Why you need a generator
A generator (genset) provides standalone power when the mains supply is cut off. For a private home this is not a luxury but a necessity – especially if heating, water supply and refrigeration depend on electricity.
Calculating the required power
Add up the power ratings of all the appliances that have to run at the same time. For appliances with electric motors (pumps, compressors), multiply the rated power by the starting factor (2–5).
| Appliance | Power, W | Starting factor |
|---|---|---|
| LED lighting | 100–300 | 1 |
| Refrigerator | 150–300 | 3–5 |
| Borehole pump | 500–1500 | 3–5 |
| Gas boiler | 100–200 | 1 |
| Washing machine | 1500–2500 | 2–3 |
| Electric cooker | 3000–7000 | 1 |
Add a 20–30% margin to the calculated power. For a typical home without electric heating, a 5–7 kW generator is enough.
Petrol vs diesel
| Parameter | Petrol | Diesel |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Fuel consumption | Higher | Lower |
| Engine service life | Shorter | Longer |
| Noise level | Lower | Higher |
| Winter starting | Easier | Harder (preheating needed) |
| Best for | Rare outages | Frequent/long outages |
Inverter generator
It delivers a stable sine wave with low distortion that is safe for sensitive electronics: boilers, computers, medical equipment. It costs more, but is quieter and more economical at partial load.
Automatic transfer switch (ATS)
The ATS unit automatically starts the generator when the mains voltage drops and switches the load over. When the mains is restored, it switches back and stops the generator. Recommended for homes that are permanently occupied.
Recommendations
- Dacha (seasonal use): petrol, 2–3 kW
- Home (permanent residence): petrol 5–7 kW, or diesel 5–10 kW with an ATS
- Commercial premises: diesel 10+ kW in a soundproof enclosure
Generators and standalone power systems are in our catalogue.
View in catalog: Petrol/Diesel Generators, Batteries, Chargers, Power Supplies and Transformers.