Comparison Weekender PRO3600i vs Weekender D3500i

The rated power of the generator is the highest power supply that the unit is capable of delivering without problems for an unlimited time. In the “weakest” models this figure is less than 1 kW, in the most powerful – 50 – 100 kW or even more ; and generators with welding capabilities (see below) typically have power ratings ranging from 1 – 2 kW to 8 – 10 kW.

The main rule of choice in this case is this: the rated power must not be lower than the total power consumption of the entire connected load. Otherwise, the generator simply will not be able to produce a sufficient amount of energy, or it 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, you need to take into account that only the active power of various equipment is usually indicated in watts; In addition, many AC electrical appliances consume reactive power (the "waste" power consumed by coils and capacitors when operating at that power). And the actual load on the generator depends precisely 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 supply of devices in which the starting power (and, accordingly, the power consumption at the moment of switching on) is significantly higher than the rated 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 one type of equipment it is more or less the same - for example, 1.2 - 1.3 for most power tools, 2 for a microwave, 3.5 for an air conditioner, etc.; More detailed data is available in special sources. Starting characteristics of the load are necessary, first of all, to assess the required maximum power of the generator (see below) - however, this power is not always given in the characteristics; often the manufacturer indicates only the rated 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, and not the rated power.

Also note that if there are several outlets, the specific division of the total power among 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 supply that the generator can provide.

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

Let us remind you that some types of electrical appliances at the moment of startup consume many times more power (and, accordingly, power) than in 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 just a few seconds. And you can evaluate the starting characteristics by multiplying the rated power by the so-called starting coefficient. For one type of equipment it is more or less the same (1.2 - 1.3 for most power tools, 2 for a microwave, 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 lower than the total peak power of the connected load - that is, the starting power of equipment with a starting factor above 1 plus the rated power of all other equipment. This will minimize the likelihood of overloads.

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.

The volume of the fuel tank installed in the generator.

Knowing the fuel consumption (see above) and the capacity of the tank, you can calculate the operating time on one gas station (if it is not indicated in the specifications). However, a more capacious tank is also more bulky. Therefore, manufacturers choose tanks based on the general level and "voracity" of the generator — in order to provide an acceptable operating time without a significant increase in size and weight. So in general, this parameter is more of a reference than practically significant.

As for the numbers, in low-power models, tanks are installed for 5 – 10 liters, or even less ; in heavy professional equipment, this figure can exceed 50 liters.

The number of 230 V sockets provided in the design of the generator, as well as the type of connectors used in such sockets.

The type of connector in this case is indicated by the maximum current that is allowed for the outlet — for example, "2 pcs at 16 A". The most popular options for 220-volt outlets are 16 A, 32 A and 63 A. We emphasize that the amperes in this designation are not the actual current that the generator can produce, but the outlet's own limitation; the actual value of the current strength is usually noticeably lower. Simply put, if, for example, the generator has a 32 A socket, the output current on it will not reach 32 A; and the specific number of amperes will depend on the rated and maximum power of the unit (see above). So, if for our example we take a rated power of 5 kW and a maximum of 6 kW, then such a generator can deliver less than 5 kW / 230 V = 22.7 A nominally and 6 kW / 230 V = 27 to a 230 V socket, 3 And at the peak. And if the power has to be divided between several outlets, then it, accordingly, will be even less.

As for specific types of connectors, the higher the current allowed for the outlet, the higher the requirements for its reliability and quality of protection. Thus, usually, smaller power plugs can be connected to higher power sockets (directly or through an adapter), but not vice versa. And if there are several sockets, by their type it is pos...sible to estimate with a certain certainty the distribution of the entire power of the generator between them: between two identical sockets, this power is usually divided equally, and more power is allocated to the socket for a larger number of amperes. However, specific details on this matter should be clarified in each case separately; also consider 400 V sockets, if available (see below).

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.

Special protective covercovering the generator from the outside. As the name implies, the main purpose of this shell is to reduce the noise level, but its role is not limited to this. Among other things, the casing additionally protects the generator itself from water, dust, shock and other adverse effects; and in the event of a serious breakdown, it can delay the flying fragments of the unit, protecting the people around. Thus, this feature has a positive effect on overall reliability and safety; on the other hand, the presence of an additional shell affects the cost and weight.

The noise level produced by the generator during normal operation. 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. So, even the “quiest” units produce up to 70 dB - this is the volume of 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 power: for example, among units with 80 dB or more, there are both heavy and relatively low-power models.