Generator: Seven Typical Mistakes That Everyone Makes

When choosing a generator, many people make the same mistakes. A generator is a right solution to energy supply problems. But it is necessary to solve these problems without creating new ones. And they occur if you do not know the most common mistakes and choose the wrong generator. Some mistakes in generator selection can lead to additional costs, electrical equipment failure or even the purchase of a new generator. All of this can be easily avoided if you do not make typical mistakes when choosing a device. In this article, we collected the 7 most common mistakes when buying a generator to help you make the right choice.

Buying the Cheapest Generator

Buying a very cheap generator is not about saving money. In the future, such savings may lead to even higher costs. A low price usually indicates a poor-quality product. Keep in mind that cheap generators are marketed by one-day companies. These are dubious and untrustworthy brands. They leave the market and you are left with a non-working generator.

Incorrect Calculation of Generator Power

It is an unforgivable mistake to purchase a generator at the limit of current consumption. Buyers very often forget that this is not the last appliance in their house. By buying a new device and connecting it, the generator will no longer be able to cope. When calculating the power, it is necessary to take into account not only the total current consumption of the devices but also the starting current and the power reserve.

• Consider starting currents. Almost every electrical device requires more current when turned on than when it is running. The starting current coefficient, denoted by cos φ, is indicated in the device passport. To find out the starting current, you need to multiply the power of the device by this current coefficient. This is how you avoid generator overvoltage.
• Buyers often forget vital devices or buy a new one that the generator can no longer handle. Therefore, when buying a generator, you must have a 20% power reserve.

Incorrect Phase Selection of the Generator

A three-phase generator can be connected to both single-phase and three-phase devices. However, only single-phase devices can be connected to a single-phase generator. This feature does not always mean that three-phase generators are better.
For most generators, the maximum allowable load on each phase should not exceed 30%. This means that if the rated power of the three-phase generator is 6 kW, you will get no more than 2 kW from the 220 V socket. In addition, when connecting consumers to three-phase generators, it is necessary to achieve an even distribution of loads between phases.

Generator Starter Selection

A manual starter is the simplest, proven and cheapest, but it is only relevant for low-power generators. However, problems can arise when starting more powerful generators, especially in cold weather. A generator with an electric starter is always more expensive, but the starting comfort improves considerably.
The built-in electric starter is easy to start by turning the key in any weather. In addition, it is not possible to install an automatic transfer switch in the future with a manual starter. However, ATS offers great ease of use. A generator connected to the ATS device keeps the network under control even when you are not at home.

Generator Selection without AVR Function

Modern electronics are very sensitive to voltage drops. The voltage regulator built into the generator (AVR function) prevents the output voltage from deviating from the desired 220V. Allowed 5-10%. Your electronics can easily tolerate such small deviations. It is good if the generator has a built-in voltage regulation system, otherwise, your equipment may break down for a long time. It is cheaper to buy a generator with an AVR.

Buying a Stationary Generator without a Case

Unfortunately, every generator makes a lot of noise during its operation due to the operation of the internal combustion engine. But you can significantly improve acoustic comfort by purchasing a generator with a case. Of course, if it is not installed in a specially designed room.

Buying a Generator from a Physical Store

Statsionaarsetes müügikohtades on generaatorite valik alati piiratud. Üldjuhul on neis esindatud 1-2 kaubamärki. Lisaks näitab praktika, et müüja püüab ennekõike maha müüa need generaatorid, mis laost välja ei lähe. Veebipoe generaatorite valik on palju parem ning on võimalus valida turu väärikamate mudelite hulgast.
Genekas24 tootevalikus on Könner & Söhnen™ kvaliteetsed generaatorid. Tegemist on Saksamaal toodetud generaatoritega, mis on üheltpoolt taskukohased, ent tootmisel on silmas peetud ka kõrget kvaliteeti. Bränd on auhinnatud oma kõrge kvaliteedi, keskkonnasäästmise, kasutuslihtsuse ja funktsionaalsuse poolest, olles usaldatud valik klientidele nii Euroopas kui Põhja-Ameerikas. Brändi generaatorid vastavad rahvusvahelistele kvaliteedi-, tõhusus- ja keskkonnamõju standarditele, aga lisaks ka heitgaasistandardile EURO V.

Ordering a generator from the Genekas24 website is very easy. If you are in two minds about choosing a suitable generator or need advice, our customer support specialists will help you clarify and answer any questions you may have. Read more about generator selection in our article Generator Selection Criteria. What Factors to Consider?