Getting ready for power outages: five petrol generators 5 – 6 kW

The Chinese-made gasoline generator is equipped with a 12 V outlet, thanks to which you can charge the car battery. For single-phase household appliances, there are as many as three 230 V sockets with a maximum load of 16 A, to which all devices can be connected simultaneously (the main thing is that the total power of the devices does not exceed 5 kW). The maximum output of the engine can be up to 5.5 kW, but in this mode it is not recommended to work for a long time.

The manufacturer has equipped the device with an automatic voltage regulator (AVR), which maintains a stable output voltage from 215 to 230 V, and prevents surges. At the same time, on the voltmeter located on the control panel, you can always see what voltage the generator produces in operating mode. The device is powered by grade 92 gasoline. It is worth noting that a full tank (25 liters) will last for about 11 hours at 70% of the generator load. The unit is started by an electronic starter that runs on a small battery. This battery is charged automatically while the generator is running. Thanks to the oil control indicator, you will always know when to pour fuel. The model also has wheels and handles for transporting the generator, which is very good for such a price for the device.

A powerful 6 kW unit (maximum output 6.5 kW) is designed to power serious consumers, such as convectors and welding machines. It can also provide electricity for a long time to provide a small cottage with light and power household electrical appliances. So on a full tank of 30 liters (according to the manufacturer), it is able to work (at 50% of the device load) for about 18 hours continuously — this is about 1.7 liters per hour. The device is equipped with a proprietary Daewoo Series 425 engine.

The generator has a slot for connecting ATS automation. This automatic generator control system will start the device immediately after a power outage in the network, thereby ensuring the supply of electricity to the house (the downtime of the devices does not exceed 0.1 sec.). And in order to prevent the unit from breaking down from high starting currents of consumers, the device has an automatic engine shutdown unit. Thanks to it, the service life of the generator increases. The automatic adjustment system ensures always stable output voltage without surges. Unfortunately, the device provides only one outlet for single-phase devices. However, a network filter will help solve the problem.

The manufacturer has equipped the device with an oil level sensor, which automatically turns off the device when the amount of content is low, in order to avoid severe wear of the main working units. The manufacturer indicates the approximate period of operation of the device before the first service in 1500 hours. By the way, with the help of the hour metre, you will always see how long the device has worked.

The gasoline generator of the American manufacturer is equipped with three sockets at once for consumers operating from a voltage of 230 V. Two 16A are designed to connect a manual power tool, for example, a drill or a grinder. And a 32-A power outlet will allow you to connect an electric boiler or welding machine. Please note that the total power of all connected devices should not exceed the rated power of the generator of 5 kW. Unfortunately, the device does not provide the connection of a car battery for recharging.

The unit is equipped with an AVR voltage regulation system. It controls the voltage and prevents it from falling/rising by more than 4.6 V (2% of the rated voltage). This ensures the durability of the devices connected to the generator. There is a fuel level indicator on the body of the device, thanks to which you can always control its quantity. If the oil drops to the critical limit, the engine will shut down automatically to avoid breakage.

The volume of the tank is 28.4 liters, which, when loaded at 50% (2.5 kW), is enough for 27 hours of operation. At the same time, the fuel consumption is 1.05 L/ h, which is very small compared to devices of similar power. The generator is also equipped with an hour metre, with which you can control the resource of your unit. The model is equipped with a high-quality branded Briggs & Stratton 1850 Series engine. Users note the excellent build quality of the device and all its components. The disadvantage is the absence of a voltmeter and an electronic starter (it is started manually with a cord).

The manufacturer has equipped the device with automatic start of ATS. Thanks to this, the generator can be used as an additional power source, which will turn on after 0.1 seconds after disconnecting the general network. You can connect two consumers at the same time: one 16 A socket and one 32 A. At the same time, you can connect a car battery due to the presence of a 12 V output.

The generator is powered by 92 or 95 grade gasoline. The fuel tank with a capacity of 25 liters is enough for 12 hours of operation when loaded at 50% (consumption 2.08 L/ h). The device is equipped with oil level monitoring: if the amount drops to a critical value, the engine will automatically shut down. By the way, the 4-stroke engine itself is capable of working over 1500 hours before the first service (according to the manufacturer). And thanks to the hour metre you can always see how much your generator has already worked.

The AVR system installed in the unit will automatically regulate the voltage, preventing surges. At the same time, you can always control the voltage using a voltmeter located on the device body. The generator has no wheels, and it weighs 85 kg, so at least two people will be needed for transportation.

A high-quality Japanese generator is equipped with an electric starter for quick start of the unit (additionally there is a manual starter). The design provides two sockets for single-phase consumers, which can be connected simultaneously. At the same time, there is a voltmeter and an ammeter on the case, showing the voltage and current load at a given minute of time. The AVR automatic voltage regulation system will eliminate surges that could harm household power tools. The Loncin 190F engine has a power of 5 kW, which is enough to connect a welding machine and several household appliances.

The unit is capable of charging car and other batteries thanks to a DC output of 12 V. It is powered by unleaded gasoline of a grade not lower than 92 and oil, which is poured separately into the oil sump. The indicator located on the gas tank will allow you to control the amount of fuel. The device is also equipped with an automatic oil level controller: when the content level is low, the engine shuts off to avoid breakage. The generator weighs a lot, 98.5 kg, but for transportation it has large rubberized wheels and folding handles. Users note the excellent build quality and durability of the structure. However, you will have to pay a considerable amount.