Alphabetical IndexBrands
Close
In this guide we will explain how to choose based on your usage needs, covering the best brands on the market. Honda generators, Genmac, Tecnogen, Airmec, Hyundai and Vinco; from inverters to traditional electric generators, silent generators, single-phase, three-phase, compact models, with transport trolley, etc. If you already have a clear idea of which generator to buy, use the advanced search filters to find the generator you are looking for quickly and easily.
The main feature to consider is certainly the purpose, i.e., the use of the generator. Do I need to use it occasionally in my free time, or for many consecutive hours a day? What do I need to power? How much power do I need?
If you are already an expert in generators and know exactly what you are looking for, try the advanced search immediately by checking the filters that suit your needs. If you are still unsure, continue reading this guide, or contact us to be guided by our generator experts. They will be happy to help you choose the generator best suited to your needs.
There are three types of load: resistive, reactive and electronic.
These are the simplest loads to connect to a generator as they feature stable electricity consumption (no extra power needed at startup) and equipment performance does not depend on the quality of the electricity supplied (waveform, voltage and frequency). Examples of resistive loads are: light bulbs, toasters, electric heaters.
This category includes electric motors. Performance is highly dependent on the quality of the electricity (waveform, voltage and frequency). If values are incorrect, equipment may suffer from vibrations and poor performance. Problems that can arise include the inability to reach maximum speed or correct torque, resulting in overheating and reduced motor life. Reactive loads also require higher starting power (two to five times the rated power). Examples of reactive loads are: drills, saws, pressure washers, refrigerators and air conditioners.
Electronic equipment is very sensitive to the quality of the electricity it draws and requires high stability values. Examples of electronic loads are: computers, TVs, hi-fi systems.
Regardless of the type of load connected, good quality electricity supply improves the performance and reliability of connected equipment. In particular, electronic loads are prone to failure if powered by low-quality generators. To stabilize output voltage and frequency, generators can adopt three types of solutions: Capacitive or Inductive, with AVR board, and Inverter.
This is the simplest and most popular solution in the industry. It is characterized by high reliability and is mainly suitable for resistive loads.
Inverter generators provide high-quality energy that does not depend on the engine's rotation speed. Inverter generators allow the construction of compact generators with alternators half the size of traditional systems and are ideal for powering highly sensitive and sophisticated electronic equipment. Inverter generators are capable of providing high-quality energy for both reactive and electronic loads, ensuring the best performance and maximum equipment lifespan. Other benefits of using inverters include: reduced noise, lower weight and fuel savings.
This is an automatic voltage and frequency regulation device that minimizes fluctuations due to load variations. AVR technology significantly improves the performance and lifespan of equipment with reactive loads.
This is a technology patented by Honda which, compared to the standard inverter system, uses a simplified system capable of providing higher quality electricity than AVR systems. In this system, electricity production is not directly linked to the engine's rotation speed.
Knowing the difference between kilowatts (kW) and kilo Volt Amperes (kVA) is useful for determining the generator's application scope in more detail. To put it simply, these are two units of measurement used to indicate:
In DC circuits, kVA equals kW because voltage and current are in phase. In AC circuits, however, voltage and current may go out of phase. This phase shift, called Power Factor or Cos-fi, depends on the type of load being powered and tends toward 1 the more resistive the load (such as light bulbs, toasters, small heaters, etc.). For reactive loads (electric motors, pressure washers, welders, etc.), the power factor can be much lower than unity, such as 0.8, 0.7 or even 0.6.
Assuming you need to supply 10kW of active power with a resistive load, with a power factor cos-fi of 0.9, a 13kVA generator is more than sufficient because 13*0.9 = 11.7 kW, a margin of 1.7kW on maximum power.
Assuming instead a 10kW load consisting of an electric motor or industrial machinery using many electric motors with a power factor of 0.7, the 13kVA generator will no longer be sufficient because 13*0.7 = 9.1kW. In this case, you will need a generator of at least 16 kVA because 16*0.7 = 11.2kW.
To calculate the required power, in addition to considering the power factor cos-fi of the equipment to be powered, if the load is reactive (e.g., electric motors), pay attention to the inrush current required for startup.
For a simple and quick calculation of the required generator power, you can use the following formula:
Required Power = P x K x 1.25
| Incandescent Bulb | 1 |
| Heater / Electric Hob | 1 |
| Coffee Machine | 1.5 |
| Computer | 2 |
| Cash Register | 2 |
| Domestic Drill | 2 |
| Grinders | 2 |
| Circular Saws | 2 |
| Planer / Sander | 2 |
| Energy Saving Lamp | 2 |
| Microwave Oven | 2 |
| Vacuum Cleaner | 3 |
| Microwave Oven | 2 |
| Vacuum Cleaner | 3 |
| Professional Drill | 3 |
| Concrete Mixer | 3 |
| Air Heating | 3 |
| Domestic Compressors | 3 |
| Refrigerator / Freezer | 3 ÷ 4 |
| Washing Machine | 3 ÷ 4 |
| Air Conditioners | 4 ÷ 5 |
| Professional Compressors | 4 ÷ 5 |
| Welders | 4 ÷ 5 |
Diesel generators, petrol generators or gas generators – on the market you can find generators for every type of fuel. Usually petrol generators are the most widely used because they require less maintenance as well as being lighter and quieter. On the plus side, diesel generators have greater longevity, lasting longer than petrol ones. Generally, diesel generators are chosen for large displacements and high electrical power requirements. The less common, but always valid alternatives, are LPG or natural gas generators depending on the case.
When the generator must be used in "quiet" areas where minimal noise pollution is required, the indicated choice is silent generators. Attention must be paid to the declaration method used by manufacturers, which can often vary considerably.
Some use actual sound power at 1 meter distance, others at 7 meters, and others still at 7m with the generator at 70% load. So you can immediately see that the declared values should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Sound power is measured in dB. For reference, here are some examples:
Inverse Square Law
Doubling the distance from a sound source results in a drop of 6 dB; halving the distance increases sound pressure by about 6 dB. In short, moving another 7 meters away from the generator reduces its noise by approximately 6 dB.
Generators supplied complete with battery for key electric start for quick, easy and convenient starting. Bear in mind that for batteries to last over time, they must be charged periodically to ensure longevity. If you use the generator once a year, a battery will not be a good choice for battery life. Obviously all electric start generators, at least semi-professional and professional ones, include recoil start.
What is the ATS electrical panel? It is a switch that allows automatic generator startup in the event of a power grid blackout. It is an emergency device.
The residual current device, better known as a "life saver", is a safety switch that automatically opens the circuit, interrupting the flow of electric current upon detecting any difference in electric currents between incoming and outgoing current in the electrical system in the event of a leak.
Almost all generators above 50kg can be supplied with a transport trolley. Some come with small wheels included as standard (especially silenced models) or with a practical hook for cranes and lifters in general.
