Electricity has long penetrated our homes and has become a constant companion of civilization. But still, the power grid is still largely imperfect. It is worth a little drive away from the city, and cases of power outages are becoming more frequent. In suburban areas, the lights are often turned off, especially during bad weather. In order to create the most comfortable conditions for themselves, many summer residents resort to the help of generators. The most famous network for their sale is the 220 Volt store. Generators and power plants that are sold in it can permanently save you from any worries. You can read more about the company's assortment and how to choose a generator in this article.
Shop "220 Volt": assortment
The company’s work began 15 years ago. Now the 220 Volt store is a large network of power tools, with branches in every major city. In the distant past, 220 Volts traded in abrasive materials. Gradually, the assortment of stores grew, and more and more new branches opened in Russia. The store’s concept is “Do it yourself!”, So you can find any tools for work in it. At present, in Russia there are more than 200 220 Volt stores.
The company is trying to make the shopping process as convenient as possible for the buyer. Therefore, in 2004 the Internet platform was launched, which contains 175 thousand items of goods. The company cooperates with world famous brands of both foreign and Russian production. In the store of 220 Volt generators, in addition to purchasing the device itself, you can order its installation.
Buyers speak of 220 Volt as a place where you can probably buy high-quality equipment and get expert advice. If necessary, employees will help you choose the most suitable model. The store has a wide range of power tools, consumables, goods for home and garden, water heating elements and much more. One of the most popular positions of the 220 Volt store is generators for homes and summer cottages. The range of the company allows you to choose a tool of any power and price category.
What is a generator for?
Despite the fact that electricity is delivered to almost every home, generator sales do not stop growing. What is the reason for this general use? Generators and power plants - this is a very useful thing in the household, which may be needed in the country and in the apartment. Outside the city, the lights are often turned off with strong gusts of wind and thunderstorms. Also, a power line breakdown often occurs, and its repair can take from several hours to a week, especially in hard-to-reach places. In addition, the generator can be useful during construction or repair, when the site is not yet connected to the network. The generator, in turn, can provide a stable supply of electricity over time.
Generators are also used for industrial or scientific purposes. At the factory, in the laboratory or in the hospital, even a short-term power outage can lead to serious consequences. In such places, generators with a self-start system are installed. He reacts to a power outage and immediately starts the device, so that the current does not disappear for a second.
How to choose a generator
Each generator has a set of technical characteristics, which are important to pay attention to first. After all, it will depend on these parameters how reliable and powerful the device will be. Also, it will not be superfluous to pay attention to reviews about the product - they will illuminate it on the other hand. The mark of the generator should complete the assessment. World-famous companies are often more reliable than their unknown competitors. But there are exceptions to each rule, so let’s look at each item in more detail.
- Determine the required power. Most generators cannot sustain high power for a long time. Therefore, you need to decide on a list of the most necessary devices in advance and summarize the amount of current required for their operation.
- Decide on the purpose of purchase. There are several types of generators. The most common ones are gasoline and diesel. The first type is suitable for short work. Diesel generators can be turned on for a long time.
- There are portable and stationary generators. Portable devices must be used with the switch. Before buying, check if the shield is equipped with an emergency shutdown device.
- Pay attention to the type of cooling. During continuous operation, this will have a key impact on operational efficiency. Air-cooled generators are cheaper and unpretentious, but they do not withstand long-term operation. Water-cooled appliances often break down, as they have a more complex design, but they can work almost without interruption.
- In the end, it remains only to choose a few devices that are most suitable for you in price and specifications, and come to the store. The consultants will help you more accurately determine the choice of a generator in "220 Volts".
Installation
Proper installation of the generator is no less important than the choice of a quality product. How to connect the generator to the network at home? Despite its apparent simplicity, this is not so simple. There are several ways to connect.
- Cross over switch. This is the easiest way to connect the generator to your home network. For single-phase and two-phase networks, you need to use a two-band and single-band apparatus. If the mains is three-phase, then a four-way switch is recommended.
- Block ABP of the simplest device. This method allows you to get uninterrupted power even when a power outage occurs. It automatically switches the voltage supply between the primary and backup sources.
- Automatic control unit. The automation unit is usually used with generators with automatic start when a power outage occurs. When electricity occurs, the unit switches the voltage back. This connection method is considered the most optimal and convenient.
Service
Despite the fact that the generators are usually quite simple to maintain, still from time to time you need to perform certain technical work so that they last as long as possible.
- Oil changes must be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The brand of oil and viscosity are usually indicated in the instruction manual.
- Filter replacement should also be done in a timely manner. If a foam filter is installed in the device, then it is enough to simply rinse and grease it with oil. But paper requires a complete replacement.
- Replacing candles is relevant only for a gasoline generator. If you choose an inexpensive option, be sure to pay attention to the heat value. Cheap Chinese generators initially have poor quality candles, so you need to replace them immediately when buying.
How to calculate the required power
One of the main parameters of the efficient operation of the generator for the home is power. If you want all the necessary electrical appliances to work flawlessly, you need to correctly calculate the amount of energy that they will need to work. An electric current generator for a private house should provide all vital devices, including those operating simultaneously. Therefore, the first step is an inventory of all electrical appliances in the house. Go through all the rooms and write down all the electrical appliances that are in them. After that, make a kind of rating: take the most important devices to the first place. Usually they include light, stove, refrigerator and kettle, pump. Then label minor electrical appliances. This is a washing machine, iron, laptop - in a word, everything that can be postponed until the appearance of the main source of electricity. It is important to remember that generators are not able to produce large power, which is enough for all devices (if we are not talking about very expensive industrial options). Therefore, during the shutdown of the main energy source, you often have to choose. For example, if you need to boil water, you need to turn off the stove, etc.
Having added all the capacities of the required electrical appliances, it is necessary to add 20% to them. This is a backup source of energy in the event of an increase in the number or power of appliances. If on average you get the amount of 4.3 kW, it is recommended to buy a single-phase generator with a capacity of 4 kW. If you plan to connect complex devices in your home, for example, air conditioning or burglar alarms, it is best to seek help from a specialist. Pay attention to the rated and maximum power indicators. Within the rated power, the generator can work for a rather long time. But if you load it to the limit, then, most likely, it will quickly fail.
Diesel generator
Diesel generators and power plants are most often chosen as the main source of electricity. Although they are not able to work longer than 24 hours without maintenance, in comparison with gasoline they are much more efficient and cheaper to maintain. Their significant disadvantage is the complex design and expensive repairs in the event of a breakdown. These devices consist of a diesel engine and an alternator. The energy released during the combustion of fuel starts the rotation of the crankshaft, which rotates the rotor of the generator. At the moment, on sale you can find a variety of models with a capacity of 3 kW to 3 MW. Autonomous devices can operate without interruption for up to 4 hours, and stationary devices for up to 24 hours, after which refueling is usually required. In the case of the installation of an additional fuel tank, the service time without maintenance increases significantly.
Diesel generators in 220 Volt are presented in a wide range. The most popular are the following models:
- The DAEWOO DDAE9000XE generator is of high quality and all possible amenities. It can be used as the main power source. Equipped with an automatic start system, overload protection and convenient key start. Active power - 6.4 kW.
- CHAMPION DW180E - a generator designed for welding. The rated power is 2 kW.
- "KRATON DG-4,5EAW" has a budget price and high performance. It is equipped with a tank of 15 liters and consumes 1.5 liters of fuel per hour. Power - 4.5 kW.
Petrol generator
220 Volt gasoline generators are divided into household and industrial. The former have a capacity of up to 4 kW and can operate continuously up to 4-8 hours. Industrial generators are usually equipped with powerful four-stroke engines and can generate up to 30 kW of electricity. In household appliances, a two-stroke motor is usually used: it is more economical and cheaper. Gasoline generators are much cheaper than diesel generators and are often used in suburban areas as an alternative source of energy. But they are rarely used as the main source of electricity - they are too expensive to maintain. In the assortment of the 220 Volt store, the following models are most popular:
- The DDE GG950DC gasoline generator is suitable for connecting one or two low-power devices: a light bulb, a welding machine or an electric blanket. Its power is 0.65 kW, but the cost is only 5 thousand rubles.
- HAMMER GN800. The world-famous brand of goods is responsible for the quality of the device. In addition, the manufacturer gives a 5 year warranty. The power of this generator of 0.8 kW is enough for a picnic or a small retail outlet, and thanks to a convenient handle and compact body it is easy to move from place to place.
- "UDARNIK UBG 3500" - a budget option with a capacity of 2.6 kW.
- KOLNER KGEG 3000M - a four-stroke engine with a capacity of 7 liters. from. able to generate a current of 2.7 kW.
Gasoline generators in the "220 Volt" meet all parameters in terms of quality and safety. You can choose the products yourself or by contacting a consultant for help.
Hydrogen generators
Household hydrogen generators are commonly used to heat country houses or apartments. Thanks to cheap fuel, hydrogen generators significantly reduce heating costs. The only drawback of such devices is the increased explosion hazard - gas in contact with fire instantly ignites. The following brands are most popular:
- "MegaTank100" is a hydrogen generator that works from the network. Equipped with devices that protect it from overheating and ignition.
- H2-2 is a generator made in Italy. It is distinguished by high quality and corresponding price, which ranges from 150 to 200 thousand rubles.
- The Star 200 can heat an area of up to 300 square meters and is very economical to use. The price is 220 thousand rubles.
Top brands
Which generator is best for home? The choice often complicates a misunderstanding of the ultimate goal of installing a generator. If you went through all the items on the list and decided on what kind of device you need, then the next step should be the choice of a particular brand. Which companies are considered the most reliable manufacturers?
- Elemax company is considered one of the highest quality in the domestic market. In the assortment you can find generators with power from 3 to 5 kW. All positions are made in Japan and have a premium rating.
- Patriot produces gasoline and inverter generators with an excellent price-quality ratio. One device is enough to maintain electricity for the duration of the main electricity outage. The price of one generator averages 16 thousand rubles.
- Vepr is a company whose production is located in Moscow. This company rightfully takes a place next to foreign manufacturers. Buyers highly value the quality of its products and consider Vepr generators to be high-quality and reliable.
Cost
The quality and operating time of the generator will greatly depend on its price. The more powerful the device, the more expensive it will cost. As a rule, budget generators have less uptime and worse technical characteristics. Within 5-6 thousand, you can only buy a gasoline generator that provides less than 1 kW of power. Such appliances are usually bought to provide small retail outlets. If you plan to use the generator as the main source of energy for a small house or apartment, then it is worth taking a closer look at diesel generators. A device of the required power will cost about 75 thousand rubles. And generators for industrial needs will cost the buyer about 200-500 thousand rubles.