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Bongo1



Member Since: 02 Nov 2018
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 815

United Kingdom 
generator
Im after a generator for when im working on the van down my lockup and my compressor there etc or even at home to save running a very long extension lead .

Any ideas for a budget good generator , i dont mean a £100 one , seen a few around £250-300 , a briggs stratton one looks ok and a few others . My son has a Clarke gen he doesn't use that i would pay him for , if they are any good , But if anyone has one they love please let me know .
thanks gerry
Post #874595 24th Dec 2020 11:08pm
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miker



Member Since: 13 Sep 2015
Location: Surrey
Posts: 1758

United Kingdom 1999 Defender 110 Td5 CSW Rioja Red
Personally I can't stand the fixed RPM cheap ones, the output isn't all that stable, and they're damn loud.

Small inverter generators are super handy. Check the startup current of your compressor, you might find you need a lot more power than you think.

In terms of what to buy, honda EU range are the best, Hyundai are a slightly louder but much cheaper second.
Post #874600 24th Dec 2020 11:34pm
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Bongo1



Member Since: 02 Nov 2018
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 815

United Kingdom 
The compressor has a lot of draw on start 'up its recommended that a 32amp supply is used . it did have a 13amp plug fitted but i run it through a 32amp plug/socket .

i will look at the invertor gens , and a hyundai as im not concerned to much about noise , especially if i can get a better gen .



thanks gerry
Post #874605 25th Dec 2020 12:30am
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miker



Member Since: 13 Sep 2015
Location: Surrey
Posts: 1758

United Kingdom 1999 Defender 110 Td5 CSW Rioja Red
32A is like a 7-9kVA, which is a sizable unit.

Would a petrol compressor be worth considering?
Post #874606 25th Dec 2020 12:32am
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Dinnu



Member Since: 24 Dec 2019
Location: Lija
Posts: 3206

Malta 2012 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 CSW Santorini Black
Compressors have very high starting currents, so would need quite a substantial gen set to start a compressor with a starting current of 32A.
But for running small tools, my personal preference would be a fixed rpm one, the alternator is much more robust than the invertor type. Agree that the fixed rpm one is louder and will consume more fuel.

Be aware that most cheap ones that are rated for 3KW, 3 phase will only supply 1KW per phase. So if running single phase tools on one of these gen sets, the tool should not be more than 1KW. 1988 90 Hard Top, 19J Diesel Turbo, Shire Blue - Restoration ongoing
2012 90 CSW, 2.2TDCI, Santorini Black
Post #874617 25th Dec 2020 9:01am
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Bongo1



Member Since: 02 Nov 2018
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 815

United Kingdom 
All good info , petrol compressor is a good idea . But in my case i don't really need a compressor at the lockup , its a new backup one i have , so i just wanted to be able to fill and drain now and again .

I was looking at the 3KW gens but didn't know about only giving 1kw if on single phase , which it will be mostly be , and would be fine for the corded tools , but not sounding good for the compressor .

In my shed i have a 16amp trip for the plug sockets and a 32amp socket i plug the compressor into . it sometimes trips on the 16amp so i stick with the 32amp , if plugged into the house sockets it starts fine .

Its looking like a generator with enough power is going to be to big and expensive .
I want one i can ideally put in the van on my own . so i may as well get the clarke pg3800 off my lad and get rid of the spare compressor , although it would be handy down the lockup .
Post #874656 25th Dec 2020 10:06pm
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Bongo1



Member Since: 02 Nov 2018
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 815

United Kingdom 
2.2kw motor and + 50% , 3.3kw gen .
Post #874657 25th Dec 2020 10:49pm
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miker



Member Since: 13 Sep 2015
Location: Surrey
Posts: 1758

United Kingdom 1999 Defender 110 Td5 CSW Rioja Red
The issue with compressors is that for something that pulls 13A when running will probably pull 40A for a fraction of a second when the motor starts. This will comfortably trip a 16A breaker, but a 32A breaker will hold it.

The PG3800 is a standard single phase fixed RPM model, it'll make roughly 240V most of the time, but I wouldn't personally go runnning sensitive electronics off it!
Post #874701 26th Dec 2020 2:16pm
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