In electricity generation, a generator is a device that converts motive power into electrical power for use in an external circuit. There are a number of companies in Zambia that offer efficient and reliable petrol, diesel and electric-powered generators which are suitable for a wide selection of uses, ranging from small domestic to large institutional applications.
Top brands available in Zambia include but not limited to Cummins, Kipor, Pramac, Dayliff, Ryobi, Briggs & Stratton, Sportsman, DuroMax, Honda, Generac, Lowe's and Champion.
Whether you’re preparing for emergency power, looking to run a construction site, or have recreational use in mind, you need to consider a few factors when buying a portable generator.
- What do you need to power - Ask yourself what you will need to power during an electrical outage? Is it just appliances and lights? Computers and home electronics? If you need a generator for jobsite or recreational usage, list out the appliances or equipment you will want to use at the same time.
- Determine what it takes to start each appliance - Ensure you’ll be able to start (not simply run) your appliances. The “starting wattage” is the amount of wattage needed to start an appliance with a motor; and it may be two to three times the wattage required to run the appliance. If you have owner’s manuals, check for your appliances’ listed start-up wattages (vs. the running wattage or the rated wattage).
- Calculate your total power needs - It’s a two-part equation. First, add up all the “running wattage” for all the items you wish to power simultaneously. This equals the total running watts your generator needs to produce simply to run your equipment. Next, add to that total the highest of the “starting wattages” you wrote down in step 2, above. Now you know how much power you need to start and run your appliances and equipment!