BACK-UP GENERATORS Provide electricity to your important appliances: computers, cash tills, refrigerators/freezers, lights, entertainment systems. These generators can be modified to run on GAS instead of PETROL, for cleaner emissions and more carbon credits! A system can be installed to automatically switch on the machine, as soon as the main power supply is cut – no problem when on holiday and returning to a freezer full of rotten food!
Important considerations: SIZING: * Correct sizing of the generator is absolutely necessary. * One cannot try to run too many appliances from a generator too small. Over exceeding the capacities will lead to damage to both the generator (+-10% reduction in life of generator each time the capacity of the generator is exceeded) and to wiring. One or more of the cables leading to or from the generator will burn. * The only way to ensure correct sizing is to employ a qualified electrician to measure "maximum start-up amps". When appliances start up (like a fridge), they use about double the amount of power, until after some time the power usage settles into "running amps". * To be safe, the sizing has to be done in other words on "maximum start-up amps". INSTALLATION: There are 2 options when it comes to owning a generator. Option 1: Mobile unit * This is the cheapest option, but not the most convenient. * Mobile units are generators that can be moved around, works on Petrol and requires an extension lead from the generator to the inside of the house, where one can plug the essential appliances into it. Benefits: Its cheap (the only cost is the generator and petrol), one can use it not only at home, but at work, camping etc. It eliminates any risk of faulty wiring. Disadvantages: One has to start the generator manually, lay extension lead to the inside to the important appliances. Option 2: Integrated unit * This is expensive, but much more convenient. * Once again, a qualified electrician (of your choice) has to be employed to integrate the generator with existing electricity of the house. * It is absolutely imperative, that the generator and "municipality" power is NOT supplied at the same time, and this can only be done by an electrician and proper switches. * Cost, will be determined by the electrician. * ATS: Automatic Transfer Switch: * African Emissions Trading does sell generators with a standard ATS box. * The ATS box senses whether power is supplied from the "municipality" or Eskom side. * If the power goes off, the ATS box senses the disruption and automatically starts the generator (Automatic choke) and supply the house with electricity – usually only plugs and lights, according to needs and size of the generator. * When the Eskom power is restored, the ATS box switches off the generator. Benefits: Convenience, saves possible damage (loss of business due to inability to work, loss of perishable stock in fridges and freezers etc) Disadvantage: Cost (Generators + Electrician Costs and, if chosen cost of ATS). SITE: * Most generators are 4 stroke, air cooled engines, which means they have to operate in a well ventilated area. * They are moderately noisy and can unfortunately not be silenced without impairing performance. GAS CONVERSION: * Gas conversions is possible and has two distinct advantages: Size of the 'fuel tanks' and cleaner, more environmentally friendly operation. * The gas conversion is a simple conversion to the carburetor of the engine, which enables the machine to run on LPGas instead of Petrol. * Imagine having 2x19kg gas cylinders as fuel tanks, the inconvenience of re-fueling regularly is eliminated. * The cost involves the conversion kit and a gas installation by a certified domestic gas installer. * Gas conversion kit and conversion costs R2740.00 PLUS, gas installation, which has to be quoted for separately. INSTALLATION BY ACCREDITED ELECTRICIAN: See Price list (RATE DEPENDS ON SITE REQUIREMENTS) African Emissions Trading (Pty) Ltd advise that clients should use the following formula based on the WATTS used per electrical appliance in order to calculate the total power required to run a household: Kettle = 1000 w Fridge = 250 w TV = 150 w Lights x 4 (100w)= 400 w TOTAL : 1800 w (1.8 KVA generator) When an electrical appliance is turned on, it initially requires more power than the appliances specified watts. This varies from appliance to appliance. For example, the start up power required for a borehole pump or fridge compressor is far more than a Microwave or TV. In order to compensate for startup power, users should multiply the Watts by 2 in order to purchase a generator that will provide enough power to suit their needs: Example: 1800 W X 2 = 3,6000 (3,6 KVA generator) |
