Comparison Forte FG 3500 ECO vs Forte FG 3500E

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).

Method of starting the electric generator engine. To start the internal combustion engine (petrol or diesel, see "Fuel"), it is necessary to turn the engine shaft in any case; this can be done in two ways:

— Manual. With this method of starting, the initial impulse is transmitted to the engine manually - usually the user needs to pull hard on the cable that spins a special flywheel. The simplest in design and cheapest method of starting, from additional equipment it requires only the cable itself with a flywheel. On the other hand, it may require the user to apply significant muscular effort and is poorly suited for high-power units.

— Electric starter. With this type of start, the engine shaft is rotated by a special electric motor, which is called a starter; the starter is powered by its own battery. This option for starting the generator power unit is the easiest for the user and requires a minimum of effort. Depending on the implementation of the electric starter, it is usually enough to turn the key in the ignition switch, press a button, turn the handle or rotate a special drum, etc. The power of modern starters is sufficient even for heavy engines, where manual starting is difficult or impossible. Also note that an electric starter is required by definition to use the ATS autostart (see "Features"). On the other hand, additional equipment affects the weight and cost of the unit,...and sometimes quite noticeably. Therefore, such starting systems are used mainly where they cannot be avoided - in the aforementioned heavy equipment, as well as generators with ATS.

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.

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

— USB charging port . The presence of a USB connector (one or more) on the generator for charging various devices. Most modern smartphones and tablets can be charged via USB, and this charging method is also found in many other devices — from cameras and flashlights to electric screwdrivers and radio-controlled models. The standard supply voltage through this connector is 5 V, but the power may be different, it should be specified separately.

— Smartphone control. Synchronization with a smartphone allows you to control the generator remotely. Thanks to this, the user does not need to approach the device to, for example, start or stop it. Additionally, synchronization with a smartphone allows you to monitor the parameters of the generated electric power remotely and in real time. On the other hand, this will require a constant connection to the Internet and specialized software that must be installed on the smartphone.

— Autostart (ATS). A function that allows the generator to turn on automatically under certain conditio...ns, without any action from the user. Autostart is mainly used when using the generator as a backup power source: while the main power is working, the unit is turned off, and if the voltage in the network disappears, ATS starts the engine, and power to the load begins to flow from the generator. Note that the presence of autostart is indicated only if the generator is initially equipped with an ATS electronic unit; models with the ability to connect such a unit are placed in a separate category (see below).

— ATS socket. A connector that allows you to connect an external autostart unit (ATS) to the generator; the unit itself is not included in the kit. For more information on autostart, see above; here we note that some users do not initially need this function, but may need it in the future — for example, if the generator is initially used for building a house, and then it is planned to be installed in the same house as a backup power source. In such situations, this configuration option will be optimal: when buying the generator itself, you will not have to overpay for the ATS unit, and later, if necessary, you can buy and connect such a unit separately.

— Automatic voltage regulator (AVR). An automatic regulator that allows maintaining a constant voltage level at the generator output. Such a regulator smooths out the differences that occur due to changes in the engine speed; this is especially important when connecting devices that are sensitive to power supply stability. It is worth noting that the presence of an AVR is almost mandatory for synchronous generators (see "Alternator"), but in other varieties this function is not found: in asynchronous and duplex units it is not applicable in principle, and in inverter units the role of the regulator is played by the inverter itself, and they do not require additional electronics.

— Display. A dedicated display mounted on the generator body. Typically, this is a simple LCD screen capable of displaying only numbers and some special symbols. However, even such a screen can display various useful information: voltage, frequency, engine hour meter data, low fuel warning, error code failure messages, etc. This makes control more convenient and visual.

— Hour metre. A device that counts the total time that the generator engine has been running since it was first turned on. This helps determine the overall wear of the engine and the need for repair/replacement, which can be useful both during long-term use of the device and, for example, to assess the quality of the product when buying a used generator. It is usually impossible to reset the hour meter without serious intervention in the design of the device.

— Voltmeter. A device that displays the power voltage produced by the generator. The voltmeter can be made in the form of a separate pointer scale, or its readings can be displayed on the generator's own display (see above). In any case, this function allows you to carefully monitor the unit's operating mode and reduces the risk that an unacceptable voltage will be applied to the load.

— Parallel connection. The presence of special connectors in the generator design, through which two or more units can be connected to a single electrical network (usually with the help of an additional device). This type of connection is used when one unit is not able to handle the entire load and the connection power exceeds the capabilities of the device itself. Also, such a scheme has gained popularity if one of the units is planned to be used as a backup power source.

— Remote start. The remote control generator is included in the delivery set. It is made in the form of a wireless key fob and allows you to turn on/off the device remotely without approaching it.

The noise level produced by the generator when operating in normal mode. The less noise the unit makes, the more comfortable it is to use, the closer it can be placed to people, but the higher its price, all other things being equal.

It is also worth considering that generators with internal combustion engines are, in principle, quite noisy equipment. Thus, even the "quietest" units produce < 70 dB - this is the volume of a conversation in tones from medium to high. Accordingly, it is recommended to install the device remotely from the place of use. At the same time, we note that the noise level is not directly related to the power: for example, among units of 80 dB and more, there are both heavy and relatively low-power models.

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.