SJE Electrical Installations
Standby Generator Installers
Diesel Pros & Cons
Less flammable than petrol, thus safer for the user.
Diesel engines more robust than petrol engines.
Easy to service.
Engine life greater.
Diesel generators are more expensive than petrol.
Ideally a diesel generator should run at 70% of the maximum rated load. Short
periods of low load running are acceptable provided that the genset is brought
up to full load, or near to full load on a regular basis.
An easily portable generator is usually 3.5Kva or less.
A backup generator with auto-start is usually 12Kva or over, though smaller
units can used but will only power single dedicated circuits.
If using a permanently fixed unit the set will need a suitable weatherproof and
ventilated enclosure.
A manual start gen set can give the same degree of protection for a lower cost
(by manual I don’t mean you need to pull a start handle/string etc, you simply
press a button or turn a switch., the set will start electrically. However if
costs are an issue manual pull (recoil) starts are available.
An auto start generator will not protect computers; there is a delay before the
generator kicks in; usually 30 seconds or so, further protection is needed. A
UPS system is also needed.
