Friday, 11 October 2019

SMART CONSUMER - 10 THINGS TO REMEMBER BEFORE BUYING A GENERATOR


1.WHAT IS YOUR POWER REQUIREMENT?

Calculating the power requirement and then determining the suitable rating of generator you need is called as Generator Sizing. This is the most important factor to consider before you decide to buy a generator.






The determining factor for generator sizing can be answered by considering the followings:
§  In the event of a power outage, should the generator run the entire building or just emergency loads? 
§  What will be the peak demands during summer months?
§  If you have Motors, Compressors etc, what will be your starting load?

After you have considered the above, you need to identify your electrical equipment (electrical load) and sum up their power requirements. This process is also called as Load Calculation. There are many free ‘Load Calculators’ available on the internet. You may take help from a certified electrician. If you are not sure, take help from our sales representatives, they will be happy to help – it is FREE for you!!



2. WHERE WILL YOU PLACE THE GENSET?


The genset should be located where it is accessible for maintenance and repair, and high enough to keep the generator safe if there is water logging during monsoon. There should be enough air flow to let the generator breath properly.



Factors like minimum distance from residential buildings, silence zone near hospitals, fire hazards etc. should be considered. Compliance with local guidelines is a must.



 3. WHICH TYPE OF FUEL ARE YOU GOING TO USE?


The most common fuel types for generators in India are Natural Gas and Diesel. Cost can be a factor when choosing between a diesel or natural gas generator. 





In case of natural gas, the availability of the fuel source is important. 
Local government regulations may dictate which fuel types are available to your area.


4. WHO WILL BE INSTALLING YOUR GENSET?

Only a competent, experienced and certified authority should do the installation.You may choose the right agency through your trusted referrals.



We have trained technicians to do this job. You may contact our representatives for more information, they will be happy to help you.

5. HAVE YOU PLANNED FOR THE FOUNDATION?



Before the generator arrives at your premises, a cement concrete foundation of adequate size should be made ready. An inadequate foundation may lead to excessive vibration resulting in poor performance of your generator.

Only a competent and experienced authority should make the foundation for your generator.You can consult our representatives for any support and guidance, they will be happy to help you.




6. WHAT TYPE OF ENCLOSURE TO CHOOSE?


Most generator manufacturer’s make generators with a standard sound attenuated enclosure (which reduces the sound level). The sound level will be around 74 db (to meet standard CPCB compliance).
Some area may have a regulation of minimum allowed decibel level. For example, places near hospitals, VIP zones, silent zone, airports etc. The target sound level will determine what type of generator enclosure you need to consider.
We also offer Super Silent (54 db) variants of generators to suite your needs.




7. WHO WILL DO THE MAINTENANCE?



A Diesel Generator or a Gas Generator needs maintenance. Unlike a car, generators are often neglected. To ensure that the generator runs during a power failure when you need it the most, proper maintenance routine should be followed. 



Every genset manufacturer will recommend a maintenance schedule and it must be done.
Most of the modern generators are electronically controlled. Maintenance is not restricted to only Oil, Coolant and Filter change. A maintenance DIY for these generators is not a good idea.
It is best to have a maintenance contract with the manufacturer.

8. HAVE YOU THOUGHT OF THE TRANSFER SWITCH?

Do you need a Transfer Switch?

If you want to power just one AC and few lights you may use a power cord connecting the generator and the appliances. For small generators powering small loads this is a common scenario, you do not need a Transfer Switch in such cases. 




When you have larger loads and your loads are connected to an existing power panel then you will need a Transfer Switch. The Transfer switch is the link between the power panel and the generator.

Will you use the generator only for emergency loads or for every load you have. This will determine the ampere rating and design of the Transfer Switch. You can choose a manual Transfer Switch or an Automatic Transfer Switch (costs more).

9. WHAT TYPE ACCESSORY YOU NEED

You may need some special features which does not come as a standard fitment with the generators.We offer Remote Monitoring System and Battery Charger as optional fitment.To run the generators in extreme cold weather you may need a Cold Starting arrangement.





We also provide fully customized solutions. For details, please get in touch with our representatives, they will be happy to help you.


NOTE: Powerol generator do not need additional cold starting kit. Our generators are engineered to run for every weather condition within India.

10.  WARRANTY AND ANY ADDITIONAL COVERAGE

The standard warranty for generator systems typically ranges from two to five years.
It’s a good idea to understand the warranty duration and coverage of your generator and ask for upgrade costs if you prefer an increased coverage.



We offer special maintenance packages to suit your needs.To know more about our products visit us at www.mahindrapowerol.com or call us at 1800-419-1999