Comparison Tagred TA3500GHX vs Konner&Sohnen KS 3000

The nominal power of a generator is the highest power that the unit can supply without problems for an unlimited period of time. In the “weakest” models, this figure is < 1 kW, in the most powerful ones – 50–100 kW and even more ; and generators with welding capabilities (see below) usually have a nominal power from 1–2 kW to 8–10 kW.

The main rule of choice in this case is as follows: the nominal power must not be lower than the total power consumption of the entire connected load. Otherwise, the generator will simply not be able to produce enough energy, or will work with overloads. However, to determine the minimum required generator power, it is not enough to simply add up the number of watts indicated in the characteristics of each connected device - the calculation method is somewhat more complicated. Firstly, it should be taken into account that only the active power of various equipment is usually indicated in watts; in addition, many AC electrical appliances consume reactive power ("useless" power consumed by coils and capacitors when working with such power). And the actual load on the generator depends on the total power (active plus reactive), indicated in volt-amperes. There are special coefficients and formulas for its calculation.

The second nuance is related to the power su...pply of devices in which the starting power (and, accordingly, the power consumption at the moment of switching on) is significantly higher than the nominal one - these are mainly devices with electric motors such as vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, air conditioners, power tools, etc. You can determine the starting power by multiplying the standard power by the so-called starting coefficient. For equipment of the same type, it is more or less the same - for example, 1.2 - 1.3 for most power tools, 2 for a microwave oven, 3.5 for an air conditioner, etc.; more detailed data can be found in special sources. Starting load characteristics are necessary primarily to assess the required maximum generator power (see below) - however, this power is not always given in the characteristics, often the manufacturer indicates only the nominal power of the unit. In such cases, when calculating for equipment with a starting coefficient of more than 1, it is worth using the starting power, not the nominal power.

Also note that if there are several sockets, the specific division of the total power between them may be different. This point should be clarified separately - in particular, for specific types of sockets (for more details, see "230 V sockets", "400 V sockets").

The maximum power output that the generator can provide.

This power is slightly higher than the nominal (see above), but the maximum performance mode can only be maintained for a very short time - otherwise an overload occurs. Therefore, the practical meaning of this characteristic is mainly to describe the efficiency of the generator when working with increased starting currents.

Let us recall that some types of electrical appliances consume several times more power (and, accordingly, power) at the moment of starting than in the normal mode; this is typical mainly for devices with electric motors, such as power tools, refrigerators, etc. However, increased power for such equipment is needed only for a short time, normal operation is restored in literally a few seconds. And you can estimate the starting characteristics by multiplying the nominal power by the so-called starting coefficient. For equipment of the same type, it is more or less the same (1.2 - 1.3 for most power tools, 2 for a microwave oven, 3.5 for an air conditioner, etc.); more detailed data is available in special sources.

Ideally, the maximum power of the generator should be no less than the total peak power of the connected load - that is, the starting power of equipment with a starting factor greater than 1 plus the rated power of all other equipment. This will minimize the likelihood of overloads.

Model name of the engine installed in the generator. Knowing this name, you can, if necessary, find detailed data on the engine and clarify how it meets your requirements. In addition, model data may be needed for some specific tasks, including maintenance and repair.

Note that modern generators are often equipped with branded engines from famous manufacturers: Honda, John Deere, Mitsubishi, Volvo, etc. Such engines are more expensive than similar units from little-known brands, but this is offset by higher quality and/or solid warranty conditions , and in many cases, the ease of finding spare parts and additional documentation (such as manuals for special maintenance and minor repairs).

The working volume of the engine in a gasoline or diesel generator (see "Fuel"). Theoretically, more volume usually means more power, but in fact, everything is not so clear. Firstly, the specific power strongly depends on the type of fuel, and in gasoline units, also on the type of internal combustion engine (see above). Secondly, similar engines of the same power can have different volumes, and there is a practical point here: with the same power, a larger engine consumes more fuel, but by itself it can cost less.

The operating power of the engine installed in the generator. Traditionally stated in horsepower; 1 HP approximately equal to 735 watts.

First of all, the rated power of the generator directly depends on this indicator (see above): in principle, it cannot be higher than the engine power, moreover, part of the engine power is spent on heat, friction and other losses. And the smaller the difference between these capacities, the higher the efficiency of the generator and the more economical it is. However high efficiency affects the cost, but this difference can pay off with regular use due to fuel savings.

Fuel consumption of a petrol or diesel generator when operating at half power, and for combined models when using petrol (see “Fuel”).

Fuel consumption usually increases with load. However, generator efficiency is not always linear - fuel consumption may vary disproportionately with different loads. In this case, the approximate amount of fuel consumed by the generator when operating at half power (50% of the rated power) is given. Knowing the fuel consumption and tank capacity, you can at least estimate how long one fill-up will last.

Existence in the generator of an output with a direct current and voltage of 12 V. The main function of this output is to charge car batteries, as well as power devices originally intended for cars (recall, 12 V is the standard voltage of on-board networks in cars).

The following types of 12-volt outputs are found in generators:

- Terminals. Terminals are used to connect wires directly without using any plugs. This connection is the most reliable.

- Socket. Socket outlet for a plug with two flat pins, designed to connect 12-volt consumers. Holes in sockets come in different layouts, which you need to pay attention to.

- Cigarette lighter. The so-called "car socket", which in many cars is combined with a cigarette lighter socket (hence the name). Such connectors are used to power various automotive devices and accessories.

Sound pressure level in decibels at a distance of 7 m between the noise source and the ear of the equipment operator. Since people do not work in the immediate vicinity of the generator, the parameter will be useful for estimating the noise level at a distance. For example, current European Union regulations require that the sound power of generating sets with a power of more than 2 kW does not exceed 97 dB — at a distance of 7 m, the noise from the generator engine will correspond to a sound pressure of about 72 dB.

The total weight of the unit - usually excluding fuel; the weight on full tank can be easily determined knowing the tank capacity.

In general, more powerful generators are inevitably heavier, but models with similar characteristics can differ significantly in weight. When assessing these differences and generally choosing an option based on weight, it is worth considering the specifics of the generator's use. So, if the device is often to be moved from place to place - for example, when used "on the road" - it may be worth paying attention to lighter units that are more convenient to transport. However, it is worth considering that the downside of a lightweight design is often an increased cost or a reduced degree of protection. But for stationary use, you can not pay special attention to this parameter - or even the opposite: choose a heavier (and, as a rule, more advanced and functional) option.

Regarding specific figures, it is worth noting that modern generators are generally quite massive. Thus, a small weight for such equipment is considered not only < 20 kg, but even 20-30 kg ; many units weigh 150-200 kg, or even more, and the weight of stationary industrial models is measured in tons.