Which generator should you choose for your property?

What do you do when there's a power outage?

You light candles…Or if you don’t light candles, maybe you start a generator…If you’re thinking about buying a generator, let us share a few things to think about and then once you decide, keep us in mind for transport and delivery of your new generator.

So, if you’re considering a generator, what size do you buy?

Well, that depends on what you want to run off it. Also, where do you want to store it? How much room have you got? And do you plan on taking it away camping? If that tickles your fancy then you don't want anything too big or too heavy. But if it's just for the home, as a backup when you have a power outage, then as long as you've got space, it could be as big as you need it to be to run whatever you need to run in a power outage. Sounds simple right? Well, here are a few more things to consider…

What type of fuel will it run?

Do you have petrol cars and petrol lawnmowers and you're happy to have a petrol generator? Or are you a diesel person? 

What do you want to spend?

Diesels are usually a little bit more expensive when it comes to engine choice. Also, when considering fuel, think about volatility. Petrol is highly flammable whereas diesel needs a flame not just a spark to ignite. So, diesel could be considered a little bit “safer” but is generally more expensive to purchase per litre. In short, a diesel generator of the same size as a petrol one is generally more expensive. Most smaller size generators you will find are petrol due to expense and consumer spending habits, whereas the medium to large size generators, marketed at business, industrial, rural and mining sectors will be diesel powered.

What size generator do I need?

Well, that depends on what appliances you will be running from the generator. You can have just your standard 10-amp 240V outlets on your generator just like inside your home. Or you can have 15-amp 240V outlets which supplies a little bit more power, and can run multiple devices or high current drawing devices. Medium to large generators can have a combination of 10A/15A 240V outlets in addition to 3-phase outlets used to run equipment requiring a 3-phase 415V supply. These 3-phase units get physically larger and heavier as the capacity of the generator increases. They are generally key start or push button start.

Generally, in a power outage you'd want to maintain your deep freezer, your fridge and maybe set up some temporary lighting. So, you'll potentially require a number of outlets or an outlet supplying a power board that is capable of supplying all those devices or appliances. Minimum size would be 2.4kW rating or larger for this application. For camping, where you may only run a few lights and a battery charger, then 1kW to 2kW should suffice. Also something to note, a generator will only output 80% of its rated power continuously.

If you had a power outage, is it possible to run everything that is operating in your home now on a generator?

The short answer is yes, providing your generator was large enough and could generate enough supply and power to run everything. However, to run a whole household, you would require a sizeable, non-portable type generator (fixed in the one location) that is permanently connected to your switchboard (the kind we would help you to transport). You’ll need a changeover switch within or next to your switchboard and the whole installation will need to be installed by an electrician, which will  be expensive. These installations are usually done on rural properties where power outages may occur often or for a number of days or where businesses require emergency power supply to continue operations.

What is a generator changeover switch?

A changeover switch is a device that switches between the mains supply (power feed from the street – overhead or underground) and the generator to feed your house via your main switchboard. These are either mounted inside or right beside your main switchboard. 

If you're planning on running your fixed appliances during a power outage, like a split system air conditioner, electric oven etc... you would need a changeover switch to changeover from your main's power in your switchboard across to your generator supply power.

What kind of ongoing maintenance is required/suggested?

It’s a good idea to start the generator up at least every 3 to 6 months to make sure it starts when you really need it. This also keeps the parts of the engine lubricated. Fuel doesn’t last forever, it goes stale (Unleaded petrol), breaks down over time and leaves a gummy or crystalized deposit inside the fuel tank, carburetor and carburetor bowl. Starting and running the generator every once and a while, you can keep it topped up with fresh fuel. There are also fuel additives on the market for both petrol and diesel fuels that keeps the fuel fresher for longer (some state up to 2 years) which is great for things like generators that may only be started once in a while.

Obviously, you could possibly drain the fuel tank after use, so that the fuel doesn't go stale. Especially with petrol,  however, if you need the generator during a blackout and especially if it's at night time the last thing you want to do is go looking for fuel and get it into the generator by torch light and then try and get it started. So, if you’ve got a generator, have a bit of a maintenance plan to ensure it’ll start when you need it the most. If your generator is not being used, pull it out and make sure it functions, check the oil and fuel levels, check the condition of the pull cord, start it up, and afterwards replenish with fresh fuel with a fuel saver additive.

Like everything, the bigger it is, the more power it produces, however the more expensive it will be to purchase, run and maintain.

How often will you use it?

In some cases, this may be a determining factor on how much you spend and the type you buy. Some smaller late models even have remote control, push button or key starting and give you a fully digital read out on performance, power consumption, fuel gauge and run time left in the tank.

We hope this has been helpful in some way and has given you some food for thought when deciding what type and size of generator you might need.

How can Cutting Round Corners help you?

When considering purchasing a generator, consider its transport. Cutting Round Corners can pickup, transport, and crane medium to large generators into place. Call or contact us today to help you with all your transport requirements.

Blog Disclaimer

Cutting Round Corners does not provide safety, investment, business or legal advice. This blog and content has been provided for information purposes only. You should consult your own professional advisors for advice directly relating to your property or before taking action in relation to any of the provided content.