Generators for Sale in South Africa

Why Choose Africa Power Equipment

When you are looking to purchase any kind of generator to server your purpose, choosing Africa Power Equipment (Pty) Ltd will be beneficial since the company strives to provide cost effective solutions to all its clients. The greatest advantage of choosing Africa Power Equipment (Pty) Ltd is its customised offerings in engineering, equipment supply, installation and maintenance.

In the present world where technology advances in leaps and bounds, Africa Power Equipment (Pty) Ltd keeps on challenging itself to keep up with that pace and always stay at the forefront of new technologies and developments.

Africa Power Equipment (Pty) Ltd offers customised services and unique power product solutions for a variety of markets in South Africa through a focus on efficiency in both the service it offers to its customers as well in the quality of its products. 

Types of Generators for Sale from Africa Power Equipment

Africa Power Equipment (Pty) Ltd provides the following types of generators in South Africa: 

• Inverter Generators
• Single Phase Generators
• Three Phase Generators
• Petrol Generators
• Diesel Generators
• Silent Generators
• Open Type Generators
• Gas Generators
• PTO (Tractor Driven) Generators
• Underslung/Reefer Generators
• Mecc Alte Alternators
• EvoTec Alternators
• SmartGen Generator Controllers

How Generators Work

An electric generator is a device that is used to produce electric energy, which can be stored in batteries or can be directly supplied to homes, shops, offices, and industries. 

An electric generator uses mechanical energy to produce electrical charges which will then move through an electric current. A generator works on the principle of electromagnetic induction and can be used as a standby power source or a main supplier of electricity. 

The engine of a generator creates mechanical energy which is pushed through an electrical conductor in a magnetic field to create electric charges and as such generates electric current.

A generator has various components, including an engine, an alternator, a fuel system, a voltage regulator, cooling and exhaust systems, a lubrication system, a battery charger, a control panel, and a frame or main structure.

The mechanical energy that is required can be provided by an engine that can be operating on fuels such as diesel, petrol, natural gas, or also by means of renewable energy sources such as a wind turbine, water turbine, solar-powered turbine, or other. 

A conductor coil, which is in essence a copper coil that is tightly wound onto a metal core, is being rotated rapidly between the two poles of a horseshoe type magnet. Such a conductor coil in consort with its core is known as an armature. In and electric generator this armature is connected to a shaft of a mechanical energy source such as a motor and rotated. 

The coil cuts the magnetic field which lies between the two poles of the magnet when it rotates, and the magnetic field will interfere with the electrons in the conductor to induce a flow of electric current inside it.

The part of the generator that produces electrical output to generate electricity, is the alternator. Its stator and rotor is surrounded and enclosed by a housing unit of metal or plastic. Alternators can have ball bearings or needle bearings, and an alternator with a brushless design produces cleaner power and needs less maintenance.

The fuel system of a generator comprises a pipe connection from a fuel tank to the engine, a ventilation pipe, an overflow connection from the fuel tank to a drainpipe, a fuel pump, a fuel filter, and a fuel injector. 

The control panel of a generator control panel is where it is turned on and monitored while in operation and comprises an electric start and shut-down, with some generators allowing automatic operation during power outages. The control panel also has gauges with which to monitor aspects like oil pressure, coolant temperature and battery voltage.

The Benefits of Generators in South Africa

Considering the issues with power supply in South Africa, homes and businesses often require alternative or back-up energy supply systems. 

For business

The benefits of a reliable generator in business include:

• Electric generators can be used for powering machinery or tools when working on project sites where electricity cannot be accessed from the grid. 
• In distant areas, where there is no access to electricity from a main line cannot, electric generators may be the primary source of power supply. 
• As quick and easy back-up energy supply during power outages. 
• A Reliable source of energy in times of need. 
• Business activities can proceed as usual during power outages, as a generator can supply equipment and a building with sufficient amounts of energy.

For home

Electric generators are useful in South Africa where frequent power outages are faced because they can act as a backup to ensure that appliances receive an uninterrupted power supply.

The benefits of a reliable generator for home use include:

• Staying comfortable in emergencies – homeowners can successfully operate essential appliances, without feeling the effects of a power outage too much. You can keep your home from getting too hot or too cold, which could even lead to heat stroke, hypothermia or other health problems.
• A generator helps to protect a home from dangerous voltage fluctuations and surges when the power returns.
• Generators are quite safe to operate if installed and connected by professionals in the correct manner and adhered to health and safety regulations.
• A generator can provide cost-effective power supply in the long run, even if initial costs to obtain a generator can be quite high, but Africa Power Equipment (Pty) Ltd offers competitive and affordable prices on generators in South Africa.
• Homeowners can get peace of mind by ensuring that they have a reliable and effective back-up power solution. 
• Depending on the size of the generator you choose, you may be able to use a computer, keep your refrigerator running so food doesn’t spoil, and keep a few lights on so that your family’s daily routine won’t be disrupted. 
• A generator installed at your home may serve as a useful upgrade to attracts buyers and helps you sell your home in South Africa. Although it is a large investment, many people that are dependent on an even electricity supply, may see it as a big perk. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a generator?

A generator is a device used for electricity generation. An electric converts motive power into electrical power by using mechanical energy to produce electrical charges which will then move through an electric current. A generator works on the principle of electromagnetic induction and can be used as a standby power source or a main supplier of electricity. 

The sources of the mechanical energy may include steam turbines, gas turbines, water turbines, internal combustion engines, wind turbines and even hand cranks.

Where can I buy generators online?

You can get the best Generators for Sale in South Africa online from Africa Power Equipment (Pty) Ltd. You can request a quote by emailing its sales department about its newest generators on sale or get an instant quote from the company’s homepage.

You can also view the latest generator and solar product models available for distribution online or get advice via a life chat option on the website. 

Which generators are best to buy?

The best generator to buy will be the one that fits your specific needs the best. Portable generators are less expensive than whole-home generators, but only provide enough power to use a few items at a time. They also make more noise than whole-home models, and they need to be placed in open areas to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

When buying a generator you should consider the following:

• Generators need to be correctly installed and connected via a suitable and approved change-over switch and an over current protection circuit breaker in the main distribution board by a certified electrician.
• What the total electrical load is to be connected
• The voltage, frequency and phase needed
• Does the generator need to start automatically? 
• A suitable location for the generator – outside or in a properly vented area 
• What would the acceptable noise levels be in your area

How much does a home generator cost in South Africa?

Smaller generators, suitable for home use, are cheaper than high output more industrial types of generators. One can buy it as cheap as R2 000 for a 2 Stroke Petrol Generator up to R30 000 or R40 000 for a silent diesel generator.

How do I choose the right generator for my needs?

A homeowner has to choose a generator that fits his specific needs the best. This in turn will depend on what kind of equipment will be run from the generator and how many will be used at the same time. Any heating appliances such as stoves, heaters, dishwashers, geysers, kettles, tumble dryers, toasters and hairdryers draw the most power. PCs and electronic equipment don’t use much power but are more voltage sensitive. If a generator does not deliver a constant voltage and there are dips and spikes in the system, such sensitive equipment is more likely to suffer damage. 

During generator use it may be best to switch off some appliances while using others and controlling the number of lights switched on during generated power is advisable.

What is the best generator for home use in South Africa

Generators for home use in South Africa are now available in a wide range of sizes. Generators with power supply capacities of 5kW to 50kW are readily available in the personal and home use markets, while industrial generators provides anything from 50kW to over 3 Megawatts.

It is advisable to make sure your backup source is capable of providing 15 percent more power than your average use. For example you have noted your household requires 4500 watts of power. This is 4.5 kW of power on average. The ideal power source must provide at least 5500 watts (5.5 Kw) of power.

A genset is either petrol or diesel driven and is mechanically connected to an electrical generator. The engines need to be started either using a rope attached to the engine similar to that of a lawnmower or with a starter motor and a switch.

What size generator do I need for my house South Africa

This capacity of a generator needed for a house in South Africa depends on the maximum total electrical load expected to power simultaneously at any given time, measured in watts. To determine what size of generator you will need, you must first add up all the loads you want to be able to run simultaneously, then figure out which electrical item in your house requires the most electricity to start its motor and add that to your total. Make sure that the generator you buy can accommodate that extra electricity needed so that larger items won’t overload the system if they start up.

When you buy a generator, choose the size based on the running wattage and its surge wattage should automatically fall into line with what you need. Generators have two wattage ratings: running wattage and surge wattage. Generators are rated for surge wattage because they should have some excess capacity in case the load you need is temporarily larger than what you’ve calculated.

You should consider the following loads to be powered with a generator: 

• Kitchen, bathroom and lounge lights
• At least one plug in kitchen for a kettle or cell phone charger
• Refrigerator or freezer
• Television and decoder
• Garage door opener
• Microwave or oven
• Computer
• Security – alarm systems, electric fencing and security lighting