Many
users often face the question before purchasing a generator for the first time:
"What kind of generator is suitable?"
Grand Decho can provide you with
some purchasing advice to help you choose the most suitable product more
precisely.
Generators are divided into three
categories based on fuel type: gasoline generators, diesel generators, and
gas/dual-fuel (gas and gasoline) generators. You can choose the appropriate
type based on the availability and cost of fuel in your area.
Fuel
Type
Gasoline
generators:
They are relatively lightweight in
structure and have a wide power range, from below 1 kW to over 10 kW. Gasoline
is also the most easily accessible fuel. Compared to diesel engines, gasoline
engines are easier to start in low-temperature environments. Gasoline
generators are currently the most common type on the market and are widely used
for home backup power, vacation homes, outdoor power supply, and on-site power
at construction sites.
Diesel
generators:
They tend to be heavier but offer
higher reliability, durability, and fuel efficiency. The power range is
typically 3–20 kW. For users who need to use a
generator frequently, purchasing a diesel generator ensures reliable power when
it is most needed. Long-term operation also results in lower fuel costs
compared to gasoline generators. They are suitable for remote work sites
without access to the public grid, such as small construction sites, mining
areas, and wood processing plants.
Functional
Types
Based on
the features equipped, generators can be categorized into open-frame, silent,
inverter, three-phase power, and ATS/ABP automatic transfer switch types. Some
high-end models may combine multiple functional types.
Open-frame
type:
This is the simplest structural
type, offering lightweight design, easy maintenance, and effective heat
dissipation. The EG series gasoline generators and GDD series diesel generators
use an open-frame structure.
Silent
type:
These models are equipped with
sound-absorbing materials and enclosures to reduce noise. Our EI series
gasoline generators are of the silent type.
Inverter type:
Equipped with electronic control systems and inverters, they ensure pure
sine wave output with minimal voltage fluctuations. This makes them more
suitable for powering sensitive electronic devices such as computers and
electric boilers. They can also automatically adjust engine speed based on
load, reducing fuel consumption. Our EI and EGA series gasoline generators are
equipped with these features.
Three-phase
power type:
These generators add 400V
three-phase power output capability and can switch between 230V single-phase
and 400V three-phase power. They are more suitable for large equipment and
three-phase power lines. Models with a "T" suffix in our product series
indicate three-phase power capability.
ATS（ automatic transfer switch ）type:
Equipped
with control interfaces and electromagnetic control valves, when connected to
an ATS control unit, they automatically monitor the grid voltage. If a power
outage is detected, the control unit sends a start signal to the generator.
Once the generator is running stably, it switches the power supply to the user’s electrical system. When grid power is restored, it automatically
switches back and sends a signal to shut down the generator. The entire process
requires no manual operation, making it suitable for industrial and commercial
projects that are sensitive to power outages or experience frequent outages.
Our EG10000es series models (A-A and T-A-A) and GDD6500, 8500, and 11000es-A
models are equipped with ATS.
Power
Range
You can choose the appropriate
power range based on the total load of the electrical equipment you plan to
use. The ideal operating condition for a generator is between 50% and 75% of
its rated load. We do not recommend running a generator at high loads (above
80% of rated load) for extended periods, as this increases fuel consumption and
the risk of malfunctions. Generators can only operate at maximum power (100–110% load) for short durations. For example, the EG8000es series
with a rated power of 6.5 kW cannot continuously power electrical appliances
with a total load of 6 kW. If a customer needs to power a constant load of 6 kW
(such as refrigerators, TVs, computers, lights, washing machines, electric
water heaters, or electric stoves), we recommend using a generator with a rated
power of at least 8 kW, such as the EG10000es series. This leaves 2–3 kW of power capacity for appliances that are used briefly, such as
coffee makers and microwaves, or for appliances with high startup power.
*Note: Some appliances have startup
power that is more than twice their running power，such
as the air conditioners, microwave ovens, air compressors, and water pumps. For
instance, an air conditioner may have a running power of about 1–1.5 kW, but its startup power could exceed 3 kW. When calculating,
the startup power must be included, and the total load must not exceed the
generator’s maximum power.
For the power ratings of common appliances, we recommend referring to this article:
Power ratings of common electrical equipment - Grand Decho AE
Output
Ports
Our generators are equipped with
several types of output ports to meet the different needs. You can choose the
appropriate sub-model based on the sockets and ports configured on the
generator panel and allocate power supply reasonably.
AC
outputs include:
230V /
16A 2-PIN Socket (2P+E, EU Standard)
230V /
32A 3-PIN Socket (2P+E, EU Standard)
400V /
32A 5-PIN Industrial Socket (3P+N+E, EU Standard)
The
power calculation formula is: Voltage × Current × Power Factor.
Their
maximum power capacities are approximately:
3.5 kW
for the 230V/16A socket
7 kW for
the 230V/32A socket
17–22 kW for the 400V/32A socket (depending on the power factor cosφ, which ranges from 0.8 to 1)
However, it is not recommended to
use sockets at high loads for long time. When connecting devices or home
electrical systems, pay attention to the socket’s power
rating and maximum current capacity, and distribute the load appropriately. For
example, if a generator is equipped with two 230V/16A 2-PIN sockets and the
total connected load over 3 kW, the load should be distributed between the two
sockets rather than using only one. For high-power 230V single-phase devices,
models like the EG8000es-A or EG10000es-A should be connected to the 32A 3-PIN
socket, not the 16A 2-PIN socket. For high-power 400V three-phase appliances,
after switching the power selection switch, connect to the 400V/32A 5-PIN
socket.
DC
outputs include:
12V /
8.3A DC terminals (used for battery charging).
USB 5V /
2A and 1A ports (for charging electronic devices, available only on inverter
models).