Generator running costs for low, medium, and higher usage scenarios

[Other Pineapple Smurf]

So SARS paid me out, and the generator I wanted to buy is sold out.
View attachment 1196308

Edit: Phoned the branch they do have stock

Get some good extension leads, 16amp and a proper jerry can. I have a 10L and 5L.

I use an old cooldrink bottle as a funnel.

Also, don't forget the oil as they ship without it. I use my car oil.

 

[Lupus]

So I "loaned" my 2 stroke to family, basically gave it away, shame they were robbed and their generator was taken, insurance won't pay for it as it wasn't on the list. So I was like you know what take the 900w it won't power a lot, but it will handle your TV.

 

[rh1]

Get some good extension leads, 16amp and a proper jerry can. I have a 10L and 5L.

I use an old cooldrink bottle as a funnel.

Also, don't forget the oil as they ship without it. I use my car oil.

Will pick up this jerry can:

MAC-AFRIC 20 Litre Jerry Can - Green - 0.8 mm Wall Thickness - Adendorff Machinery Mart

Our MAC AFRIC Jerry Cans are UN3A1 approved and are BUILT TO LAST - manufactured from top-quality robust cold rolled 0.8mm steel. They feature an internal rust protection layer with a tough anti-rust powder-coated finish, integrated carrying handle, a lever-type safety sealing cap with a locking...

www.adendorff.co.za

So what generator are you going for?

This one:

MAC AFRIC 6.5 kVA (5 KW) Standby Petrol Generator (with T.F.V meter) - Adendorff Machinery Mart

A well-sized generator that can power the average South African home. Made with ease of use in mind, this generator has an integrated wheel and handle design as well as an electric start. Petrol Electric (key) start Compact and Mobile

www.adendorff.co.za

My wife insisted I get one powerful enough to run the fridge.

 

[Other Pineapple Smurf]

Will pick up this jerry can:

MAC-AFRIC 20 Litre Jerry Can - Green - 0.8 mm Wall Thickness - Adendorff Machinery Mart

Our MAC AFRIC Jerry Cans are UN3A1 approved and are BUILT TO LAST - manufactured from top-quality robust cold rolled 0.8mm steel. They feature an internal rust protection layer with a tough anti-rust powder-coated finish, integrated carrying handle, a lever-type safety sealing cap with a locking...

www.adendorff.co.za

This one:

MAC AFRIC 6.5 kVA (5 KW) Standby Petrol Generator (with T.F.V meter) - Adendorff Machinery Mart

A well-sized generator that can power the average South African home. Made with ease of use in mind, this generator has an integrated wheel and handle design as well as an electric start. Petrol Electric (key) start Compact and Mobile

www.adendorff.co.za

My wife insisted I get one powerful enough to run the fridge.

6.5KVa is really big, why I went for 5Kva but it also depends on supply.

I can run all at once:
* aircon
* bean to cup coffee machine
* professional hair dryer

A fridge is like only 100W and you can also run microwaves for her.


Jerry can: See if you can get the spout for it else you will be spilling petrol all over the place.

 

[neoprema]

I haven't tried our 5.5kva with aircons (inverters) but when I filled in all the info on Bundu Power's website it told me I needed a 28kva or higher...

Needless to say that cost is insane. I was hoping possibly a 12kva would work as they're still in the "affordable" range especially for automatic switchover etc.

 

[Other Pineapple Smurf]

What type of generator would I need to run 2 aircons and a kettle?

What size are the aircons?

Just add their peak usage along with the kettle. Keep in mind that you would need to start them individually else you can trip the generator as it does not use a slow curve switch.

I'm using a 9000BTU Daikin Inverter which also starts up slowly.

 

[Other Pineapple Smurf]

@rh1 also look at the plastic Jerry Cans. I find them easier to transport in my car to the petrol station than my metal one. They also come with the spout. These are very durable.

ADDIS 10 lt Jerry Can Petrol (RED) - Adendorff Machinery Mart

For petrol. Specially treated plastic creates a fluorine carbon barrier that prevents erosion of the container and makes the jerrican safer and stronger. The flexible no-spill spout makes pouring easy and stores inside the container when not in use. Built-in breather.

www.adendorff.co.za

 

[rh1]

6.5KVa is really big, why I went for 5Kva but it also depends on supply.

I can run all at once:
* aircon
* bean to cup coffee machine
* professional hair dryer

A fridge is like only 100W and you can also run microwaves for her.


Jerry can: See if you can get the spout for it else you will be spilling petrol all over the place.

Yes, agree, the website, says the spout is sold out, will double check tomorrow, otherwise, I will be using a cut up 2 litre bottle.

 

[Other Pineapple Smurf]

Yes, agree, the website, says the spout is sold out, will double check tomorrow, otherwise, I will be using a cut up 2 litre bottle.

You can find the nozzle at Midas, camping stores and Agrimark for the metal Jerry can.

 

[Lupus]

Will pick up this jerry can:

MAC-AFRIC 20 Litre Jerry Can - Green - 0.8 mm Wall Thickness - Adendorff Machinery Mart

Our MAC AFRIC Jerry Cans are UN3A1 approved and are BUILT TO LAST - manufactured from top-quality robust cold rolled 0.8mm steel. They feature an internal rust protection layer with a tough anti-rust powder-coated finish, integrated carrying handle, a lever-type safety sealing cap with a locking...

www.adendorff.co.za

This one:

MAC AFRIC 6.5 kVA (5 KW) Standby Petrol Generator (with T.F.V meter) - Adendorff Machinery Mart

A well-sized generator that can power the average South African home. Made with ease of use in mind, this generator has an integrated wheel and handle design as well as an electric start. Petrol Electric (key) start Compact and Mobile

www.adendorff.co.za

My wife insisted I get one powerful enough to run the fridge.

That will run more then the fridge, it will power your house

 

[Lupus]

West Pack Lifestyle Portal

www.westpacklifestyle.co.za

Got a nozzle as well and works really well.

 

[Düber]

These are what I use,

West Pack Lifestyle Portal

www.westpacklifestyle.co.za

Mainly because it doesn't leak at all and pours easily, but also because you can get this in case something goes missing or breaks.

West Pack Lifestyle Portal

www.westpacklifestyle.co.za

 

[joshuatree]

The metal jerry cans can rust inside or create a spark, not?

 

[Düber]

The metal jerry cans can rust inside or create a spark, not?

I would hazard that the plastic ones are able to build up more static, but you should ground any container before filling or using, just to cancel out the chance of a spark.
The metal jerry cans I've seen are nicely powder coated so if you look after it it shouldn't rust. Mine certainly hasn't.

 

[Snyper564]

6.5KVa is really big, why I went for 5Kva but it also depends on supply.

I can run all at once:
* aircon
* bean to cup coffee machine
* professional hair dryer

A fridge is like only 100W and you can also run microwaves for her.


Jerry can: See if you can get the spout for it else you will be spilling petrol all over the place.

My old Kic fridges pull around 100w my new siemens fridge pulls 30w... its crzy!

 

[Other Pineapple Smurf]

I would hazard that the plastic ones are able to build up more static, but you should ground any container before filling or using, just to cancel out the chance of a spark.
The metal jerry cans I've seen are nicely powder coated so if you look after it it shouldn't rust. Mine certainly hasn't.

Very little reliable information about plastic cans and static.

Only discovered now that many cars actually have plastic fuel tanks.

Plastic has the advantage of being more resistant to damage, does not have seams, takes longer to heat up the petrol during a fire underneath and can breath easier to allow built up pressure to escape.

Downside is it will eventually melt in a fire.

Regardless of the Tin vs plastic Jerry can debate, you still need to look after them and keep away from fires.

 

[rh1]

These are what I use,

West Pack Lifestyle Portal

www.westpacklifestyle.co.za

Mainly because it doesn't leak at all and pours easily, but also because you can get this in case something goes missing or breaks.

West Pack Lifestyle Portal

www.westpacklifestyle.co.za

I went with the Addis 25 litre fuel tank.

 

[rh1]

So it is unpacked and assembled, oil has been poured in. I just need to fuel her up.

Side note, if you man alone, it does weigh 90kgs, while I did not drop it, I am glad I wore my steel toe safety boots. Had to unload it myself.


I was reading through the manual and came across this:

Does this mean I can connect it to the house? Via a DB or handover switch or something. How much would an electrician charge ball park range?

 

[Düber]

I was reading through the manual and came across this:

That is very interesting, did you get the Mac afric you linked earlier?

Does this mean I can connect it to the house? Via a DB or handover switch or something. How much would an electrician charge ball park range?

Short answer is yes you can, the ways of doing it differ so much, there is not a one size fits all and obviously affects what it might cost.

Just to give you an idea I made my own automatic change-over boxes and the parts etc. cost about R2k alone and it takes a bit of time to assemble and install.
A manual change-over switch is obviously much cheaper.

 

[RonSwanson]

Will pick up this jerry can:

MAC-AFRIC 20 Litre Jerry Can - Green - 0.8 mm Wall Thickness - Adendorff Machinery Mart

Our MAC AFRIC Jerry Cans are UN3A1 approved and are BUILT TO LAST - manufactured from top-quality robust cold rolled 0.8mm steel. They feature an internal rust protection layer with a tough anti-rust powder-coated finish, integrated carrying handle, a lever-type safety sealing cap with a locking...

www.adendorff.co.za

This one:

MAC AFRIC 6.5 kVA (5 KW) Standby Petrol Generator (with T.F.V meter) - Adendorff Machinery Mart

A well-sized generator that can power the average South African home. Made with ease of use in mind, this generator has an integrated wheel and handle design as well as an electric start. Petrol Electric (key) start Compact and Mobile

www.adendorff.co.za

My wife insisted I get one powerful enough to run the fridge.

That's a nice sized genny, and a fantastic price. Great value and good on Adendorff for not price gouging whilst SA households are man-down. Very quiet as well, excellent choice.
I agree with your wife, fridge / freezer is essential and around 100-140W, so it makes sense.
Service it every 40 hours and keep a log with slips, good for resale and failing memories, and chances are that you will re-use it with your solar build in 6-12 months time.