Largest Selection of Diesel Generators, Military Generators & Industrial Generators, Switchgear, fuel tanks and accessories.

Purchasing a Genset

Consumer Guide to Purchasing Generators

Once you have decided to purchase a generators 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. Our 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 generator 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?
You will first need to decide whether you need a stand-by or prime power generator. Simply stated, prime power generators are required when you have no other source of power. Stand-by generators are a backup to normal utility power.

Armstrong Diesel Generators 15-30kW with long run fuel tanks standard

Contractor Electric Generators (Multi Quip type) Mobile Rental  - Multi Voltage electric 

Generators; 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. It is important to match your existing utility power...99.9 % of US residential installations are 120/240v single phase with a 200 amp service.

Most homeowners will require a single phase Generator.  Industrial or commercial generator 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 diesel generator is 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.

1. 1800 rpm water cooled diesels operate on average 20-30,000 hours before major maintenance is required.

2. 1800 rpm water cooled gas generator units normally operate 6-10,000 hours because they are built on a lighter duty gasoline engine block.

3. 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 generator products are from the world’s top generator manufacturers. We offer generator products for high-end residential customers with larger homes to industrial generator and military generator customers with prime power or critical emergency backup requirements.

Generator Operating Speed
Electric generator 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 generator sets are smaller and lightweight; they are best suited for portable, light-duty generator 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 generator 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 generator will last longer, offer less maintenance problems, and be more fuel efficient.

Features & Benefits to Look for In Generators
Engine Block: For long life and quiet operation, we recommend four-cycle, liquid cooled, industrial duty 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 generator unit or off-brand engine; you will not be able to obtain the necessary follow-on parts and service support available with these machines!

DC electrical system — A standard 12 volt system should include:

1. Starter motor and electric battery charging alternator with a solid state voltage regulator

2. Should come with a pre-heat electric switch and start/stop electric switch

3. Safety shutdown system to protect the engine in case of oil pressure loss, generator overspeed or overcrank and high water temperature

4. DC electric 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 generator 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. 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 generator 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 generator supplier or contractor can help you determine what you will need.

Gensetcentral Generator Systems – The Ultimate in Generators

Gensetcentral Generator Systems can provide for all your diesel 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 generator products that are priced at or below our competition who offer lesser brands!

Our generators are powered by world class engines. and feature SDMO generators

Industry Links

EGSA Generating Systems Association

John Deere Service and Support

PG&E Safety Information

Red Cross Safety Information

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