Comparison CHAMPION C4500i vs CHAMPION C4500iE

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 an electric generator engine. To start an internal combustion engine (gasoline or diesel, see “Fuel”), in any case, it is necessary to rotate the engine shaft; you can do this in two ways:

- Manual. With this starting method, the initial impulse is transmitted to the engine manually - usually the user needs to forcefully pull the cable that spins a special flywheel. The simplest in design and cheapest starting method, the additional equipment requires only the cable itself with a flywheel. On the other hand, it may require significant muscular effort from the user and is not well suited for high-power units.

— Electric starter. With this type of starting, the engine shaft is rotated using 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, press a button, turn a knob or spin 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 by definition required to use ATS autostart (see Features). On the other hand, additional equipment affects the weight and cost of the unit, 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.

Fuel consumption of a gasoline or diesel generator, and for combined models — when using gasoline (see "Fuel").

A more powerful engine inevitably means more fuel consumption; however, models with the same engine power may differ in this indicator. In such cases, it is worth considering that a model with a lower flow rate usually costs more, but this difference can quickly pay off, especially with regular use. In addition, knowing the fuel consumption and tank volume, you can determine how long one refueling will last; at the same time, in inverter models at partial load, the actual operating time may be noticeably higher than the theoretical one, see "Alternator" for details.

The time during which the generator is guaranteed to operate without interruption.

This parameter is indicated exclusively for liquid fuel models with a built-in tank, and according to the simplest formula: tank capacity divided by fuel consumption. However, in some models, data may be provided for a certain load level (which is specified in the notes); at a higher or lower load, the operating time will be shorter or longer, respectively. As for specific numbers, in most modern generators the operating time is up to 8 hours - this is quite enough for backup power and occasional use. More reputable models are capable of working for 8 – 12 hours, and an indicator of 13 hours and above is typical mainly for professional solutions.

We also note that, theoretically, many generators can be refueled without shutting down, but in practice it is better to take breaks and not exceed the stated time of continuous operation - this will avoid overheating and increased wear.

The generator has a USB connector(one or more) for charging various devices. Most modern smartphones and tablets can be charged from USB, and this charging method is also found in many other equipment - 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.

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

- USB port for charging. The generator has a USB connector (one or more) for charging various devices. Most modern smartphones and tablets can be charged from USB; this charging method is also found in many other equipment - 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 vary and should be specified separately.

- Synchronization with a smartphone. Synchronization with a smartphone allows you to control the operation of 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 your smartphone.

- Autorun (ATS). A function that allows the generator to turn on automat...ically under certain conditions, without user action. Autostart is used mainly when using a generator as a backup power source: while the main power is on, the unit is turned off, and if the mains voltage disappears, the 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).

- Connector for the ATS block. A connector that allows you to connect an external autorun unit (ATS) to the generator; The block itself is not included. See above for more details on autorun; We note here that for some users this function is not initially needed, but it may be needed in the future - for example, if the generator is initially used in the construction of 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 purchasing 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 you to maintain a constant voltage level at the generator output. Such a regulator smoothes out differences arising from changes in engine rotation speed; This is especially important when connecting devices that are sensitive to power stability. It is worth noting that the presence of AVR is practically 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. Own display mounted on the generator body. As a rule, this is a simple LCD screen that can only display numbers and some special characters. However, even such a screen can display various useful information: voltage, frequency, hour meter data, low fuel level warning, failure messages with error codes, etc. Thanks to this, control becomes more convenient and visual.

- Hour meter. A device that counts the total time that the electric generator engine has worked since it was first turned on. This helps to determine the general wear and tear of the engine and the need for its repair/replacement, which can be useful both when using the device for a long time, and, for example, to assess the quality of the product when purchasing a used electric 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 output by the generator. The voltmeter can be made in the form of a separate dial scale, or its readings can be displayed on the generator’s own display (see above). In any case, this function allows you to carefully control the operating mode of the unit and reduces the risk that unacceptable voltage will be applied to the load.

- Parallel connection. The presence in the design of the generator of special connectors 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 pull the entire load and the connection power exceeds the capabilities of the device itself. Also, a similar scheme has found popularity if one of the units is planned to be used as a backup power source.

- Remote start. Presence in a set of delivery of the generator of the remote control. It is made in the form of a wireless key fob and allows you to turn on/off the device from a distance without going near it.

The level of protection provided by the generator housing — namely, the degree of protection of the “hardware” from dust, moisture and foreign objects. It is designated by the IP standard with two numbers, one of which corresponds to protection against solid objects and dust, the second — from moisture, for example, IP24.

According to the level of dust protection (first digit) in modern generators, the following values \u200b\u200bare found:

2 — protection against objects with a diameter of more than 12.5 mm (fingers, etc.);
3 — from objects larger than 2.5 mm (most instruments);
4 — from objects more than 1 mm (almost all tools, most wires);
5 — dustproof (full protection against contact; dust can penetrate inside, but does not affect the operation of the device).

Water protection levels can be as follows:

1 — protection against vertically falling drops of water;
2 — from water drops with a deviation of up to 15 ° from the vertical axis of the device (rain);
3 — from water drops with a deviation of up to 60 ° from the vertical axis of the device (rain with wind);
4 — against splashes from any direction (rain with strong wind);


In general, for indoor use, this indicator does not play a key role, but on the street and in similar conditions (for example, at a construction site), you should make sure that the selected generator is sufficiently protected — or else take additional protection measures.

The total weight of the unit - as a rule, excluding fuel; The full fill weight can be easily determined by knowing the tank capacity.

In general, more powerful generators inevitably turn out to be heavier, but models with similar characteristics can differ noticeably in weight. When assessing these differences and generally choosing an option based on weight, it is worth taking into account the specific application of the generator. So, if the device will often 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 much attention to this parameter - or even the opposite: choose a heavier (and, as a rule, more advanced and functional) option.

Regarding specific numbers, it is worth noting that modern generators in general are quite massive. So, a small weight for such equipment is considered not only up to 20 kg, but even 20 – 30 kg ; Many units weigh 150–200 kg, or even more, and the weight of stationary industrial models is already measured in tons.