Looking to purchase diesel generator

[GNLove]

Hi Everyone,

We are considering a diesel generator backup. Our electrical guy said that when weighing pros and cons the diesel generator is better than inversion. Noise being the one thing that could push us back to inversion.

With battery issues & replacement costs as well as curious little guys running around he felt the diesel gen was best option.

What I would like is some input on this choice as well as best place to purchase diesel generator.

Other questions:

Wire for automatic or manual startup?
Best Brand.

Any other items that those in the know can think of will be appreciated as well.

Thanks

[wuarhat]

I've seen some at the Plaza Lama, at Febrero 27 and Enrique Jimenez Moya, in Santo Domingo.

[donP]

I've seen some at the Plaza Lama, at Febrero 27 and Enrique Jimenez Moya, in Santo Domingo.

You can see them everywhere.
I for one would not buy a 'planta' from PL, as service and the availability of spares is also important.
It may be wise to buy with the help of a trustworthy engineer who knows the models and the market.
Get several written quotations.

What size is needed?

donP

[GNLove]

I would say small as possible available. We have 2 story 3bdrm house. Bomba, fridge, hot water heater, TVs, lights. No AC at this point.

I would say a 5kw or 6.5kw would be sufficient with power to spare.

[donP]

I would say small as possible available.

Small often is too small.
You'd want a genset that has enough power to charge batteries (yes, in the end you will need them), handle startup currents and is operated comfortably at only 70% of its rated max. power.

I would say a 5kw or 6.5kw would be sufficient with power to spare.

This is the lower limit at which diesel plantas (e.g. the 2-cyl. 6.5 kW Kubota) are introduced.
It's a good engine, but I use it as an auxiliary plant only.

donP

[GNLove]

Thanks.

[Hillbilly]

The Kubotas are really good 6.5 kw plants. I think you would be better served by one of the Wilsons...they are quiet, start automatically and are economical. These are the ones that the telecommunication companies use on their cell towers.

Where are you located? That is another thing.

The installation of the switching panel is a key element. The breakers, timers and such. It is where your generator thinks "Is the electricity really off and I need to start up?" and "Did the lights really come back on and I need to shut down?"

There are lots of good people that can set this up for you...just be sure to have an expert check the installation...lots of "punchadores" out there too.

HB

[GNLove]

Without a doubt, HB, Wilson's are tops. That is FG Wilson?

[Hillbilly]

Yes, of course...They can give you years of worry-free electricity when all else fails. You did not say were you are...it might make a difference on whether to go inverter or genset...

HB

[GNLove]

SPdM. The neighborhood we are in usually has good service. Lately service has been going a lot. During the summer we need it most to keep the fans going to keep us and the kids comfortable at night. Sounds more like we only need inversion. Our electrician talked my wife out of inversion and into a generator.