There is a lot of demand when it comes to a back up generator but there is just as much choice! So how do you know what you need and what all the various features and acronyms mean? Hire it has had over 37 years of experience in supplying and backing up generators so we are going to break it down for you by comparing standard type generators often used for backing up businesses and offices, and silent generators often used in the film industry or for game lodges.
Back Up Generator. In an office environment where computers need to be backed up, a generator would normally need to supply a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) which would in turn feed the computers. A UPS is a battery type device which continues to supply computers when there is a power failure thus preventing the loss of data. The problem is that a UPS will only last for a certain amount of time before it requires power to re-charge. That’s where the back up generator comes in and experience shows that a UPS will require a generator between 1.5 & 2 times its rating. Thus a 2 kVA UPS will need generator power between 3 & 4 kVA. Different designs of UPSs require varying generator outputs. Typically a generator for this application would be petrol driven (because of lower noise output compared to diesel), electric start (for ease of starting for office personnel), have an AVR alternator, a large fuel tank & a large exhaust for reduced noise output.
Silent Generator. Film companies normally request silent generators which means sound attenuated sets giving very low noise output. These sets would be encased in a metal or nylon shell which has an internal skin of sound absorbing material. Generally these sets would be of the inverter type or the AVR type because of the electronic equipment they would have to supply. Game lodges also require very quiet generators.
a) Petrol generators range in size from about 300 VA to 20 kVA & diesel units from 2 kVA to 2000 kVA and beyond. We are able to quote on diesel generators up to 150 kVA but 99% of our sales are made up of units 20 kVA & smaller.
b) Open diesel generator sets are noisier than the equivalent size petrol units but with
sound attenuation, noise outputs can be greatly reduced cancelling out this aspect.
c) Diesel driven sets are more fuel efficient than the equivalent petrol units so if the application requires long running periods, then the diesel option is normally chosen. However because of the price differential your customer would need to do the exercise comparing the diesel set, with its higher initial outlay and lower running costs on the one hand against the petrol machine, with its lower purchase price & higher fuel consumption on the other hand.
d) Environment may determine the type of engine required for a generator. Fuel refineries & other potentially flammable locations will only allow diesel driven sets on their sites because of the lower fire risk. Similarly ships & vessels almost always opt for diesel units.
So there you have it. We sell a range of generators and back them up too so why not call us and we can quote on the best generator to suit your application. 061 044 6606
