What can be connected to a generator set? Our suggestions
Having a power generator at home, work, or on a plot of land is the best solution to ensure you are protected in case of power outages. However, it is important to know how to use it correctly, including what devices can be connected to it.
Read our guide and learn how to use a power generator in a safe and efficient manner.
Power generator – how does it work?
Power generators are electrical power devices. They consist of a generator and electrical switchgear and are equipped with an internal combustion engine or petrol engines (although there are also models with diesel or LPG engines). They are therefore able to generate electricity in a completely autonomous way and can be an independent power source. Therefore, the term “current generator” is sometimes also used to describe a power generator.
Thus, various types of electronic devices can be connected to the generator. Depending on the power of the power generator, it can be used both for home use and to connect much more advanced construction machines, for example, concrete mixers.
Where are power generators most often used?
The power generator is an independent source of electricity and therefore can be used wherever there is no permanent power source. Most often, power generators are treated as a backup in the event of a power outage.
There is no denying that nowadays it is very difficult to function without electricity, both in industrial plants and homes. Electricity is needed not only to run a computer but often also to cook something or heat the apartment.
For this reason, even small households are recommended to obtain a small power generator with less power. Power generators are also used as power sources for high-power devices, thanks to which excessive load on the power grid and related failures are avoided. Each aggregate has sockets for connecting equipment, but in the case of a high-power aggregate, it is also possible to make a permanent connection, i.e. without the possibility of disconnection.
Types of generators that produce electricity
Power generators are used on a large scale, both in private homes and on boats without their power source. However, not all power generators are suitable for all conditions. It is important to consider which type of power generator will best meet our needs.
There are three types of power generators:
- single-phase units,
- three-phase units,
- and universal units.
Single-phase units produce single-phase electricity with a voltage of 230V, making them suitable for daily use in homes.
Three-phase power generators produce a three-phase current of 3 x 400V, making them more suitable for use on construction sites where their power can be used more efficiently.
Universal generators have both types of sockets, allowing them to be used for both single-phase and three-phase applications.
Single-phase power generator – what can be connected?
The answer to the question of what can be connected to a power generator suggests itself in a way. First of all, the type and power of the power generator must be taken into account.
A three-phase power generator enables the power supply of high-power devices such as power tools, heating devices (e.g. heat pumps), or industrial equipment.
However, if you are dealing with a power generator that does not belong to the three-phase category, only electrical devices that can be connected to a 230 V socket should be used.
What can be connected to a three-phase generator?
The construction and power of the “three-phase generator” set will easily allow for the delivery of electrical energy to construction machinery, boilers, air dryers, and three-phase electric stoves.
It is also useful in a household, for example, to connect an induction hob to such a generator set. Therefore, the three-phase power generator is often used as an emergency power supply in homes or large workshops.
Household appliances – what can be connected to a power generator?
If you only have a single-phase power generator, its power will allow you to use most of the devices connected to your home installation on a daily basis. These are electrical devices such as an electric kettle, audio-visual equipment (including a TV), a computer, a microwave, and a drum dryer. However, before you decide to connect your TV or computer to the generator, check if it is equipped with voltage stabilization.
Check: How to make a generator quieter?
Power generator at the construction site
A generator is an invaluable piece of equipment on a construction site. Among the devices, it is able to provide alternative power to machines for cutting, welding, concrete mixers, and heating equipment. It also provides lighting and air conditioning even in the event of a power outage.
What should not be connected to a generator?
Can all electrical devices be connected to a power generator? In principle, yes, but it is important to check the type of power generator we have, its power output, and the designations listed on the equipment. It is also worth finding out whether our generator is equipped with a voltage stabilizer or not.
Immediately after starting the generator, we should not connect any devices to it until we are certain (e.g. by reading the instruction manual for the specific model) that it is capable of providing the necessary power supply for those devices.
Not all devices can be connected to the generator at the same time. The number of devices that can be connected to the generator at once depends on its power output. A higher power output allows for the use of multiple devices at once. Information about the rated power output should be found on the nameplate attached to the device housing.
Which power generator to choose in order to be able to connect as many types of devices to it as possible?
Both single-phase and three-phase power generators are subject to certain limitations. Not all types of devices can be connected to every generator. If we want to use the generator for both household appliances, whose power consumption is small, and we want to be able to connect heavy construction equipment to it, we can opt for a dual version, i.e. universal generators. We just need to remember to connect each device to the appropriate socket.
Voltage stabilizer – why is it worth having one?
A voltage stabilizer allows each device to receive a constant power supply. It protects against harmful voltage fluctuations that could damage some devices. Voltage stabilization is necessary for some equipment, such as televisions, computers, and refrigerators, to function properly. They are particularly sensitive to voltage spikes, which is why it is important for the generator not only to have sufficient power but also protection against such events.
Where to find a power generator?
It is definitely worth having a power generator at home or in the office. Currently, such equipment can be purchased or rented.
Renting a generator is a great solution in case of sudden breakdowns and also helps to reduce costs, as there is no need to worry about servicing and we only pay for the generator when we use it.
A reputable rental company will also work with manufacturers of the highest quality equipment and advise on which generator will work best in a particular situation if needed.
What can be connected to a power generator – a summary
Power generators differ in type, construction, engine type, and starting method (we have the option of manual, remote, and automatic start). However, they all share the fact that they are an excellent alternative source of power for many devices that use electricity. Therefore, we recommend using a power generator when needed, but always keeping in mind which types of equipment can be safely connected to it.