 1800 rpm water cooled gas units normally operate 6-10,000 hours
because they are built on a lighter duty gasoline engine block.
- 3600 rpm air-cooled gas units are normally replaced – not overhauled
at 500 to 1500 hours.
Because the gas generators burn hotter (higher btu of the fuel), you
will see significantly shorter lives than the diesel units. Our Diesel
generator products are from the world’s top diesel generator
manufacturers. We offer products for high-end residential customers with
larger homes to industrial and military generator customers with prime
power or critical emergency backup requirements.
Generator Operating Speed
Electric equipment is designed to use power with a fixed frequency: 60
Hertz (Hz) in the United States and Canada, 50 Hertz in Europe and
Australia. The frequency output of a generator depends upon a fixed engine
speed.
To produce 60 Hz electricity, most generator engines operate at 1800 or
3600 RPM. Each has its advantages and drawbacks. At 1800 RPM, four pole
sets are the most common and least expensive. They offer the best balance
of noise, efficiency, cost, and engine life. At 3600 RPM, two pole sets
are smaller and lightweight; they are best suited for portable, light-duty
applications.
In simple terms it’s like operating your car at 90 mph, versus 45mph —
at 45mph your car will last longer; it is quieter, requires less
maintenance, and has a longer life. Most 3600 rpm units are twin cylinder
air-cooled lawn mower engines, while the water cooled 1800 rpm units are
comparable to those found in forklift and tractor engines. The 1800 rpm
water cooled units will last longer, offer less maintenance problems, and
be more fuel efficient.
Features & Benefits to Look for In A Diesel Engine Generator
Engine Block: For long life and quiet operation, we recommend
four-cycle, liquid cooled, industrial duty diesel engines.
Air or Liquid Cooling: Air-cooled engines require a tremendous
amount of air and may require ducting. They're noisy too. Liquid cooling
offers a quieter operation and more even temperature control.
Intake and exhaust: Time and money savers include a large,
integral air cleaner with replaceable filter element and a residential
muffler, which is built into the exhaust manifold. This saves the need for
an additional muffler.
The lubrication system should have a full flow, spin-on oil filter with
bypass. Choose a major generator engine brand – We do not recommend you
purchase a Chinese built unit or off-brand engine; you will not be able to
obtain the necessary follow-on parts and service support available with
our machines!
DC electrical system — A standard 12 volt system should include:
- Starter motor and battery charging alternator with a solid state
voltage regulator
- Diesel units should come with a pre-heat switch and start/stop
switch
- Safety shutdown system to protect the engine in case of oil pressure
loss, generator overspeed or overcrank and high water temperature
- DC system circuit breaker.
Generator End
AC generators should have a 4-pole revolving field. An automatic
voltage regulator will provide “clean” power. Normal utility power is +/-
5% voltage regulation. Our 1800-rpm models are even better +/- 2%! All of
our models offer AVR – Automatic Voltage Regulation.
In some less expensive generator units provided by other companies,
Lifetime lubricated bearings are not supplied, since they often require
complete disassembly every two or three years for bearing replacement. All
of our Power Generator units have industrial quality lifetime lubricated
bearings.
Engine Accessories and Controls
Upon determining the generator size you need, make a list of optional
and installation equipment you require. For noise abatement, we recommend
a residential (not industrial grade) muffler. A good primary fuel filter /
water separator is necessary to protect your engine's fuel system.
Stand-by sets may require a block heater to keep the coolant / water mix
at an adequate temperature for easier starting.
Generator AC Switchgear and Controls
Generator switchgear can be as simple or complex as you want or can
afford. Of course, as complexity increases, so does cost. Balance and a
good electrical advisor are the keys here. The diagrams at right
illustrate basic configurations for prime power and stand-by systems. All
generator systems require a circuit breaker and a distribution panel.
The circuit breaker protects the generator set from short circuit and
unbalanced electrical loads. The distribution panel divides and routes the
connected loads and includes circuit breakers to protect these loads.
Stand-by systems also require a main circuit breaker between the utility
source and the transfer panel.
The transfer panel switches power from the utility to the gen-set and
back so that both aren't on at the same time. Auto-start, auto-transfer
systems are available but are costly. Your supplier or contractor can help
you determine what you will need.
Generator Systems – The Ultimate in Generator Retailing
We can provide for all your diesel generators and backup electric
generator needs from 2 Mega Watt units for industrial generator customers
to residential models.
We can provide you with diesel, natural gas or propane powered
generator units. We offer only top quality products that are priced at or
below our competition who offer lesser brands!
Our generators are powered by world class engines.
Please -
Please bookmark this page - we offer professional assistance in
selecting the right product for your particular application.
We represent several
manufacturers, we will do the shopping for you!
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