Things to have in mind when buying a power generator (II)

(To read the first part on “Things to have in mind when buying a power generator”, press here)

Let’s continue reading about the things to consider when buying a power generator.

Another thing to consider before buying a generator is where you will put it. The power generator should be put in an outdoors area, since when they are working, they emit toxic fumes. Since the generators work with fuel, the fumes they emanate are toxic, and so they shouldn’t be on a closed area. Still, if you need to put it inside, you should install some kind of exhaust pipe that takes the fumes outside of the room, and you should also install an alarm that sounds when there is a gas or smoke leak.

On the other hand, the type of fuel you use on the generator is also something to consider. If you are planning on using the generator for a short period, you could use regular gas, but if you are planning on using it regularly, you should considering putting diesel. Even though diesel is more expensive, it consumes less than regular gasoil and engines that work with diesel generally requires less maintenance.

In addition, when you buy a generator, you need to estimate the type of capacity you need, according to the amount of energy you will require (and use). In order to calculate this, you need to consider that there are two types of appliances: those which have a type of constant energy expenditure (where you will need a resistive load) and those that need a load to start-up (i.e. a reactive load). The ones with a constant expenditure, won't use more volts than the ones that they indicate on the technical labels that each electrical appliance has (like the light bulbs, the toaster, and some heaters). Still, there are other appliances that have an engine, and so they need more energy to start working, like the fridges, and the washers. These appliances generally use 3 or 4 times the amount of volts indicated in the labels (when they begin to work).

It is always advised that you buy a power generator with an extra 20% capacity that you calculate, just in case you need to plug in an new appliance in the future.

Lastly, we should remind you once more that you shouldn’t buy any generator just because it’s cheap. You should always check the warranty the generator has, and the post-sale services you will be provided with. These two things are important when buying a generator, as well as verifying the technical requirements the generator has (on the instructions guide).

Even though with this tips you could have an idea of the type of generator you need for your house/company/office, etc… it is always recommended you ask a specialist to assist you, and so you make the right choice and buy a good generator that lasts longer and suits your needs.

Things to have in mind when buying a power generator

These days, due to the great amount of shutdowns that the people of Buenos Aires have suffered, many people are considering buying a power generator that provides energy when the light is out.

For those who are planning to buy a power generator, we will give you some tips to have in mind:

Firstly, some specialists say that you shouldn’t buy a power generator for its price. That is to say, that if you buy a generator because it’s cheap, without taking into account its brand or its technical properties, it will probably not last long, and it may even ruin the electrical devices you plug into it.

This being said, we will continue providing some specific tips you should bear in mind when you buy a power generator:

One thing you should consider when you are thinking about buying a power generator is the amount of hours you will use it. It is advised the you buy a generator that works 1,500 Revolutions per Minute (rpm) if you plan to use it for long hours, for example if you use it on a factory or for more than 12 hours a day; On the other side, it is recommended you buy a generator that works 3,000 rpm if you will use it sporadically, for no longer than 8 hours a day, or for specific things. The generators that work at 1,500 rpm are usually cheaper, but its maintenance is usually more expensive. Moreover, the generators that work at 3,000 rpm are not supposed to be used for more than 8 hours (without any breaks), and there should have a 40 minute rest before they continue working every 8 hours.

Moreover, according to the use you will give to the power generator, you have a variety of generators with different characteristics to choose from, like if you want an inverter generator, single-cylindrical, air cooled, etc.

Another thing to consider when buying a power generator is the type of electrical appliances you will plug into it. According to this, you will have to check if the power generator you want to buy has a type of voltage stabilizer. It is always advised that if you plan to plug delicate appliances (such as the TV, the Air Conditioner, etc.) the generator should have around 4 - 5% of line regulation. Still, if you plan to plug less “sensible” appliances, such as a drill, for example, that scope may be wider.

(To continue reading about the tips to bear in mind when buying a generator, click here.)

Shutdowns in Buenos Aires

Since the stifling heat appeared in Buenos Aires, there has been many shutdowns in different neighborhoods and localities of Buenos Aires. Some houses of Buenos Aires have been up to nine and even ten days without electricity at their homes. Others have been suffering shorter shutdowns, but itinerants which is really bad for the house appliances.

Some of the neighborhoods and localities of Buenos Aires that have had no electricity during the past few weeks are: Saavedra, Palermo, Núñez, Caballito, Once, Almagro, Boedo, Balvanera, Villa Crespo, Villa Devoto, Villa Urquiza, Floresta, Flores, Villa Mitre, Villa Santa Rita, Monte Castro, Villa Real, Paternal, Almagro, Villa del Parque, Recoleta, Barracas, Villa Ortúzar, San Isidro, Temperley, Vicente López, Ituzaingó, Castelar, Morón, Esteban Echeverría, Lomas de Zamora, Pilar, Berisso, La Plata, Luján, Villa Ballester, Lanús, Bernal, Florida, Turdera, Sarandí, Haedo, Olivos, Adrogué, Ramos Mejía, San Martín, Santos Lugares and Avellaneda.

The companies that are in charge of providing power services in Buenos Aires (both the City and the Greater Area) have informed that there will continue to be shutdowns unless the high temperatures continues. The reasons for the continuous power cuts in Buenos Aires were the high amount of consumption of energy, due to the use of air conditioners and those electrical appliances. The power levels of consumption in Buenos Aires have beaten some new records (and the infrastructure is not prepared for it).

The electrical power suppliers also added that there are special teams working on the affected areas. Still, there are too many neighborhoods of Buenos Aires that have no power and there are not enough people to work on all the areas.

In some areas of the City and the Greater Area of Buenos Aires there have been some street cuts and groups of people complaining about the power cuts and how they are affected by it (specially the older people that live in buildings and have no water and can’t go down the stairs, or people who need to keep their medication on a low temperature).

Even though it is not a solution and this should be treated thoroughly so that it doesn’t happen every summer, people are starting to go on vacations and the city and Greater Area of Buenos Aires will begin to be less crowded soon; so, power consumption will go down and power cuts should begin to decrease… Still, let’s hope this ends soon.