How to choose a generator for a country house or cottage, the top models

Electric appliances in today's world can make life in the countryside as comfortable as in the city. However, in settlements, there are often interruptions with electricity, without which all devices become useless. Then electric generators come to the rescue.

How to choose a generator for a country house or cottage, TOP models

Parameters for choosing a generator for country houses and homes

To choose a good generator for your home or cottage, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics.

The power of the device

Before going to the store, you need to make a list of all the electrical appliances that are in the house. Then figure out which of them will work at the same time. After that, the power (it is specified in the instructions) of all selected devices is added up. To the obtained number add another 30%. This is explained by the fact that some devices at startup have more power than during normal operation.

If you choose an autonomous power station for dachas, where you visit very rarely, you can take a generator with minimum power (3 or 5 kW will be enough).

Number of phases

How to choose a generator for a country house or cottage, TOP models

There are single-phase and three-phase devices. Their choice depends on what electrical appliances are in the house and which of them will be connected to the generator. If you have only single-phase devices in the house, then it is logical that you also need to buy a single-phase power plant. If the house has three-phase electrical appliances that require 380V voltage, then it is advisable to purchase a three-phase model of the generator.

Type of fuel used

There are three types of devices: diesel, gasoline and gas. If the house is connected to the gas, it is advisable to buy a gas power plant. In the case of constant use of the generator, it is better to give preference to the diesel ones. If the generator is purchased for short-term use during power outages, it is best to choose a gasoline generator - it is cheaper and takes up less space.

Fuel tank capacity

How to choose a generator for a country house or country house, TOP models

This characteristic determines the duration of operation without interruption and refueling. If the total power of electric appliances is small, buy a generator with a small tank - 5-6 liters is enough. With higher power it is worth considering a variant with a more voluminous tank - from 15 to 30 liters.

The start system of the generator

How to choose a generator for a country house or a summer cottage, TOP models

There are three options for starting: manual, semi-automatic and automatic. When manual, it will be necessary to start the generator on the principle of a chainsaw. In the case of a semi-automatic device, you only need to press the button or turn the key to turn it on. Automatic start implies independent switching on in case of power failure through the circuit of automatic reserve input.

The first two options require the presence of a person to start. The last one switches itself on, but it is also more expensive. The choice depends only on personal preference.

Noise level

Gasoline and diesel generators work quite noisy, creating uncomfortable conditions for the living area. The noise level is specified in the technical specifications of the device, you should familiarize yourself with it when buying. The optimal noise level is no more than 74 dB at a distance of 7 meters.

The noise level depends on the material of the housing, as well as on the number of revolutions. At 1500 rpm, the power plant is quieter than at 3000 rpm, but their cost will be higher.

How to choose a generator for a country house or a summer cottage, TOP models

Other parameters

  • The presence of overvoltage and short-circuit protection. Such a device will extend the life of the electric generator.
  • Cooling system: air or liquid. The second option is more efficient, and therefore more expensive.
  • When buying, pay attention to the availability of a service center in your city or nearby locality, as well as the ability to purchase spare parts.

Mistakes when purchasing an alternator

Most often, buyers make the following mistakes when choosing an autonomous power plant:

  • They do not consider the starting power of the devices, taking into account only the rated power.
  • They buy a three-phase device, considering it universal. It consumes fuel for all its power, but when connected to a single-phase network it will give only one-third of its capacity.
  • Buy devices with aluminum winding for everyday use. Such devices are suitable only for rare occasions. If you need a generator for every day, it is better to buy one with a copper winding.
  • Choose devices without a built-in voltage stabilizer.
  • Buy a diesel generator as the most economical. It is economical only in case of heavy loads.

Rating of manufacturers and top models

The following manufacturers have proven themselves as the most reliable and effective:

How to choose a generator for a country house or a summer cottage, TOP models
  • Huter (Germany);
  • PATRIOT (USA);
  • Fubag (Germany);
  • GEKO (Germany);
  • Elemax (Japan);
  • Kubota (Japan);
  • Gesan (Spain);
  • Vepr (Russia);
  • GENMAC (Italy);
  • SDMO (France);
  • Talon / McCulloch (USA);
  • Endress (Germany);
  • Kipor (China/Russia);
  • Briggs and Stratton (USA);
  • EISEMANN (Germany);
  • Hyundai (South Korea).

The most high-quality models for dacha with power up to 3 kW.

How to choose a generator for a country house or a summer cottage, TOP models
  • Fubag BS 3300. The device is able to provide the work of lighting devices, a refrigerator and several electric tools. Works on gasoline. The rotor and stator windings are copper. The device has a built-in display for ease of use and control of the main parameters. The outlets are also protected against dust and moisture.
  • Honda EU10i. The main advantage is compactness. The noise level is low, the generator is started manually. It is equipped with one socket. The main technical characteristics: air cooling, overvoltage protection (indicator), automatic shutdown.
  • DDE GG3300Z. Suitable for country houses, small construction sites, trips to nature. The generator is capable of working up to three hours without refueling. It has two built-in sockets protected from dust and moisture.
How to choose a generator for a country house or a summer cottage, TOP models

Popular models with power up to 5 kW:

How to choose a generator for a country house or a summer cottage, TOP models
  • Huter DY6500L. The power plant works on gasoline. The capacity of the fuel tank is 22 liters. The device is designed to be connected to a single-phase network. The maximum duration of uninterrupted operation is 10 hours.
  • Interskol EB-6500. Equipped with two sockets. Works also on gasoline (suitable AI-92). The method of cooling is air. Able to provide devices with electricity for up to 9 hours.
  • Hyundai DHY8000 LE. The fuel used is diesel. It has a fuel tank capacity of 14 liters. Can work up to 13 hours on a full load. Noise level is 78 dB.
How to choose a generator for a country house or cottage, TOP models

The best models with a capacity of 10 kW (can fully provide a country house with electricity).

How to choose a generator for the country house or country house, TOP models
  • Honda ET12000. Three-phase model. Able to provide the country house or cottage with electricity for 6 hours. The noise level is 101 dB. Has 4 built-in sockets with protection.
  • TSS SGG-10000 EH. Russian-made device with electronic start-up, equipped with wheels and a handle for easy movement. Works with a three-phase network, the fuel is gasoline. The device has three outlets: 2 for 220 V, 1 for 380 V.
  • Champion DG10000E. Three-phase device. Works on diesel. Noise level is 111 dB. The rotor and stator windings are made of copper.
How to choose a generator for a country house or a summer cottage, TOP models

TIP! All generators with a capacity of 10 kW or more are oversized. Their weight starts from 160 kg. Therefore, you need to prepare a special place for such devices.

Conclusion

Electric generators are able to provide dacha owners during a temporary power outage. Also, they can be taken with them to the nature - in this case it will be possible to connect the necessary electrical appliances for a comfortable pastime.

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