Having a sound generator as a backup power source is essential. Take hospitals as an example – they heavily depend on electricity to keep their patients alive.
Supermarkets, too, depend on electricity to refrigerate to keep stocks fresh. They can lose money in one day if power goes off for just two hours.
All these businesses need Able Sales to keep these operations running without downtime. However, with diesel and petrol generators being commonly used systems, it is difficult to determine which one you need.
Diesel Generators
These combine a diesel-powered engine and an electric generator to produce electricity continuously. You will find them in various sizes, often as a permanent fixture in residential buildings. A perfect example is a portable diesel-powered generator. It allows you to carry them conveniently.
A combustion engine generator that operates on diesel rotates a crank or shaft to convert chemical energy into mechanical energy. Usually, diesel is injected into the engine and mixes with air before it compresses. This results in a small controlled explosion that drives the piston in the machine, making an alternator to generate electricity.
Mostly, you will find commercial and industrial sectors using diesel generators because of their reliability and capability of generating enough electrical power.
Pros
- Safe to store
- More power output
- Longer life
- Fuel efficient
- Needs less maintenance
Cons
- Generally heavier and bigger
- Produces deadly fumes, like CO2
- Noise
- High cost of diesel fuel
Petrol Generators
Compared to diesel units, petrol-type are smaller. They are fuel-efficient because they burn little fuel when compared to diesel generators.
Petrol-powered generators have been there for a long time and are still popular among most homeowners. They are also easy to use, making them ideal for camping trips, cabins, and tiny homes.
Pros
- Enough power output
- Easy to source fuel
- Low cost of petrol fuel
Cons
- Low fuel efficiency
- High maintenance
Key Differences between Diesel and Petrol Generators
Between a diesel and petrol generator, which one should you buy? This is a tricky question to answer. But to make the right decision, you need to determine what your needs are and consider several factors like the following:
- Longevity
It is pointless to slash out on shiny and lovely new generators if they conk out after using them severally. Whichever type of generator you opt for, note that it will work hard to give the power output you need.
But while petrol generators try to generate the desired power level, diesel-powered engines produce the same amount of wattage without sweating. Since they don’t have to work extra hard to give you enough power, less pressure is applied to the inner workings. This means they need less maintenance to keep them running smoothly.
In addition, diesel fuel has self-lubricating properties. This contributes a lot to the longevity of diesel-powered generators. With petrol-powered generators, you will have to use more lubricant. For instance, 2-stroke engine oil can deteriorate the fuel delivery system after an extended use period. This, in turn, results in costly maintenance jobs and repairs – things that shouldn’t worry you when you invest in a diesel-powered generator.
- Application
You can use petrol and diesel generators for commercial and residential applications based on the runtime required and specific requirements for power.
Generally, diesel-powered generators are more suited for commercial applications requiring heavy-duty or continuous use, like data centers, hospitals, and construction sites.
However, petrol-powered generators are mainly used for residential applications, including powering homes during a power outage. They are also suitable for recreational activities, including camping and hiking.
- Reliability
Durability and low maintenance determine the reliability of a generator. So, dependability plays a vital role in choosing the right generator.
For instance, petrol-powered generators need an ignition system, whereas diesel generators don’t. Plus, the simplicity of diesel generators keeps them cool even in unfavorable climates.
Usually, diesel-powered generators work at lower temperatures than petrol generators and minimize wear & tear linked with running generators.
- Engine Noise
Old diesel generators used to make a lot of noise, but today’s brands are noise-free. In general, a petrol-powered generator produces more noise than a diesel-powered generator.
To determine the noise level, you must know about Rotation per Minute (RPM). Anything more than 3,000 RPM is noisier. Petrol generators mostly have 3,600 RPM, while diesel-powered systems have 1,800 RPM.
- Safety
Because diesel is less flammable compared to petrol, it is safer. Diesel-powered generators are suitable for any business dealing with combustible products and chemicals as they have a low probability of accidentally igniting and are less explosive.
In addition, if you want to keep your generator in a location with many heat sources, diesel-powered generators are a perfect option. Notably, compared to petrol, diesel has more shelf-life, enabling you to keep more fuel for emergencies and use.
- Power Output
Generally, diesel-powered generators produce more electrical power than petrol-based generators of the same size because of their higher fuel efficiency and compression.
This also means that a diesel-powered generator can handle higher electrical loads and run for a more extended period without stalling or overheating.
On the other hand, petrol-based generators are more suitable for applications requiring shorter runtime and lower power output.
- Cost
Generators running on diesel are cheaper to repair and buy. They consume less fuel than petrol-powered generators, but you will only have a few options.
However, petrol-powered generators have a variety of models you can choose from. In addition, the cost of buying petrol is lower than that of diesel, thus minimizing the prices in the long run.
Unfortunately, petrol-powered generators have poor fuel consumption when compared to diesel engines. That means you will spend more money on fuel at the end of the day.
Which one is ideal for you? Well, as we’ve seen, that depends on what you need and applications. Diesel-powered generators suit heavy-duty requirements or situations where reliable/consistent power is essential. On the other hand, petrol generators are suitable for small trade applications and lightweight/recreational activities, such as caravanning, camping, and hiking, to name a few.
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