There are so many diesel generators to choose from How do I make up my mind ?
In this age of consumer freedom the choice for many items including diesel diesel generators seems endless, this can make choosing seem somewhat daunting. Before you choose a diesel generator you may wish to consider the following :

What size of diesel generator do I require: All electrical products have a data plate with information regarding their power usage, for most power tools i.e. drills sanders etc their listed wattage is all the power they require to run. Household items such as central heating pumps, lights, TV's, Video recorders etc. fall in the same catergogry. Items such as freezers, fridges, washing machines, some lawn mowers are normally different, whilst they can state a wattage rating, due to the type of motor they use can require a much greater requirement on start up, when started they then require a smaller usage.

If you are unsure as to what power usage a product has it is always advisable to contact the relevant manufacturers sales or technical dept, quoting model number and requesting the START UP wattage & RUNNING wattage of your item. With this information you will be able to determine accurately the size of diesel generator you require.

Do I require a diesel generator that has a long run fuel tank: diesel diesel generators are available in either standard run or long run versions. A standard tank will last for 2-4 hrs, where most long run diesel diesel generators can run through the night, if you are looking to purchase a diesel generator for back up for powercuts then we would recommend a long run tank machine.

Do I want to run a Computer off my Generator : Running home computers from a standard diesel generator is not advisable, you require a diesel generator that utilises AVR (automatic voltage regulation such as the Briggs Pro Max 4500A or a Inverter such as the Honda EU & EM Range these systems will give you more stable electricity than the mains. Please note !!! that as a diesel generator runs out of fuel, the engine is likely to surge. To avoid this affecting electronic equipment an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) can be used. These are typically sold for use with computers so that data is not lost in the event of a power cut.

I have bought a diesel generator, and I am concerned about safety. Can I use a personal power breaker?

Answer : The diesel generator is configured differently to the mains supply. The diesel generator has a 'floating earth', whilst the mains has an earthed neutral. Whereas it is definitely recommended to use a personal power breaker (RCD) from the mains, for the majority of cases, it is not necessary to use one with a diesel generator. The diesel diesel generators are safe as they are designed.
Personal power breakers are designed to operate from the mains. If one is to be used with a diesel generator, then it is necessary to modify the diesel generator so that it is configured in the same way as the mains. This is a relatively simple modification for a qualified electrician involving adding a link wire from the neutral terminal to the earth terminal. However, once the diesel generator has been modified, it is necessary to then always use a personal power breaker and to also always use an earth spike, which connects between the diesel generator frame and the ground. Since this is difficult to ensure, it is generally recommended not to modify the diesel generator.

Unit 14
Langthwaite Road
Langthwaite Grange Ind Estate
South Kirkby
Pontefract
West Yorkshire
WF9 3AP