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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.
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