Choosing a diesel generator for a summer residence

Devices on the market

Consider the most common proposals in Russia, both with built-in autostart and with external blocks.

Generators with built-in autostart

SKAT UGB-4000E / AUTO. Single-phase unit with a nominal power of 4 kW, equipped with a petrol engine. Its fuel consumption is 1.7 liters of gasoline per hour, which, in the presence of a 25-liter gas tank, allows it to work at rated load at one refueling for up to 14 hours

It is important to remember that due to air cooling, it is not worth letting it run for more than 8 hours at a time. Due to the noticeably noisy operation (up to 68 dB), it is worth placing it in utility rooms or in the basement

The price of this generator is within 53 thousand rubles.
SKAT UGB-6000E / ATS. A version of the same generator with a higher power. The ability to supply a load of up to 6 kW will allow using this generator not only in the country, but also in a small cottage. Since the generator's fuel tank has the same capacity (25 liters), and its fuel consumption has increased along with the maximum power, one refueling will only last for 10 hours of operation. When connecting consumers, it must be borne in mind that the two available output sockets are designed for different consumption currents: 16 A and 32 A. Such a generator costs within 64,000 rubles.
SKAT UGB-7000E / AUTO. The most powerful Skat petrol generator with built-in autostart. A power of 7 kW allows it to work even with welding inverters, but it also has a downside in the form of an increased consumption of gasoline up to 3.5 l / h. The price of the generator is 67 thousand rubles.
HUTER DY6500LXA. Compact gasoline single-phase unit with a rated power of 5 kW. Its 22L tank will last about 15 hours of operation. This generator has a high noise level of 81 dB, which requires placing it in a well-insulated room. The price is 53 thousand rubles.
Hyundai HHY7000FE ATS is a five-kilowatt single-phase gas generator. At the same price and power as the Huter, it is less noisy: the maximum SPL is 69 dB.
SDMO Technic 6500 E AVR AUTO is a 8.15 kVA single-phase unit (actual nominal power 6.5 kW). Fuel consumption - 2.6 l / h. Thanks to the American Kohler engine used, this French generator is more reliable than comparable Chinese counterparts in terms of power, but also significantly more expensive: 139 thousand rubles.
Vepr ABP 4,2-230 VX-BSG AUTO is a compact Russian-made device equipped with a Briggs & Stratton gasoline engine. It is favorably distinguished by both the low price (36 thousand rubles) and the simplicity of the design. The rated power of 3.9 kW is quite enough for a small house or summer cottage. Gasoline consumption will not exceed 1.8 l / h.
Gesan G 5000 H L Auto is produced in Spain. Its output power is small - 4 kW, but it attracts low fuel consumption - only 1.3 liters per hour. The used Honda GX270 engine is known for its reliability, which fully justifies the rather high price of 67 thousand rubles.

In the video, a review of the Hyundai generator, which we talked about a little earlier

Generators with plug-in ATS

The video shows the Fubag generator, which will be discussed below.

• Huter DY6500LX in its characteristics is completely similar to the generator DY6500LXA discussed above, but at the same time it costs almost two times cheaper - 27 thousand rubles. At the same time, an additional 5-kilowatt branded autorun unit costs only 7,500 rubles.
• Hyundai HY3100SE is a low-power (2.5 kW) single-phase unit in a soundproof enclosure. Its price is 32 thousand rubles, another 20 thousand can cost the branded device AVP Hyundai ATS 15.
• FUBAG BS 5500 A ES has the ability to automatically start both when using a proprietary Startmaster BS 6600 block, as well as other manufacturers. The power of this single-phase unit is 5 kW, and the gasoline consumption allows it to work at rated load for up to 10 hours on one refueling of a 25-liter gas tank.The generator price is 45 thousand rubles.

An overview of the above Huter generator in the video below

Generators with a capacity of 5 kw

5 kW generators are the most common alternative power supply for all household and portable generators. A sufficiently high power for household power plants significantly expands the capabilities of these generators, while maintaining all the characteristics that allow them to be easily moved and used in different conditions.

Most manufacturers' prices are also kept at an acceptable level.

Gasoline Generator Huter The DY6500LX is a fairly massive device (84 kg) with average performance characteristics.

Among the main features are high engine power, manual start of the generator, a volumetric tank of 22 liters with moderate fuel consumption.

The Wert G6500 gasoline generator is a classic power plant with manual start, which has low performance, but moderate dimensions and weight, which makes it easy to move.

The features of the model are high fuel consumption (2.29 liters per hour) with a tank volume of 18 liters, an average noise level (76 dB).

The Champion DG6500E diesel generator is a very popular power plant among devices of this capacity. Despite the significant weight (92 kg), it is quite easy to move, which is facilitated by the presence of wheels.

Small fuel tank volume (12 liters) is compensated by the low fuel consumption (1.4 liters per hour), so that the generator works for a long time without refueling.

Diesel generator Kipor KDE6500T - heavy model of power plant (177 kg), which is more suitable for stationary use in a domestic environment.

A special feature is the presence of an electric start, a low noise level, which is further reduced by a special casing. To facilitate movement, wheels are embedded in the structure.

The gas generator SPECS SG-6500ES is a modern device that is also in demand by customers due to its low weight with optimal power and low fuel consumption. Features: presence of a muffler, compactness, high engine resource.

Fubag TI 2000

Inverter gasoline generator from Fubag suitable not only for lighting a private house, but also for the operation of various instruments. The unit will perform well on the construction site, with a nominal power of 1.6 kW is enough to connect a drill, grinder, saw or other devices with a consumption of up to 2 kW. At the summer cottage, the generator will easily "pull" the work of household appliances, a boiler, a pumping station. As users write, this budget inverter generator works stably in all weather conditions: from -30 to + 50 degrees. The inverter provides an economical consumption of gasoline - only 1 l / h, in addition, a "economical" mode of operation is provided. The volume of the gas tank is small, only 3.7 liters, but the gas generator is compact and weighs only 22 kg. The manufacturer provides 1 low-voltage output and 2 sockets with a voltage of 220 V.

Advantages:

• high quality workmanship
• compliance with the stated technical characteristics
• economical fuel consumption and easy operation
• protection of a gasoline generator against overloads
• light weight and compact dimensions
• there is an oil gauge

Disadvantages:

• short battery life
• lack of an operating hours counter

Identifying the differences between generators

Directly the generators themselves in gasoline power plants can be of two types, you need to know this before choosing a gas generator:

• asynchronous
  
  (more resistant to high humidity and pollution, cheaper in cost and most suitable for working with devices that have a resistive load, that is, characterized by constant current indicators at startup.)
• synchronous
  
  (it can withstand multiple starting overloads, but it has a more complex device and high cost. It is indispensable for working with inductive power consumers -,).

It should also be noted that there are both brush and brushless types of generators. The latter are undemanding to operate and require less maintenance.

Advantages and disadvantages

To decide whether to buy a diesel or gasoline generator, one should examine the merits and demerits of each class.

Gasoline

This is the most popular type of portable power plant. A gasoline generator differs from a diesel one in its compact size and light weight, which allows it to be placed in a small room - in a country house, in a house and even in an apartment. Typically, these generators are inexpensive compared to their diesel counterparts. Another advantage is low noise pollution (usually less than 70 dB), especially if the unit is enclosed in a sound-absorbing casing, and the engine has a muffler (you can do it yourself). What's more, gasoline generators can be placed outdoors, making them even more versatile and mobile. There are both closed models and open ones on the frame. The latter are cooled by air, which facilitates the construction. As a rule, such devices are equipped with four-stroke motors.

Easy to start, even in sub-zero temperatures.

The disadvantages include the fact that gasoline engines can hardly withstand long-term uninterrupted operation, and some models are not intended for it at all. Most of these units are capable of operating without interruption for 5-8 hours, after which they need a technological break of at least two hours. Engine life is typically less than 4000 hours. Gasoline engines require a lot of high-quality high-octane fuel (the type of fuel is indicated in the passport, and most often it is A-95). As a result, the operation of such a unit will cost more than a diesel analogue.

Diesel

Diesel generators can be either stationary, liquid-cooled, or portable, air-cooled. As you know, diesel engines are better than carburetor counterparts to cope with large and prolonged loads. This makes it possible to develop a capacity of several megawatts. In turn, this allows diesel generators to be more versatile. They are used not only in private homes and summer cottages, but also in small factories, in office buildings, in the telecommunications sector, as well as on construction sites, when filming movies and at concerts. The versatility of diesel units is facilitated by a long service life (10 times more than that of gasoline ones) and the ability to work without stopping for many hours in a row.

Diesel fuel is consumed economically.

Disadvantages of a diesel generator: such a motor is noisier than a carburetor counterpart. However, this problem is solved with the help of soundproof enclosures. If there is no such casing or soundproof container, it is better to install the generator in a separate room, because the level of noise pollution reaches 100-110 dB. At the same time, soundproofed models are much more expensive. The peculiarities of diesel fuel do not allow engines to start at subzero temperatures. The solution to this problem is the heating system (this is an electronic device powered by a rechargeable battery). The heating system also makes the device more expensive. Low-power generators are usually not equipped with such a system, therefore, in the cold season, they need a separate heated room. The price of a diesel engine is 20-40% higher than the price of a gasoline engine. True, this disadvantage is compensated for by its economy.

We recommend watching the following video

Criterias of choice

When choosing such a unit, first of all, it is necessary to be guided by their technical characteristics, such as: power consumption of a diesel generator, fuel consumption (efficiency), noise level, mobility, engine type, voltage (220/380 V), as well as the type of current generated.

Modern diesel power generators are available in a huge power range. It can range from 1 to 100 kW. If we need a generator for a house, then 3-10 kW (depending on the number of electricity consumers) will be enough; to supply the village with electricity or connect industrial installations, a large power will be required.

Generators are also mobile (up to 15 kW) or stationary (over 20 kW).

According to the type of current generated, they are divided, respectively, into DC or AC devices. In our review, we will consider only installations of the second type, since they have the widest scope of application in industry and everyday life, representatives of the first type are used much less frequently.

Finally, we will give an overview of the best models of diesel generators of small, medium and large power to date.

Criterias of choice

Generators for summer cottages are household appliances, the main task of which is the production of electricity. At the moment, there are several types of this device:

Gasoline. Such devices are of two types - synchronous and inverter. The power of the former is no more than 10 kW, and their continuous operation is about 12 hours. Such indicators are quite enough to provide electricity for small household appliances - a microwave oven, a vacuum cleaner, etc. Inverter devices are more advanced models, the performance of which is quite enough to provide electricity to stationary computers, laptops, home theaters, etc. Regardless of the type of device, all gasoline units are compact in size, low noise, and also relatively low cost.

Diesel. They have water cooling in their design, which allows them to provide electricity to the entire dacha, acting as the main source of light. Compared to gasoline, they have a longer period of operation - within 5 thousand hours. They differ from each other in terms of technical characteristics of engines, i.e. how many revolutions per minute - there are 1500 rpm and 3000 rpm. The first ones will cost about twice as much, but they practically do not produce noise either. The latter are much cheaper, but for a summer residence and a house this is not the best option, because the noise from them is quite large.

Gas. This type of generator is characterized by a fairly high price. This is due to the fact that they have rather high performance indicators based on the specifics of the use of gas, which emits particulate matter 1/3 less than gasoline and diesel counterparts. In addition, gas has a lower cost compared to diesel and gasoline. Despite the obvious advantages, many do not have the opportunity to purchase these devices, due to their high price.

The choice of such a unit is very important, because the provision of the necessary electricity for all consumers of the dacha (i.e. household appliances powered by electricity) will depend on its correctness. Therefore, it is necessary to consider not only the type of generator for giving, but also specific technical indicators, which can say a lot about the performance of the device.

Electric generator for summer cottages

Power is within 1-3 kW. Agree, there is no more need for a change house: a heater, tiles, TV, light. There is little space, so compactness and lightness are important.

It is worth considering here that it is possible that you will carry the generator with you in the car (leaving an expensive device in the change house is a risk).

The most affordable type of fuel is gasoline.The gasoline generator is a classic. It works quite quietly, not very susceptible to low temperatures, but its main advantage is its mobility.

Its cost is much lower than diesel generators, and the power is enough to connect several electrical appliances.

Pay attention to inverter generators - they are usually small in size. It is very light (about 2 times lighter than a conventional gasoline electric generator), but, most importantly, economical

This type of generator runs on the same gasoline or diesel, but consumes 40% less fuel.

Now let's move on to examples:

The generator can be both the main power source and connected to the electrical network as needed (power outages in summer cottages are not uncommon).

Think about where the generator will be located, if you intend to keep it next to the shed or on the veranda - make sure that you will not be disturbed by noise and vibrations.

Starting the generator in a change house is a dubious (very dangerous) decision, in any case, it is necessary to provide for ventilation and removal of combustion products. And follow the instructions ...

Pros and cons of diesel generators

Before deciding which generator model to choose, you should decide which source of electricity is required - temporary or permanent. If you go to the dacha all year round, then a diesel generator would be a suitable solution, since it is more adapted for trouble-free operation than a gasoline one. Its safety margin is higher, the diesel unit is able to last longer than the one that runs on gasoline. In addition, having familiarized yourself with the line of modifications of diesel devices, you can understand that such models can be more powerful than gasoline power plants. This circumstance allows you to connect more devices to the unit.

If you are thinking about the question of how to choose a generator for a summer residence, then you should also take into account the fact that diesel fuel is a cheaper type of fuel, and with constant connection of the house to the generator, a lot of fuel will be required. This is why using a gas powered appliance can be expensive. However, you should also consider the disadvantages of using diesel generators. The first of them is expressed in the fact that such units are expensive, their price can vary from 20,000 rubles. up to 1 million rubles. However, you can calm down by the fact that the initial investment will quickly pay off. Another inconvenience that you will have to face when operating a diesel power plant is a significant noise level, which is why the device will have to be installed in a separate room, where the sound insulation system is thought out and there is forced ventilation.

If you are faced with the question of how to choose a generator for a summer residence, then you should also remember that ventilation is also required when using a gasoline appliance. After all, the principle of operation of the unit is similar to the functioning of a car engine, which is accompanied by the emission of exhaust gases. But experts say that the combustion products from diesel fuel are more caustic than gasoline, so a more serious system for removing toxic gases will be required. An excellent option would be to install a diesel generator outside the house, but this solution implies the need for a shed and a locking system to protect against theft.

Thinking about the question of how to choose a generator for a summer residence, you should also remember that you can start a gasoline unit at a temperature of -20 ° C, while a diesel one can be started when the thermometer is at least -5 ° C. A significant drawback of diesel devices is the difficulty of starting at temperatures below zero, which is fundamental for the climatic conditions of Russia.But on sale you can also find models that include a protective casing, it allows you to place equipment even on the street, receiving electricity in the cold. Concluding, it can be noted that the purchase of a diesel generator is a reasonable decision in the case when the country house is used for a whole year or has a large number of electrical appliances.

Which engine is the best?

In modern diesel generators, there are two types of engines - two-stroke and four-stroke. Each of them has certain advantages that form the final choice.

Advantages and disadvantages of a 2-stroke engine:

• Such engines have a simpler design, from which their price is formed - it is lower than that of 4-stroke models.
• Small size of the motor, which greatly simplifies transportation.
• Two-stroke engines consume more fuel, while their service life is lower than that of a 4-stroke engine.
• They make a fairly strong noise during operation.
• The impossibility of working on pure gasoline - it is necessary to make a special mixture of gasoline and oil.

Basically, generators are equipped with such motors, which have a rather limited working time.

Advantages and disadvantages of a 4-stroke engine:

• Four-stroke engines have a longer service life - up to 5 thousand hours.
• Such motors can be refueled with a standard grade of gasoline - AI-92.
• Has a very low noise level.
• Lack of all kinds of smoke when working.

Among the shortcomings, we can note the presence of a higher price in comparison with 2-stroke counterparts. In addition, these motors are heavy.

Comparative characteristics and review of models

Choosing the right diesel generator for a summer residence, it will not be superfluous to consider several popular models that are in certain demand.

Prorab 3001 D can work up to 12 hours without interruption. The frame of the device reliably protects the main working units from mechanical damage and other influences.

Specifications:

• the type of engine used - diesel;
• maximum power - 3 kW;
• total weight - 65 kg;
• start type - manual;
• fuel tank capacity - 12.5 liters;
• the power of the motor used - 6 hp;
• fuel consumption - 1 liter per 1 hour of work.

The price for this device is about 40 thousand rubles.

Overview of the Prorab model

The Kipor KDE6500E model is a semi-automatic device. Compact size and low noise level make this device optimal for summer cottages, as well as for a country house.

Specifications:

• the type of engine used - 4-stroke, diesel;
• start type - manual;
• voltage control - automatic;
• the brand of the motor used - Yanmar KM186FAG;
• engine displacement - 418 cm3;
• number of cylinders - 1;
• number of revolutions - 3000;
• cooling - air;
• fuel tank volume - 15 liters;
• maximum power - 5 kW;
• total weight - 100 kg;
• unit width - 0.72 m;
• unit height - 0.65 m;
• unit length - 0.49 m.

The price for this device will be about 82 thousand rubles.

Overview of this generator

The cost of the goods will also be formed on how many revolutions the engine makes in one minute. A completely different category of products is devices whose motor rotates at a speed of 1500 rpm. As already mentioned, such units emit much less noise, which affects their higher price.

The Toyo TG-12 SBS model is a real power generating station. It can work without interruption for 26 hours.

Specifications:

• the type of engine used - 4-stroke, diesel;
• start type - electric starter;
• voltage control - automatic;
• the brand of the motor used - KubotaV1505;
• number of cylinders - 4;
• number of revolutions - 1500;
• cooling - water;
• fuel tank volume - 40 l;
• maximum power - 10 kW;
• total weight - 510 kg;
• unit width - 0.72 m;
• unit height - 0.83 m;
• unit length - 1.5 m.

The price of this unit can vary in a different range - from 700 to 850 thousand rubles.

This generator is shown in the video

Mitsubishi GMM6M is manufactured in Japan. Suitable for connection to a single phase system.

Specifications:

• the type of engine used - 4-stroke, diesel;
• start type - electric starter;
• voltage control - automatic;
• the brand of the motor used - L3ESD;
• number of cylinders - 4;
• number of revolutions - 1500;
• cooling - water;
• fuel tank volume - 52 l;
• maximum power - 7.2 kW;
• total weight - 435 kg;
• unit width - 0.77 m;
• unit height - 1.07 m;
• unit length - 1.16 m.

The price for this diesel power plant is about 600 thousand rubles.

CumminsGMC11 connects to a three-phase system and has the following specifications:

• the type of engine used - 4-stroke, diesel;
• start type - electric starter;
• voltage control - automatic;
• the brand of the motor used - X1.3-G2;
• number of cylinders - 4;
• number of revolutions - 1500;
• cooling - water;
• fuel tank volume - 75 l;
• maximum power - 8.8 kW;
• total weight - 700 kg;
• unit width - 0.8 m;
• unit height - 1.33 m;
• unit length - 1.6 m.

The price of this generator is about 280 thousand rubles.

As we can see, more powerful diesel units cost quite a lot of money, so their use is hardly advisable for a regular summer cottage. The main buyers of such equipment are the owners of large houses and cottages who need a constant uninterruptible power supply.

Particular attention should be paid to the type of cooling of the device. It can be air and water

If the first option is used, then the device overheats quickly enough (within 8 hours), so it must be turned off periodically to cool it down. There are no such problems with water cooling, because it is able to work without interruption for more than 15 hours.

If a long operating time is not required from the generator for the summer cottage (less than 500 hours per year), then it would be more expedient to purchase a unit with 3000 rpm. Such devices will cost much less than those with the engine running at 1500 rpm.

Installation and connection in the country

After purchasing the necessary generator, the question arises about its correct connection in the conditions of your summer cottage.

The installation itself seems to be a rather complicated matter, therefore, if you do not have the necessary knowledge in electrical engineering, then you should not start the installation yourself. In such cases, you can resort to the help of specialists, which will save you not only time, but also relieve you of certain difficulties.

If you decide to install the unit yourself, then you need to know a few points:

1. If the generator is stationary, i.e. will be located permanently in one place, then the scheme of its installation must be constant. The point is that the switching should be continuous - from the device itself to the electrical panel.
2. If the unit is not stationary, then it is necessary to provide for the installation of a socket for connecting a cable to it. There will be special plugs at the ends of this cable.
3. The device is connected to the electrical panel through the wires located on the generator. At the same time, the point of their connection should be located in front of the protective device, after the meter.

To connect the device correctly, you need to have certain devices available:

1. A device showing the presence of current in the network.
2. Rocker switch, or reversible switch.

When connecting the device, it is necessary to separate the lines of the generator itself and the electrical network.

Pay attention to the optional capabilities of gasoline power plants

Starting device

This device can be mechanical (manual) or electrical.

Manual start starters

the most common due to the simplicity of their device, reliability and unpretentiousness. In turn, the presence of an electric start allows you to significantly simplify the work with the unit, make it comfortable, and, if necessary, fully automated.

For example, when the mains electricity is disconnected, the generator will be started as a backup energy source independently, without human intervention, as well as turning it off when the main power supply is resumed.

Electric starter

among other things, it makes it possible to use the remote control.

AVR

This abbreviation is usually used to designate an automatic system. It allows you to maintain the generated power at a constant level, regardless of voltage fluctuations in the form of connecting or disconnecting electrical consumers. The presence of such a device in a particular model is an indicator of its kind of "class".

Cooling

As a rule, all gas generators have generator cooling devices to protect against overheating. In models with a high power rating, it can be water-based, but most often the air type is sufficient for adequate cooling.

When choosing such a unit, it is necessary to determine in advance the place of its installation, since it must meet certain requirements for the volume of circulating air and temperature conditions. In this regard, air-cooled models are more demanding and sensitive to environmental conditions.

If this article does not answer all your questions related to the choice of a gasoline power plant, then you can look at a number of other publications on our website on this topic or contact our managers for additional information.

Choosing a good generator for your home or summer cottage as an alternative power source is not an easy task for many users. Modern manufacturers regularly delight with new products, supplement the equipment with previously unavailable options, expand the range, but thereby complicate the choice. Today our experts have prepared for you a rating of the best generators in 2017, which selected the most popular models from leading brands. The TOP-best includes not only the most powerful and efficient models, but also compact, low-power gas generators with excellent characteristics.

Selection criteria

To understand which diesel generator is best suited for a summer residence, a detailed consideration of all the most important criteria helps. These include the following.

1. Power consumption. On average, a diesel generator will operate at 40-75% of the specified rated power. For example, a 5 kW model will generate no more than 3 kW. If the load is too low, the equipment consumes fuel "idle"; if the load is too high, the efficiency drops. Before buying, it is worth calculating the approximate amount of upcoming energy consumption, determining the optimal power.
2. Fuel consumption. Indicators up to 200 ml for the generation of 1 kW are considered the norm.
3. Ergonomic and compact body. The device should be easy to install and transport.
4. Noise isolation. Without it, the diesel generator in the country will work, making too loud sounds - over 75 dB.
5. Eco-safety. The less harmful the emissions into the atmosphere, the better.
6. Cooling method for the engine. For short-term use, models with an air system are suitable. For a constant supply of electricity, options with a liquid-cooled engine are better suited.
7. Availability of automation. It is mandatory for three-phase technology and models used for continuous continuous operation. Even the simplest diesel generator must have overheating protection sensors to avoid a fire.
8. Duration of continuous work. There will be enough equipment for the dacha, designed for 12 hours of non-stop operation.
9. Fuel tank volume.For continuous use, models with indicators from 8-10 liters are suitable. A small tank volume will require regular refueling.

Considering all these points, you can find an inexpensive and reliable diesel generator that can provide periodic or constant power supply in a country house.

Tips for choosing a diesel generator for a summer residence are described in the following video.