Generators
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Leisure Battery | Electric Hook Up (EHU) | Solar Panels | Generators |
Description
We have had Generators around us for years. Several years ago I am sure that you will remember the thumping of a diesel generator being run overnight powering the temporary traffic lights outside your house all night. Until this millennium they have not been practical for a caravanners use of charging the Leisure Battery or being the main supply to the caravan. This has now all changed with Generators being available in small compact sizes at various power ratings and some run so quietly that you would not even take any notice of them. The latter can and probably will cost you a four figure sum to purchase.
Even though Generators have become more portable they are still quite heavy to carry around. Most weights will be quoted as the Generator was dry, which means not including the oil or petrol. A 1000 Watt Generator may weigh 25KG dry.
With a Generator being portable it is just another item that an opportunist thief would consider to walk away with. Therefore make sure that it is kept secure and out of site when not in use so that it can not be taken. Do not chain it to your caravan or car as it can not be easily removed should the worst case of it catching fire take place. If you do need to chain it up consider carefully how you would deal with it should it catch fire.
Some appliances may also not be suitable for running on a Generator. A microwave often requires double the power quoted as its cooking power. Some appliances may also be sensitive to the current supplied, always seek professional advice from your dealer, qualified electrician or appliance manufacturer first.
Unleaded Petrol Generators are quite common now and cheap, you will also be able to purchase a Diesel option and in some cases may be able to convert the Generator to run on LPG (Propane or Butane).
Note: Some Caravan chargers may not be suitable for a supply from a Generator. Always check with your dealer, caravan manufacturer or battery charger manufacturer first.
Here a 1000W Generator is ideal for charging up the Leisure Battery.
It still weight 25KG without any oil or petrol.
Power Ratings
All Generators will usually be rated on their output wattage / kilowatt rating. You are now dealing with 230 volts so therefore the ampere rating will be the Generators wattage divided by 230 volts. A 1000 watt or 1 KW Generator will output 4.3 ampere. Most Generators will also quote their maximum output and rated output. This means the power at which they can continuously produce (usually 10% less than maximum power) and their limit should a surge of power be required.
If you are planning to run other appliances on your Generator, other than just charging the Leisure Battery then you will need to calculate the usage in either watts or ampere to get the correct Generator. A 1000 watt Generator should be enough in order to charge your Leisure Battery and maybe run another small appliance to start with. You also have to bear in mind that many appliances require a surge of power when they first start up, so a larger Generator may be required.
Some Generators may also have a 110 Volts or 12 Volts supply output available for use. Always use the correctly rated equipment when connecting to the Generator. It may be possible to charge a battery directly from the 12 Volt output on a Generator. You will need to check the exact output of the Generator or you may cause damage or discharge your Leisure Battery. Charging the Leisure Battery on a 12 Volt supply may also require the use of a regulator, seek professional advice first.
Noise Levels
EEC regulations implemented in 1989 require portable generators (under 2kw) to have a maximum noise level of 100 LWA (a decibel-type unit to EC standards), which is measured at 4 metres. Most measurements may be from 7 metres that manufacturers quote. If you can get to hear the Generator first do so, if you think that it is rather noisy then your neighbours on site will also think so.
If you are going to run the Generator for short periods of time during the day to charge your Leisure Battery then this may be acceptable. Always check with the site or organiser of the event your attending first to see if the use of Generators is permitted.
Maintenance
A generator has an engine just like your car or lawnmower. Therefore you will find that more maintenance is required on a Generator than most other items of your caravanning experience. Always regularly check the oil level, pipe and fuel tank for leaks, cracks or corrosion that may have occurred.
Ensure that you follow the maintenance schedule from within the supplied instructions. If these are not available contact the manufacturer of the Generator.
Safety
With a Generator being an engine it will produce heat and petrol fumes. Always ensure that the Generator is in a well ventilated area as it will probably be air cooled. Never place a running Generator in your awning or under your caravan as fumes could be sucked in to the caravan from the vents. Ensure that the Generator is sited in a place where children can not touch it and it is well away from other items that could be damaged should the unit catch fire.
Generators sockets are not usually waterproof. Make sure that the Generator is not in use outside uncovered when it is raining or damp. It is possible to buy custom made covers for Generators whilst they are in use.
Never chain the Generator to your caravan, car or another object that could be at risk should the Generator ever catch fire.
An Earth is usually required on a Generator. Always seek professional advice on this from a qualified electrician as well as the manufacturer. Details may be found within the instruction manual. If the manual advises the use of an earth spike, take extreme care as underground services could be breached and getting a proper earth connection could be problematic. Electrical regulations may also require a certain test procedure that you can not carry out. Sensitive equipment in the caravan may also be effected with the earth connection or lack of earth connection.
Always fully read the Generator instruction manual before using a Generator.
Connect up your Generator in the same way you would connect up to the mains as listed in the EHU Connecting Up section.
WARNING!
All electricity can cause shocks, injuries and damage to your equipment. If you are in any doubt as to your electrical system, always seek professional advice from your dealer, product manufacturer, caravan manufacturer or a qualified electrician.
These pages are designed to give you an idea on how your electrical system works. Any work that you partake on your electrical system is solely at your own risk. We hold no responsibility regarding any action you take based on these pages.
Information here has been researched as best as possible, where over time rules and regulations change which may not be reflected on these pages.