1. Inverter or AVR?
Inverter
Inverter technology regulates the output voltage of the genset with a margin of ± 1.5%.
Inverter gensets are therefore perfectly suited to sensitive appliances (televisions, smartphones, computers, etc.).
The inverter also saves fuel:
The genset adapts the engine speed according to the needs of your appliances, so consumption is reduced if the genset is not at full load.
Be careful, however, to deactivate eco mode (engine speed regulation) if you are using rotating tools (drill, grinder, etc.).
AVR
AVR (automatic voltage regulation) technology regulates the generator set's output voltage.
There is no standard for the margin of variation, so check the value given by the manufacturer.
Some AVR generator sets have a voltage margin of 5% (Hyundai, Feider, etc.). Others have a margin of 1.5% just like the Inverter (Konner & Sohnen, Kompak, FOGO, etc...)
2. Which fuel?
Petrol
Petrol generators are designed for occasional use.
They are ideal for motorhomes or as back-up power in the event of infrequent power cuts.
They are also suitable for use on building sites where they do not need to run continuously throughout the day.
There are, however, some exceptions: some petrol FOGO sets have been designed to run for 48 hours at a time.
Diesel
There are two types of diesel generator.
The 3000 rpm: these are designed to run for long periods at a time (6 to 8 hours). They are therefore perfectly suited to regular, long-term power cuts. They are also suitable for use on construction sites where the generator needs to be running all day.
1500 rpm: these are designed to run for 24 hours at a time. They can therefore be used as the main source of power for a home or similar.
Gas
Gas-powered generators can be used in the same way as petrol-powered generators.
The advantage of this fuel is that it reduces consumption and therefore saves money. Emissions are also lower.
3. Single-phase or three-phase?
Single-phase
Single-phase generators deliver a voltage of 230V. A 16A single-phase socket can deliver a maximum of 3680W.
If the power of your generator is higher and you want to use all the power for a single appliance, you will need a 32A socket.
Three-phase
Three-phase generators deliver a voltage of 380V. They are therefore generally suitable for professional appliances.
You will regularly find single-phase sockets on three-phase sets. However, they only deliver a third of the total power of the set, as they only use one of the three phases.
There are some exceptions, however: some generators (Kompak, Konner & Sohnen, etc...) deliver the same power in single-phase and three-phase, but never at the same time. There is a selector switch to switch from 230V to 380V. When a genset has this function, it is systematically indicated in the technical data sheet
4. What is the difference between maximum and rated power?
Maximum power is the "peak" that the genset is capable of withstanding when an appliance is started up for a few seconds.
Rated power is the power delivered continuously by the genset.
Some gensets fitted with professional generators (Linz, etc...) and professional engines (Honda, Vanguard, etc...) are capable of delivering 300% starting power.
5. What power should I choose?
The power you need depends on the appliances you intend to use.
To power a house, you generally need between 4000W and 6000W.
Bear in mind that many appliances need more power to start up.
For example, a 1200W high-pressure cleaner needs 4800W to start up, as it has a starting coefficient of 4.
We invite you to consult our table below:
