Generator Crash Course required

Thor

Thor

Honorary Master
Joined
Jun 5, 2014
Messages
44,413
Reaction score
7,522
Location
Bellville
Hey folks, I apologize if this has been answered.

I want to know what generator I would need to do the following:

I want to run the TV ( Samsung 40" Smart LED ) bought 2013.
I want to run the router ( Tenda Wireless ADSL2+ )
Charge a cell phone or 2 ( Samsung S5 and Samsung S4 mini x 2 )
(Not necessarily all phones at ones)

I was thinking of getting a 2Kva Generator, would that be sufficient?

Also can I run my electronics (TV etc) directly from the Generator or is the power out put not stable enough?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If for arguments sake I want to add a fridge in there too, it's a samsung double door fridge and freezer, will I need more than the 2Kva?


I appreciate all the help in advance
 
2kva will be fine for your electronics. Your fridge will kill it.

If your generator has AVR, you should be ok. I'd still run a UPS in between to manage surges/dips though.


I run the following on a 2kva UPS, and the load sometimes hits 30%:
47" LG LED tv
2x HP Microserver
Denon 7 channel AVR
1x fairly chunky PC
Laser printer
inkjet printer
fax machine
mikrotik
adsl modem
1gb wifi router
Couple of laptops
 
Thanks so much for the response, Okey so then I will settle on the 2Kva - 2.5Kva Generator.

Now my next question the actual one I was trying to get to, let's say I have this 2Kva badboy in the back yard. How do you connect it via the UPS. As the TV is not going to be compatible with the kettle plug connector of the UPS.


I apologize for the noobly questions.
 
skinndeep said:
What's the difference between 3 phase and single phase generators?
Click to expand...

Domestic is single phase 220v and industrial is often 3 phase 380v. You are probably needing a single phase for home use unless you have 3 phase power tools.
 
There's quite a lot of 3 phase domestic in Joburg. Check your earth leakage switch. If it has 2 poles you're on single phase. 4 poles for 3 phase
 
Thor187 said:
Thanks so much for the response, Okey so then I will settle on the 2Kva - 2.5Kva Generator.

Now my next question the actual one I was trying to get to, let's say I have this 2Kva badboy in the back yard. How do you connect it via the UPS. As the TV is not going to be compatible with the kettle plug connector of the UPS.


I apologize for the noobly questions.
Click to expand...
I took a standard multiplug extension cable, opened it up, removed the standard plug cable and wired in a kettle plug. Instant adapter.
 
Ahhhh genius!!! I think I saw a thread that had that.

Okey so to recap.

I use the 2Kva generators and plug chargers directly into it etc


Then the TV runs of a UPS connected to the Generator ?
 
Remember generator goes outside. So I'd run an extension cord into the house, plug ups into extension, plug multiplug into ups and then all gear into multiplug
 
Back Yard -> Generator -> lead into house -> UPS -> lead to living area -> multiplug - > TV, Phones, laptop etc.


Is that correct.
 
Thor187 said:
Back Yard -> Generator -> lead into house -> UPS -> lead to living area -> multiplug - > TV, Phones, laptop etc.
Is that correct.
Click to expand...
A 2kva generator is enough for your requirements, OP. Remember anything with a electrical coil, which is almost everything in your house, has a starting/inrush current when it switches on. That means that a 400w fridge will need around 800-1300w (depending on the effort to get the compressor running) to start and 400w (max) to run. Many people tally the wattage of essential appliances together and think the number what they should spec their genny purchase.

Your calcs come to around 600w running requirements, 800w staring current max for a 2kva/1600w (max) generator.
TV ( Samsung 40" Smart LED ) bought 2013 = 350w max, little-no starting current
Router ( Tenda Wireless ADSL2+) = 5w, 10w starting current for transformer
Charge a cell phone or 2 ( Samsung S5 and Samsung S4 mini x 2 ) = 5w/transformer, 10w starting current each

I'd throw my fridge on there as well. Just let it switch on first before powering up the rest.
 
Last edited:
lcbxx said:
A 2kva generator is enough for your requirements, OP. Remember anything with a electrical coil, which is almost everything in your house, has a starting/inrush current when it switches on. That means that a 400w fridge will need around 800-1300w (depending on the effort to get the compressor running) to start and 400w (max) to run. Many people tally the wattage of essential appliances together and think the number what they should spec their genny purchase.

Your calcs come to around 600w running requirements, 800w staring current max for a 2kva/1600w (max) generator.
TV ( Samsung 40" Smart LED ) bought 2013 = 350w max, little-no starting current
Router ( Tenda Wireless ADSL2+) = 5w, 10w starting current for transformer
Charge a cell phone or 2 ( Samsung S5 and Samsung S4 mini x 2 ) = 5w/transformer, 10w starting current each

I'd throw my fridge on there as well. Just let it switch on first before powering up the rest.
Click to expand...

Surely the fridge cycles on and off ? So the compressor will switch on and off as needed ?
 
Sinbad said:
Yup. I wouldn't run a fridge on a 2kva.
Click to expand...
Me neither.

In fact I don't see a need to run a fridge at all during a normal loadshedding session. Its contents should still be fine when the grid engages again.
 
Thor187 said:
Back Yard -> Generator -> lead into house -> UPS -> lead to living area -> multiplug - > TV, Phones, laptop etc.


Is that correct.
Click to expand...

I appreciate everyone's input. Love you guys. Now my other question... The UPS, does this need to be a large badboy or will the normal 650VA suffice ?
 
Thor187 said:
I appreciate everyone's input. Love you guys. Now my other question... The UPS, does this need to be a large badboy or will the normal 650VA suffice ?
Click to expand...

To avoid uncertainty, consider getting yourself a plug meter from builders.
Then you can see exactly what each of your appliances draws. Add 'em up, add in a safety margin, and bob's your drunken uncle.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X