Diesel generators are a practical piece of machinery in many different situations. They are often used as a backup option in the event of a power cut or when it isn’t possible to connect directly to the power grid. Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular types:

Commercial

Generators are frequently used in the commercial environment. For instance, the workforce on a job site is likely to be in a setting that does not offer an alternative power source. Any of the commercial units are very large with the ability to produce a significant amount of power over a long period of time.

Also, the power output can vary significantly with the different models. The power rating is classified using the total number of watts used. The diesel generators intended for a restaurant, bar, or similar commercial environment can put out up to 30,000 watts of electrical energy. However, if it is only necessary to run a few power tools on a job site, a generator rating of 3,000 watts is likely to be enough.

Domestic

The domestic generator is a much smaller piece of machinery. They are typically used in the home as a stopgap in the event of a power cut. A generator may be installed in the home for those with medical related issues and need a constant supply of power. For most homeowners, a generator with a power rating of 3,000 to 6,500 watts is likely to be enough power to keep the appliances and lights on during a power cut.

Additionally, the noise level of the generator is an important factor when looking at the generators used in a domestic environment. The majority of diesel generators are labeled with a decibel number. A generator in the region of 60 to 70 dB isn’t likely to be too intrusive in the home.

What about the cooling system

In order to operate efficiently and avoid overheating, diesel generators have a built-in cooling system. There are two major types of cooling system, but the water-cooled system is the most durable.

Water-cooled

The water-cooled generators are built with a radiator and hard-wearing tubes to let water flow around the engine while it is in operation. However, it is necessary to check the water level at regular intervals. Also, they will typically need more ongoing maintenance compared to the air-cooled system, which is the other choice.

Air-cooled

The air-cooled generators rely on air to keep the operating temperature of the machinery within an acceptable range. A specialized system is built into the generator to help increase the air intake to the desired level.