What gasoline to fill in the generator. Generator Maintenance

The figures below show the control panel and the main organs of a four-stroke gasoline generator that you have to deal with during its operation and maintenance.

Gas generator device: 1 - fuel level sensor, 2 - fuel tank, 3 - fuse, 4 - 12V power button, 5 - 12V socket, 6 - voltmeter, 7 - 220V socket, 8 - control light, 9 - ground terminal, 10 - engine switch, 11 - cover / dipstick for filling and oil control, 12 - oil drain plug.

Gas generator device: 13 - frame, 14 - fuel tank cap, 15 - manual starter handle, 16 - fuel cock, 17 - air filter, 18 - protective screen muffler.

The first 20 hours (the figure may be different) of the operation of the gas generator are the time during which the parts run in to each other. Therefore, for this period it is impossible to connect the load, the power of which exceeds 50% of the rated power of the unit.

If you plan to run the gas generator always at an altitude of more than 1500 meters above sea level, you should check with the dealer before purchasing the possibility of properly upgrading the carburetor. In high altitude areas, the fuel-air mixture of a standard carburetor will be very rich. Performance will decrease and fuel consumption will increase. To avoid this, it is necessary to install a smaller diameter main fuel jet in the carburetor and make the appropriate adjustment of the engine. Even when using a modified carburetor, engine power will decrease by approximately 3.5% for every 300 m climb. The effect of altitude on engine power will be greater if no carburetor modification is carried out. Running the engine at altitudes below that of a modified carburetor can result in reduced power, overheating, and serious engine damage.

Checking the oil level. Checking the oil level in the crankcase is carried out before each start, since high-quality engine lubrication is extremely important condition proper operation of the generator.

Checking the oil level in the crankcase is carried out with the engine not running. The generator is installed on a flat horizontal surface. If the generator was running before, after stopping, wait for about 5 minutes.

The oil level is checked using a dipstick inserted into the oil filler neck. Before removing it, you need to clean the area around it - in order to prevent contamination from entering the crankcase. The dipstick is removed and wiped with a clean cloth. It is installed (without wrapping) in the oil filler neck until it stops and is removed again. The oil mark should be between the notch on the dipstick and its end. The figure below shows the process of measuring the oil level.

If there is not enough oil in the crankcase, you need to add it to the lower edge of the neck opening and install the dipstick in place, wrapping it tightly.

Refueling. Refueling must be done in a well-ventilated area. Do not smoke or use open fire while working. You need to work carefully, avoiding spills. If possible, avoid inhalation of vapors and prevent skin contact with fuel.

Gasoline generators usually use A92 gasoline (not lower). But in any case, you need to use the brand of gasoline that is indicated in the generator operating instructions. Do not use leaded or lightly leaded gasoline.

The fuel consumption of a gasoline generator depends on its power and can range from less than 1 l / h (at a power of 2 kW or less) to 2 (at a power of 5 kW) or more l / h.

If the engine is four-stroke, clean gasoline is used for refueling without mixing it with oil. In two-stroke engines, a mixture of gasoline and engine oil (for two-stroke engines) is used as fuel in the ratio specified in the instructions.

As for the adjustment of the carburetor of the gas generator and the engine speed controller, they are usually carried out at the factory. The generator output voltage and frequency depend on the engine speed. Tampering with carburetor settings will generally void the warranty.

If gasoline is already filled in the tank, you need to check its level - according to the fuel gauge or visually. The maximum level should not be higher than the fuel filter shoulder (see figure below).

If there is no fuel in the tank at all or it is not enough, you need to add gasoline to the shoulder of the fuel filter - about 20-25 mm below the upper edge of the filler neck. To avoid leakage of fuel due to thermal expansion, do not fill the tank to the top of the neck. After refueling, reinstall and screw the fuel tank cap tightly.

It is not necessary to make large (for a year) stocks of gasoline, half a year after production, gumming reactions appear in gasoline. After this period, the use of gasoline threatens with excess soot and smoke.

The rate of chemical changes during storage of gasoline depends on temperature, contact of non-ferrous metals with gasoline, the degree of filling of containers, the amount of transfusion, etc. The storage temperature has the greatest accelerating effect. An increase in the temperature of gasoline during storage is accompanied by an acceleration of oxidation and gum formation. With an increase in storage temperature by 10°, the resin formation rate increases by 2.4-2.8 times. All the most commonly used metals, being in contact with gasoline, accelerate its oxidation and the formation of resinous substances. On the other hand, the walls of metal canisters are impermeable to oxygen, unlike the walls plastic cans. Copper and its alloys have the greatest accelerating effect. The decrease in the quality of gasoline is facilitated by repeated transfusions of gasoline from container to container. When transfused, gasoline is saturated with atmospheric oxygen, the intensity of oxidative processes in it increases, and resin formation accelerates. The process of oxidation and resinification is significantly accelerated in the presence of resinous substances previously deposited in the tank or residues of resinous gasoline from previous storage. When gasoline turns reddish, this is a sure sign that the tar content exceeds the allowable limit. When the container is not tightly closed, evaporation of low-boiling components occurs. The evaporation of light hydrocarbons leads to an increase in the density of gasolines and a deterioration in their starting qualities. In gasolines obtained on the basis of products of direct distillation and thermal cracking, low-boiling fractions have the highest antiknock properties, therefore, when they are lost, the octane numbers of such gasolines decrease somewhat.

Engine starting. Starting the gas generator can be carried out using a manual or electric starter. There are generator models equipped with both types of start.

Starting the generator with a manual starter is carried out as follows.

Disconnect electricity consumers from the generator, set the voltage switch (fuse) to the "off" position.

The fuel valve opens.

The choke knob is set to the "closed" position. This action is performed on a cold engine and is not performed if the engine was previously running and remains warm.

The ignition is turned on (engine switch is turned to the "on" position).

The starter handle is pulled out until resistance appears, released to the lower position and jerks sharply, or immediately jerks sharply without releasing to the lower position. At the same time, the cord is not pulled out completely and is not released sharply from the top position in order to avoid breakage of the starter.

After warming up (1-3 minutes) of a running engine, the air damper is set to the "open" position. Better gradually, as it warms up.

Starting with an electric starter can vary greatly depending on the degree of automation of the process. In the very simple version, when starting with an electric starter, the same actions are first performed as with a manual start (the tap opens, the air damper closes on a cold engine, the ignition is turned on).

The engine switch is set to the electric start position. After starting the engine, return the switch to its original position. On some models of gas generators, this happens automatically.

If the engine does not start immediately, then the time the switch is in the "electric starter" position should not exceed 5 seconds. Restart should be done no earlier than after 10 seconds. If three attempts to start the engine fail, you should look for a malfunction due to which the engine does not start. The battery may need to be charged.

After starting the engine, open the choke.

It is forbidden to operate the generator without connecting the load for more than 3-30 minutes (for different gas generators, the figure is very different). The minimum load on the gasoline generator is about 10-20% of the nominal power of the generator. The fact is that if you do not load the gas generator, then the fuel may not burn completely. In 70% of such cases, plaque is deposited in the combustion chamber and on the spark plugs. Therefore, it is recommended to periodically do preventive maintenance - run the unit for an hour, connecting consumers to it with a total energy consumption equal to the rated power of the generator. This helps to get rid of deposits and associated soot, as well as maintain engine life.

Load switching order. A certain order must be followed. The first to connect consumers with the largest starting currents. Then connect the devices in descending order of the latest. Finally, power consumers with a starting current factor of 1, such as electric heaters, are connected.

Engine stop. The operation is performed in the following sequence.

Power consumers are turned off.
The voltage switch (fuse) is turned off.
If the generator has been running under heavy load, let the generator run for a few minutes (1-3 minutes) without load.
The ignition is turned off.
The fuel valve closes.

At emergency stop generator must immediately turn off the ignition.

Maintenance

To keep the equipment in good condition it is necessary to carry out regular maintenance of the gas generator - in strict accordance with the operating instructions for a particular model. The main maintenance work is reduced to ensuring the normal operation of the engine. The generator itself does not require special maintenance. It only requires regular removal of dust from its body in order to avoid disruption of cooling and replacement of brushes (if any).

Typical types of maintenance work and their approximate intervals are shown in the table below.

Sample Maintenance Schedule for Gasoline Generators*

Replace Clear Replace Fuel tank filter Fuel line filter Replace

Types of jobs		Every use	Every 3 months or after 50 hours.	Every 6 months or after 100 hours.	Every year or every 300 hours.
Butter	Check	+
Butter		+**
	Check	+
		+
				+
Clear			+
Clear			+
	Check		+
			+

* - The table contains indicative data, the exact ones should be found in the instruction manual for a particular gas generator. For example, often an oil change is required after 6 months or 100 hours rather than 50.
** - the first oil change is carried out after 20-25 hours. Sometimes the instructions require the first oil change after 8 hours, then the second change after 25 hours.

In addition to these works, it is necessary to perform others related to the disassembly of the engine, but they are performed in service centers.

The above schedule is applicable only to normal operating conditions of the gas generator. If the engine is operated in extreme conditions(long-term increased loads, high temperatures, high humidity and dustiness), the periods between maintenance must be reduced.

For gasoline generators, it is necessary to use only high-quality oils for gasoline engines. If a we are talking about a four-stroke engine, then as universal oil for operation at any temperature, you can (if the generator starts very rarely) use SAE 10W30. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that at temperatures above 4 ° C, multi-temperature oils are consumed to a greater extent than conventional oils, and can cause accelerated engine wear. When using them, check the oil level more often than usual.

The optimal choice of oils for different temperatures can be made, guided by the following information. The most recommended oils depending on the operating temperature:

above 4 °С - SAE 30;
from -18 °С to +4 °С - SAE 10W-30, 5W-30;
below 4 °С - synthetic oils SAE 5W-20, 5W-30.

When using SAE 30 oil at temperatures below 4°C, starting may be difficult due to lack of lubrication and use of this oil at low temperatures can lead to premature engine wear.

Do not allow long-term contact of the skin of the hands with oil (machine oil is carcinogenic). Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap.

The oil must be changed on a warm (1-3 minutes) engine, this ensures a quick and complete drain of mining. To replace it, unscrew the plug with the oil level indicator (dipstick) (1), unscrew the drain plug (2) and drain the oil into a suitable container. After that, tighten the drain plug and fill in fresh oil through the dipstick hole (1) to the required level.

Air filter maintenance. The air filter cleans the air that enters the carburetor where it mixes with the fuel. During the operation of the gas generator, the filter gradually becomes dirty and ceases to perform its functions. A clogged air filter worsens the quality of the fuel mixture, impairs engine operation and leads to accelerated wear.

To prevent this from happening, the air filter must be serviced regularly. This is done in the following way.

Remove the filter housing cover.
Remove and inspect the filter for dirt and damage.
Replace damaged paper and foam filters with new ones. A dirty paper filter element must also be replaced. The contaminated foam rubber filter is washed with soapy water, squeezed thoroughly, and dried. Cleaning the foam filter element with gasoline is not recommended due to the fire hazard of the latter.
The foam filter is moistened with clean motor or special oil, squeeze and insert into place. Avoid skin contact with oil.
Close the filter housing cover.

Fuel filter cleaning. Before entering the combustion chamber, the fuel passes through several filters. One of them is located in the fuel cock. It needs to be washed from time to time. For this you need:

close the fuel cock;
unscrew the sump nut and remove the sealing ring and strainer;
wash the sump, filter and sealing ring in gasoline;
install the parts in place and tighten the sump nut;
open the fuel cock and check for fuel leaks.

Fuel cock with filter: 1 - fuel cock, 2 - sediment filter, 3 - mesh, 4 - sealing ring, 5 - sediment bowl.

Spark Plug Service. For gas generators, only those candles that are provided by the manufacturer should be used. Information about this is contained in the instruction manuals for the equipment. Spark plug maintenance is performed only on a cold engine. The work is performed in the following sequence:

The cap of the candle is removed and cleaned if necessary.
Using a spark plug wrench, the spark plug is unscrewed.
The integrity of its insulator is visually checked. If cracks are found, the spark plug must be replaced.
A special probe measures the gap between the electrodes, which should be normal 0.7-0.8 mm. If the actual values deviate from the required ones, the spark plug gap is adjusted by bending or bending the upper electrode, or the spark plug is replaced.
If necessary, carbon deposits are removed with a fine sandpaper or needle file.
The candle is installed in place manually to avoid thread distortion.
It is wrapped with a force NOT MORE THAN 25-30 Nm. After twisting new candle by hand, it must be tightened 1/2 turn with a wrench to compress the washer. If a used spark plug is installed, it should only be tightened 1/8-1/4 turn after hand-tightening.
A cap is put on.

Preparing the gas generator for long-term storage (preservation)

When placing a gasoline generator for storage (more than 3 months), it is necessary to perform a number of the following works carried out after the engine has completely cooled down.

Completely drain the gasoline from the tank, drain, through the drain screw, the carburetor. With the drain screw loose, remove the cap from the spark plug and pull the starter cord 3-4 times to drain the gasoline from the fuel pump. Clean fuel filters and reinstall.
Change engine oil.
Remove the spark plug and pour one tablespoon into the cylinder engine oil. Turn the motor shaft several times so that the oil covers the rubbing surfaces. If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation, the engine may smoke slightly during start-up. This is fine.
Wrap the spark plug in place and turn the shaft with the starter handle until resistance appears. At this point, the piston is at its highest point on the compression stroke, the intake and exhaust valves are closed, which prevents internal corrosion of the engine.
Store the generator in a clean and dry place for long-term storage.

As mentioned above, gasoline oxidizes and deteriorates during storage. Old fuel is the cause of poor starting, it contains tarry substances that contaminate fuel system and can cause engine failure. The length of time fuel can be stored in the fuel tank and carburetor without causing functional problems can vary depending on factors such as temperature, air humidity, how full the fuel tank is. Air in a partially filled fuel tank contributes to fuel deterioration. High temperatures and moist air accelerate the aging of gasoline. The problem of fuel deterioration can occur within 2-3 months or less, therefore it is recommended that during long periods of stoppage in operation, drain the fuel from the tank and carburetor and always use fresh fuel for operation.

Possible malfunctions of the gas generator and methods for their elimination

Possible reason	Elimination Method
Engine won't start
Poor quality fuel	Change fuel
Fuel not getting to carburetor	Check if the fuel valve is open or not.
No spark at spark plug	Check and replace spark plug or magneto
Empty fuel tank	Fill up the fuel tank
Engine stops
Air filter clogged
Low oil level	Check and add oil
Clogged oil filter	Replace
Clogged fuel filter	Clean fuel filter
Clogged hole in the fuel tank cap	Clean or replace cap
The engine does not develop power
Air filter clogged	Clean or replace filter
Wear of piston rings	Replace rings
Engine smokes, exhaust fumes blue color
Increased wear between valve stem and guide sleeve	Replace worn parts
Increased piston and cylinder wear	Replace worn parts
Increased piston ring wear	Replace rings
Enhanced Level oil in crankcase	Check and adjust oil level
Engine smokes, black exhaust fumes
Engine overload	Reduce Selection electrical power
Fuel supply too high	Adjust fuel pump
Air filter clogged	Clean or replace filter
The engine gets very hot
Cylinder fins are dirty	Clean cylinder fins
Unstable engine operation
Malfunction of the regulator of turns	Find and eliminate the cause
Increased oil consumption
Increased clearance between valve stem and guide sleeve	Replace worn parts
Wear of piston rings	Replace rings
Cylinder wear	Replace cylinder

Security

A generator is a device that generates electricity, which under certain conditions can be dangerous. When the engine is running, parts of the exhaust system heat up to a high temperature. Therefore, the operation of the gas generator must be carried out in compliance with certain rules electrical and fire safety.

Must not be present in working area strangers and animals.

Avoid using the generator in areas with high humidity, outdoors during snow or rain. When working with the machine, hands and clothing must be dry.

Do not use the generator near flammable materials, flammable and explosive gases and liquids. The generator must be located at least 1 meter from other equipment and walls. Avoid touching the engine or exhaust pipe while the generator is running. This is fraught with serious burns.

Do not smoke near the generator, and do not allow open flames or sparks near it.

Care must be taken with the power wires, do not touch parts of the generator that are energized. Damaged wires must be insulated or replaced immediately.

Before repairing and servicing the gas generator, it is recommended to disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting of the engine.

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If you have purchased an expensive model of a gasoline generator, you need to think about the quality of the fuel you are going to use. After all, not all brands of gasoline are suitable for reliable and efficient operation. In this article, we will fully answer all questions regarding the choice of fuel.

What affects the quality of gasoline

First of all, high-quality gasoline for is a factor affecting the frequency of refueling. The cleaner and better gasoline, and this, as a rule, is not lower than A92, you will use, the less often it will be necessary to refuel the equipment. The fact is that bad gasoline contains many impurities, as a result of which it burns out faster and constant refueling is required. Therefore, if you save money by buying cheap brands, then in the end, you overpay approximately twice.

The duration of operation also directly depends on the quality of gasoline. Poor-quality fuel leaves a residue on the walls of the gas tank and engine, which affects the operation of the device. It is worth noting that most often, various breakdowns in the engine occur precisely as a result of the use of low-quality gasoline.

Which gasoline to choose

As a rule, the best gasoline for a gasoline generator is A92. Practice shows that when choosing higher grades, the advantages are not large, and the price is sometimes significant. When operating a device with a four-stroke engine, only pure fuel is used. For two-stroke engines, gasoline can be mixed with oil. This is done both for better engine performance, and to increase service life, as well as to reduce fuel consumption. In addition, some oils help the generator perform better at low temperatures. There are several types of fuels and lubricants, which are classified as summer and winter and have different viscosities and fluidity.

AT winter period A92 brand fuel is mixed with fuels and lubricants of such types as: 0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W, 25W.3. In summer, W oils are used, under the numbers 20W, 30W, 40W and 50W. There is also a third type of fuels and lubricants, namely 5W-40 and 25W-40. Such fuels and lubricants are universal and can be used in a variety of weather conditions. First of all, before using oil for mixing, carefully study the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations. Some fuels and lubricants are mixed outside the generator, however, if the model is marked SELF-MIX, then this means that the oil is added to the generator separately, since the model has self-mixing technology.

Experts first of all recommend paying attention to the amount of lead contained in the fuel. This substance has a very favorable effect on the operation of the engine and all equipment in general. Lead does not leave deposits on spark plugs and engines. That is why lead-free gasoline is not recommended.

Old fuel is also not recommended for use in a gasoline generator. After six months of storage, the combustible substance undergoes oxidation, as a result of which it causes more soot and soot when used. If the fuel is stored at high temperatures, then oxidation can begin much earlier. Therefore, before making long-term stocks, you should think very carefully.

As it turns out, not only fuel quality affects efficient work generator, but also its correct refueling. So there are a number of recommendations that will help extend the life of your gasoline generator:

The tank should not be filled completely. The distance from the upper edge of the neck to the fuel level in the tank must be at least 20-25 mm;
Do not pour fuel often, as it is saturated with oxygen and oxidizes faster;
Do not leave fuel in the tank for a long period. It is worth draining the fuel into the canister and making sure that the gas tank is clean during downtime;
Fill the tank only in well-ventilated areas;
Clean the fuel filters from time to time.

findings

High-quality fuel (not lower than A92), mixing fuel with fuel and lubricants and following the basic rules when refueling are the three main factors that affect the quality of the generator and its service life.

If your generator is running poorly, shutting down spontaneously, producing weak power, not starting the first time, or not starting at low temperatures, then the cause may not be a technical problem, but poor-quality fuel. It is worth thinking about changing fuel, for more effective use of this technique.

But when choosing, the buyer may have a number of questions regarding the purpose of the device and its functionality. Knowing the answers to these questions, it is much easier to navigate the richness of the assortment, and in the future to more confidently operate a home power plant.

How to determine the power of a power plant?

In order to determine the power of the power plant, you need to carry out simple calculations and take into account some of the nuances. Simple calculations are the calculation of the total power of electrical appliances that will be simultaneously powered by a generator. Further nuances. Electrical appliances are active, that is, those in which an active load dominates (electric stove, electric heater, lighting lamps, etc.), and inductive (with the dominance of an inductive load). The latter include electric motors, pumps, saws, compressors, refrigerators, laser printers, and other household appliances, in which the inductive load predominates, especially at the moment of switching on.

In order to calculate the power of a station with synchronous generators for powering active electrical appliances, you need to sum up the power of these electrical appliances and add 15-20% of the margin. For high-quality operation of an electric generator paired with inductive devices, you need to add together the power of all devices and multiply by 2.5-3.

It is known from practice that a 2-kilowatt generator is enough to power a hunting lodge with 2-3 bulbs for lighting, a refrigerator and a TV. Builders using a drill, a concrete mixer and a grinder need to purchase a station with a capacity of about 6 kilowatts.

How many phases should there be?

For single-phase electrical networks and electrical appliances, single-phase 220 V generators are used. Three-phase 380 V generators are used in houses with three-phase network wiring or on industrial enterprises. When using three-phase generators, it is important to adhere to the equality of power in different phases, but the difference should not exceed 20-25%.

What are the basic rules for operating gas generators?

First and very important rule- overloading of the petrol power plant is not allowed.

The engine must not long time operate in idle mode or at low load. Adequate mode of operation is considered to be a load of 20 to 80% of the rated power.

The generator cannot run continuously. After the development of two tanks of fuel, the engine should "rest".

More about high starting currents

Any electric motor at the time of start-up needs several times more energy than for further work. A good analogy for this feature is the heavy cart example. In order to move such a cart from its place, you need to make a serious effort, but, having gained momentum, it will roll almost by itself. Overloading of inductive electrical appliances during the start lasts a fraction of a second, but even for this time it is necessary to provide a power reserve, and then the station will work without interruption and will not fail. One of the "record holders" in the cohort of devices with high starting current is submersible pump- frequent inhabitant summer cottages. At the time of launch, its energy consumption can increase by 7-9 times.

Generator Maintenance

Before each start, despite the presence of "insurance" automation, you should make an external inspection of the generator, check the oil and coolant levels. As a rule, generators are installed outdoors, and this can cause dust contamination of the unit, which, in turn, can lead to overheating of parts. Required in deadlines carry out an oil change.

The frequency of maintenance depends on many factors: on the model of the station, on the intensity of work, on the quality Supplies etc. On average, gasoline generators require attention after every 50-100 hours.

In addition to replacing consumables, periodic inspection should be subjected to all electrical contacts, the density of bolted joints, the level of vibration, the performance of protection systems, etc.

The generator, which is used very rarely, requires special attention. A long downtime for the engine can be more detrimental to daily hard work. For example, in an “unemployed” engine, the flexibility of the ring surrounding the piston is lost, soot forms in the working part, etc. Experts advise not to allow such situations, and with a frequency of about once a month, start the station at 75% load for about one hour.

What grade of gasoline is preferred for use in gasoline generators?

You need to use pure gasoline without adding oil. It is better if the gasoline is unleaded, otherwise the life of the engine can be significantly reduced due to the formation of particulate matter when leaded gasoline is burned.

For engines with overhead valves (the Latin letters OHV are stamped on the valve cover), gasoline with an octane rating of at least 85 (92nd, 95th, 98th) must be used.

For engines with side valves, the octane number of the fuel must be at least 77 (80th, 92nd, 95th, 98th).

When refueling the tank of the electric generator, do not pour gasoline "down the neck". 20% free space should be left to contain the resulting fuel gases.

Text prepared by: Vladimir Medvedev

During long power outages, fuel-powered generators come in handy. Today, this category of equipment includes many different models of equipment, which is divided into three main groups - gas, diesel and gasoline generators. We would like to tell you about what they are and for what purposes gas generators are intended.

Design and principle of operation

At the heart of all fuel mini-power plants is an internal combustion engine. Also, the design of the generator contains auxiliary systems: a fuel tank, a pump, a fuel line, a rotor, a battery, etc.

The classic gasoline generator works according to an extremely simple and understandable scheme. After starting the engine, which can be carried out manually by a person or by automation, the fuel from the tank is transported through the gasoline pipeline to the engine. Along the way, it passes through filters, where small impurities are removed. In the carburetor part of the engine, gasoline is mixed with air and together they are sent to the cylinders. There, the air-fuel mixture is ignited by the spark plugs and the released gases set the piston system in motion. The crankshaft spins the rotor, as a result of which mechanical energy is transformed into electrical energy.

Such a complex device as an autonomous power plant has a whole range of different characteristics by which it can be classified. Their combination, ultimately, determines the purpose of each particular model. Petrol installations are usually classified according to:

Appointment. Household gasoline generators are designed specifically for use in the home. As a rule, these are cheap low-power devices with a simple design and extremely simple operation. Their antipode is industrial or professional generators, which are noticeably more expensive and more complicated, but they produce more electricity and have an increased motor resource.
Mobility. Portable power generators are mainly represented by low power models (up to 5 kW) intended for domestic use. Stationary power plants are much more powerful, and therefore are used for industrial purposes.
engine type. Petrol generators up to 1 kW are equipped exclusively with two-stroke internal combustion engines. Such a motor has a small motor resource, but it is very cheap, and therefore is in demand among domestic consumers. Anything more powerful than one kilowatt is more expensive and hardy four-stroke engines.
Number of phases. Despite the fact that many sellers obsessively recommend three-phase generators to all buyers, not everyone needs them. For domestic purposes, an inexpensive single-phase power plant is quite suitable. Three phases are needed to power powerful electrical equipment, such as manufacturing machines.
Power. To power a private house, a small shop or office, a generator of 4 kW or even less is usually enough. At the same time, do not forget that low-power power plants need to be given a break every 4 hours. To power a medium-sized shop or office, construction site or small workshop, you will need a gasoline generator set with a capacity of about 10-15 kW. Such devices need a rest every 10 hours of operation. Finally, for really large objects, for example, a service station or a large office, a generator is needed, the power of which will be 20-25 kW.

Benefits of gas generators

As mentioned at the beginning, autonomous power plants are represented by gas, gasoline and diesel generators. Accordingly, when analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of gasoline units, they need to be compared with these competitors. So, key strengths gasoline generators, significant for the consumer, are the following characteristics:

Price. With the same power, a petrol unit will always be cheaper than a diesel or gas one.
Weight and dimensions. A gasoline engine is smaller and lighter than a diesel engine of the same power. Well, since the engine is the main element in the design of the fuel generator, the relationship between the weight of the internal combustion engine and the weight of the entire device is direct. This makes gasoline generators the most suitable option for domestic use, especially for those situations where the generator is planned to be transported frequently.
Operation and maintenance. Compared to gas-fired power plants, gasoline power plants have more simple design They are also much safer. Thus, they can be served by any person, even very far from technology. At the same time, a qualified specialist is needed to work with a gas power generator.
Noise. The design features of the engine and exhaust system of gasoline generators allow them to produce significantly less noise than when using diesel plants. Such a generator better fit for installation next to residential building, where the strong noise of a diesel engine would create discomfort for residents.
Exhaust. Again, a more advanced design, as well as cleaner fuel, allows a gas generator to produce significantly less exhaust gases than a diesel plant. Due to this, their use is permissible even in rooms where people work, for example, in a workshop. But, of course, this is only possible if there is good ventilation.
Winter work. As you know, gasoline engines are much better tolerated negative temperatures than diesel ones. If you plan to use the generator in the winter for outdoors, it is better to give preference to gasoline, since it starts much better in frost.
Fuel. It is advisable to use a gas generator only if the main gas pipeline is connected to the facility. In all other situations, liquid fuel installations should be preferred, since gasoline is easier to buy and there are no problems with its transportation.

Disadvantages of a gasoline generator

In addition to the obvious advantages, gasoline generators also have certain disadvantages that can become a significant reason to give preference to installations on other fuels. The most significant disadvantages are:

Working hours. The design of the gasoline internal combustion engine, which gave it so many advantages, is also the reason for its shortcomings. While a diesel or gas generator can run 24 hours a day, a gasoline generator needs to rest every 4-10 hours (depending on power).
Motor resource. Gasoline engines of electric generators are about twice inferior to diesel engines in terms of reliability. After 2 thousand hours of work (sometimes even earlier), they already need a major overhaul.
Power. Although a gasoline engine can be made to almost any power, in terms of economic feasibility at about 10-20 kW, diesel already becomes more profitable than gasoline. In this regard, most gasoline generators are low-power household installations.
Current quality. Among fuel mini-power plants, a gas generator produces the least quality electricity. Power surges in some situations reach 10%, which is why gasoline should only be used with low-sensitivity equipment.

Household and industrial gasoline power plants in assortment are presented in the store of the EnergoPlaza company. Here you will find high-quality generators of domestic and foreign production according to the best prices in the city of Moscow and in the Moscow region.

The operation of gasoline generators has its own characteristics. Compliance with a number of rules during the installation and further use of such units will extend their service life and increase the level of safety. Most of the nuances are due to the fact that two main components are included in the gas generator unit - an engine and an electricity generator.

Installation of gas generators takes place both indoors and outdoors. If the unit is installed outdoors, it must be protected from aggressive factors such as precipitation or dirt. The electrical unit can be placed in a shed or other outbuilding. Such placement is also optimal due to such properties of the electric generator as fire hazard, noise and the presence of harmful emissions.

When placing a gas generator inside a residential building, it can be installed in a ventilated basement or garage.

In order to eliminate vibrations, the generator must be installed on a perfectly flat surface. There are certain requirements for the premises. Yes, it shouldn't be here. high humidity. Otherwise, a short circuit is possible. The generator is installed in a dry place where the sun's rays do not reach. It is necessary to organize high-quality ventilation and air conditioning in the room, this is required for cooling gasoline generators with air ventilation.

It is necessary to exclude the appearance of open flame sources near the gas generators. This is necessary in order to minimize the risk of fire, because the generator uses flammable fuel in its operation. Do not smoke or work with open flames near petrol generating sets.

Preparation of the gasoline generator for work.

Before starting the gas generator, some external inspection should be carried out. First of all, you need to check if it is grounded. It is necessary to check the fuel level, if it is low, refueling is necessary. It must be borne in mind that adding fuel while the engine is running is prohibited. If the generator is rarely used, and the interval between switching on is more than a month, the fuel remaining in the tank must be completely drained. With rare operation of the unit, it is better to change the fuel regularly.

You should also check for oil. A complete oil change is made every 50-70 hours. Mixing is prohibited different types oils (for example, mineral and synthetic), this will lead to a quick breakdown of the engine.

Before the first start, it is necessary to check the absence of electricity consumers connected in this moment to the generator. First, a test run is carried out using the starter, then the engine is turned off, followed by a restart. As the engine warms up, you can increase the load on the generator. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that the total power of consumers does not exceed the generated energy.

Starting the generator.

First of all, a new unpacked gasoline generator must be carefully checked for mechanical and other damage received during transportation.

Gasoline generators are transported without oil. Therefore, before the first start-up, a certain amount of oil must be filled in, otherwise the engine will not work. The oil level is checked each time before starting.

When using an extension cord, it must be completely unwound and checked for compliance with the cross section of the rated load. The extension cable must be three-core, with a cross section of more than 2.5 mm2.

Grounding is checked;
The fuel valve opens;
The engine turns on;
The damper lever is set based on two factors. When the engine is warm or the temperature is high environment choke lever remains open or closes half way. With a cold engine and low temperature, the lever closes;
Next, move the starter handle a little. When it begins to contact the engine, the handle must be pulled sharply towards you. The engine starts, after which the starter handle returns to its original position. In case of unsuccessful start, it is necessary to check the oil and gasoline;
When the engine warms up, you need to open the damper;
The power cable is connected to the power outlet of the generator. Next, using the cutter alternating current, electricity is supplied to the consumer;
During the first 20 hours, the engine is run-in. During the break-in, it is not recommended to load the gasoline generator more than 70% of the nominal value. After 20 hours of operation, the oil must be changed.

The AC switch is turned off;
The power cable is disconnected;
The engine is switched off;
The fuel valve is turned on.

When connecting a computer and other highly sensitive equipment, it is worth installing a voltage stabilizer. The electricity generated by a gas generator is not always stable.

If a gasoline mini power plant is used quite actively, it is necessary to carefully monitor the service life of consumables and the service life of various engine components.

When carrying out maintenance, it is necessary to use only those brands of fuel and oil that are indicated in the documentation for the electric generator. Topping up the oil is carried out only with the engine turned off and cooled down. If you remove the oil filler cap while the engine is running, serious burns may result.

Before long downtimes, drain the fuel tank and lubricate all important components. Long term storage gasoline generators is carried out only in rooms with an air temperature above zero.