At the cottage, the generator can become a very practical helper. It can become either a backup source for short-term power outages, which are more common in forests and nature, or it can be the only source of electricity in such a cottage that does not have electrical outlets. Either way, it will ensure that you can enjoy the achievements of the modern age anytime, anywhere. But which generator to choose for the cottage?
What options do you have when choosing a generator?
generators differ among themselves in a number of parameters. But the main difference is always the type of their drive - according to it, we divide generators into gasoline, diesel and gas.
The cheapest generators are those gasoline. They are therefore among the most widely used types and have a broad range of applications. They are particularly suitable for shorter periods of operation and can provide backup power for a cottage during an outage. The purchase price of entry-level models gasoline generators it starts somewhere around 10,000 CZK.
Gas-fired generators tend to have very similar performance to those gasoline. Their lower-cost fuel also reduces operating costs. They can offer environmental advantages as well. Anyone looking to reduce the impact on the woodland around their cottage may consider this type. Entry-level gas generator prices quoted in the original article start at around CZK 15,000–16,000.
This type of generator is also suitable for long-term production of electricity. The gas generator does not have to be only a backup source of electricity at your cottage, but the main one.
Diesel generators they are the most expensive, largest and heaviest of this selection. It is therefore advisable to use them in one place and not to transfer them. Due to its performance, it is more suitable for construction or industry than for a cottage. These central offices also often become backup sources for entire family homes.
Therefore, the best generators for the cottage are those gasoline or gas. When choosing, you will have to decide definitively which drive you will choose. It is good to ask yourself whether you are looking for a backup or main power source. In the first option, a gasoline generator will be enough for you, in the second, you should prefer a gas generator. The one at the cottage will also win over the gasoline one in that its operation will be quieter, which you will definitely appreciate at night.
Tip: read a separate article about the advantages and disadvantages of gas generators the advantages of gasoline ones.
At the same time, the generator at the cottage must be sufficiently powerful. You need to be careful about this.
How to choose a generator for a cottage with regard to its performance?
Here, it is important to know what appliances it will have to power after its purchase, and what their electricity consumption is, even before choosing the generator itself.
You can easily find out here - every appliance has its own power consumption. This is an indication of how much electricity the appliance will take to achieve the specified performance. It is simply an indication of electricity consumption.
Calculate the power consumption of all the appliances that your new generator will have to power. Increase the resulting number by 30%. This is because the generator should have a third higher output than the sum of the outputs of all appliances together. Only then can he safely tighten them all at once.
A generator with an average output will also suffice for averagely equipped cottages. The most powerful central offices will also be equipped with a three-phase mode (they have multi-pin sockets). Vy ale tato zařízení na chatu určitě potřebovat nebudete a s přehledem si vystačíte s elektrocentrálou s jednofázovým režimem (klasická zásuvka 230 V).
Is there anything else I should watch out for?
Certainly. In addition to the basic parameters, which are the drive, noise and power of the generator, you must also consider the appropriate type of output voltage regulation.
To choose a suitable type, first establish what your generator will power. If the connected equipment includes sensitive devices such as computers, laptops or televisions, or electric heaters, consider either inverter generator, or generator with AVR voltage regulation.
These devices, which we all use today, are very sensitive to any fluctuations in the resulting voltage. When they are connected to the network, therefore, the voltage in it must not fluctuate. And it is precisely to prevent these fluctuations that they are inverters and AVR generators determined. Even the most sensitive electronics will be safe with them during operation.
What to take from it?
If you are still wondering which generator to choose, then we bring you a brief final overview.
The best generator for the cottage is quiet, not excessively large, and can be used for a long time. Therefore, gas appears to be the ideal type of drive.
After choosing a drive, do not neglect the next 2 steps:
- calculate the required power of the generator based on the input of all powered appliances
- choose the appropriate type of output voltage regulation according to how sensitive electronics your central office will power
And that's all. If you are still not sure about the choice, don't worry get in touch with us, we will be happy to advise you.