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 How to Choose The Right Generator When Buying Online

How to Choose The Right Generator When Buying Online

3rd Mar 2023

You can find hundreds of different brands and models of generators for sale online. With so many different brands and models to choose from, how do you know you are buying the right one.? Choosing the right generator for your particular application is very important. Making an informed decision in the first instance can save you lots of time and money in the long run. To ensure you buy the right model generator and to make your generator selection easier, work out the answers to these main factors set out below. 

HOW WILL YOU USE THE GENERATOR?

Typically, applications fall into one of 3 categories:

  1. Home back up(i.e. emergency power) These generators are designed to enable you to quickly and easily power essential home appliances.
  2. Recreational use (Camper vans, camping, picnics, boating) Small Portable Inverter generators are quiet and easily portable, perfect for most recreational applications.
  3. Industrial use(construction and rental) Designed with the construction worker in mind, 

We have generators geared towards each of these applications. However, since each customer has unique needs, you should consider other factors while making a choice.

NOISE LEVEL

Picking a generator that is quiet is important for many reasons.

  • Where you want to run a generator may have noise restrictions that restrict impact generator usage, particularly at night.
  • Noisy generators are unsuitable for many applications, including camping, powering outdoor events, and camper van trips.

FUEL EFFICIENCY & RUN TIME

Before you select a generator, look for one that is fuel efficient and will run for a long time.

  • Inverter generators feature Eco Throttle controls. This feature automatically adjusts the engine speed to match the power needed by the appliance. This allows for maximum fuel efficiency.
  • Inverter generators are fuel efficient, they have some of the longest run times - especially with models with large fuel tanks
  • Many industrial models have large fuel tanks allowing you to run your generator for long periods of time without refilling.

POWER OUTPUT QUALITY

Voltage regulation controls the power output from the generator. Consistent power is extremely important as fluctuations in power can cause equipment to turn off or even break the appliance. This is a big issue if you are using modern sensitive electronics such as phones and laptops. AC Power is depicted using a sine wave. The smoother the curve, the more stable the power.

Any spikes in the curve are caused by a fluctuation in the power being created.

There are several different ways to regulate the voltage on a generator:

  • Brushless

    Brushless generators are among the most common in the industry because of their inexpensive construction but have the least reliable voltage control. Brushless generators can't react to a changing load, either producing low power (a brownout) or high power. Fluctuations of this nature can cause equipment damage.

  • AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator)

    Automatic Voltage Regulator, or AVR, designed to consistently control voltage. The AVR keeps the output voltage more constant, regardless of the load. This means no spikes or brownouts.

  • Inverter  - they produce the cleanest power of all. These units are ideal for sensitive electronics, such as computers. 

    Inverter generators offer a number of other benefits, including less noise, lower weight, and greater fuel efficiency as compared to traditional models.

SIZE & EASE OF TRANSPORT

Consider how you will be moving and storing the generator. Do you need a generator model with ease of moving, ie a model with a wheel kit.

EASE OF STARTING

Is being able to start a generator an issue, if so look towards models that have a key start option, as turning akey is alot easier than having to pull start a generator

DURABILITY AND QUALITY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP

Quality and reliability are critical when selecting a generator. Consider:

  • Is it well put together? Do the components look well made? Look inside the generator, if possible, and compare between manufacturers. You will see substantial differences between a cheap generator and a premium model generator.
  • What are the materials made of? Are they high quality?
  • Is the manufacturer well known? What is their reputation? 

Remember: If you buy cheap, you will buy twice.

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