Portable generators Archives - STG Fire Safety Training

Why diesel generators are the Best Portable Generator for the Home in 2021. Electric generators with diesel motors have many functions but none so important as safe operation during emergencies. Up until the eighties emergency services used petrol power engines on pumps and generators. This was problematic as most major fires and the like occurred on days of high temperature. Petrol power engines have the potential for the fuel to evaporate before making it to the combustion chamber on extreme days , which may cause the petrol motor and pump or generator to fail, sometimes at critical times. The information in this article is designed to help you make a decision on the type of motor you want to run your generator. We don’t really look at the generator itself. Diesel generators need to function effectively in an emergency During the royal commission into the Black Saturday bushfire, there were numerous reports of petrol motors falling at critical times. With plastic tanks and other components melting because of the weather extremes. There are no guarantees with anything but if you need your generator to function effectively and generate electricity at critical times then the best option may be a diesel engine on your generator. Whether it's supplying your house with power or powering an electric pump which in turn is connected to a sprinkler protection system or the like. The diesel option is the safest. The pumps and generators in most fire services these days are run by engines fueled by diesel. So the advantages of a diesel powered motor on your generator are. Advantage: Its likely to continue operating even in extreme conditions Extended life cycle as compared to a petrol engines Diesel fuel is less flammable than petrol and therefore mitigates most of the explosion risk Diesel fuel is more readily available in remote locations Day to day operation and some disadvantages of diesel powered generators There aren’t to many disadvantage but some of those listed below may be significant to you: Diesel motors are generally much heavier than petrol motors The portability is limited especially if they are large Diesel generators are not generally suitable for camping or RV’s Diesel engines can cost more to maintain in a good operating condition There are a number of good diesel generators on the market and sometimes it's hard to select one that will suit your every need. The difference in making a good decision can be the advice you're provided by the distributors. Information and research is the key and if you watch some of the great youtube videos you will be well informed. The decision you make in relation to purchasing a generator will ensure you don’t buy something that wont fit your needs. Below is a number of generators that may suit your needs. We have done some of the research for you and hopefully help you make an informed decision. Note: if you click on any of the links below we will receive a commission if you decide to purchase the item. What type of Diesel generators are being used by the emergency services We reliability matters there seems to be a couple of diesel motors on small pumps and generators. They include most of the following motor brand names: HATZ Yanmar Kubota Kohler Hyundai There are other brands available, but these have a reputation of quality and reliability. As a side note the HATZ is used on many fire tankers around Australia. They do reflect this quality in their price so it pays to shop around. Other things you may like to consider: Electric Start Automatic start via mobile phone Automatic start via fusible link strategically located in the direction a fire would approach Power outage auto start Below are some examples of useful quality generators. Cromtech 5.5kVA AVR Diesel Generator Features: IP66 rated outlets (single phase – 15 Amp) Weatherproof outlets for increased safety RCD and overload protection switches Electric start and recoil start Fold-out handles for ergonomic lifting and moving Steel frame with large wheels Diesel-powered Large 12.5L fuel tank 5 Hours running time (at 75% load) 9.8hp Cromtech diesel engine VHT Meter (Volts, Hertz, Time) Low oil alarm, overload alarm and output indicator One-year Cromtech warranty Mosa 5.7kva Yanmar AVR Diesel Generator GE S-6000 YDM Features: Electric Start AVR: Automatic Voltage Regulation Fuel: Diesel Phase: 1 Phase Engine Speed: 3000 RPM Standby Kva: 5.7 (24.7A) Prime Kva: 5 Engine Brand: Yanmar Fuel Tank: 20L Low oil pressure automatic engine shut down (AE) Circuit breaker Fuel level gauge Protective frame and partially covered Ready for connection to automatic transfer unit EAS (AE) Meets EC directives for the safety Mosa 4kva Kohler Diesel Generator GE 4000 KDM Attributes: Fuel: Diesel Phase: 1 Phase Engine Speed: 3000 RPM Standby Kva: 4 (17.4A) Prime Kva: 3.7 Engine Brand: Kohler Fuel Tank: 4.3L Features: Manual recoil Sockets 1x 230V 16A 2P+T CEE | 1x 230V 16A 2P+T Schuko Overload thermal shut off Battery charger 12 Vcc with fuse protection Protective frame Portable Meets EC directives of safety In conclusion There are many generators available across Australia from numerous suppliers and they all have their advantages and disadvantages. When purchasing a generator for use in critical situations it is important that you make an informed decision. Good Luck