Need to generate your own power? Let’s have a look at the available options and the features and benefits of each.

Inverters

Modified sine wave power inverter benefits:

Silent
Wide input voltage range, suitable for home or office
Designed for indoor use
Overload and short circuit protected
Built-in intelligent battery/batteries
Portable
Automatic mains to battery switchover
LCD display for comprehensive information

Calculating power consumption:

How to work out consumption requirements:

Sum of Device Watts ÷ 1000 = Kilowatts (kW)
Volts (V) = Always 230 V (Std. in S.A.)
Watts (W) = Amps (A) x Volts (V)
Amps (A) = Watts (W) ÷ Volts (V)

Remember:

Electric motors require a minimum power source of up to 3x their rating to start! (Add any “start-up” watts to the total sum of your consumption requirements.)

We sell the following:

Separate 102 Amp Deep Cycle Battery
Stand-alone inverter unit (720 W and 1 440 W options)
720 W inverter + one battery in mobile trolley (with wheels)
1 440 W inverter unit + 2 batteries in mobile trolley (with wheels)

Approximate running times

Power	Capacity	Load
720 W	4-hour runtime at 60–80% (less than 570 W)	8-hour runtime at 50% or less (360 W)
1 440 W	4-hour runtime at 60–80 % (less than 1 150 W)	8-hour runtime at 50% or less (720 W)

Important Considerations

Deep cycle batteries go into deep sleep if they stand for a long time. Ensure that they are fully charged before using new batteries for the first time.
To maintain the lifespan of the batteries, they must be recharged every 3 months. Do this by running the inverter until the battery is completely flat and then recharge it fully.
The ambient temperature (the average air temperature where your inverter is stored) affects both performance and battery longevity. The ideal temperature is 25 degrees Celcius.
View the product consumption guide above to establish the power (wattage) that you need. Rather go bigger, than too small, if your budget permits.

GENERATORS

When deciding which generator to purchase, consider the following factors:

Your wattage needs: Understand the power usage needs of the products you need to power. Use the chart below or the various product handbooks to assist your calculations. Rather go too big than too small.
The cost of connecting your generator to your DB board: The cost varies from R1250 upwards depending on the requirements.
The noise factor: Consider the proximity of the generator to your neighbours and to your own living areas.
Servicing your generator: Like a vehicle, proper maintenance is essential and strongly recommended. Service more frequently when used in dusty areas.
Commercial use: Do not overload the machine. Log hours to help you to determine a proper maintenance plan. A major service is recommended for every 300 hours of use.
Fuel consumption: A 5500 W generator will run for up to 8 hours on 19 litres of fuel.

Important Point:
The most important thing to consider when buying a generator is the power requirements, i.e. the wattage output. All generators have a maximum power and rated power output. Always keep the rated power output figure in mind when operating generators at a higher altitude because the generator’s performance is affected by air density. In other words, note that a petrol motor at the coast will run at the stated output but will give approximately 17% less output when deeper inland. If your generator produces lower output than what your system requires, it could burn out or get damaged.

Safety tips:

Only use a licenced electrician – generators need to be correctly installed. When connecting to your DB board, a changeover switch should be installed. You must always obtain a COC (Certificate of Compliance).
Choose a suitable location – your generator emits dangerous fumes, so a well ventilated area is needed.
Only use a good-quality heavy-duty extension lead with a 3-prong 16 amp plug.
Earth your generator properly or else you run the risk of electrocution. Putting your generator on rubber car mats assists slightly with noise level, but connecting to an earth spike is very important.
Do not overfill the tank and never refuel whilst your generator is running. Allow it to cool sufficiently before refuelling.
You should never operate a generator in the wet/rain as this can lead to an electrical short circuit/malfunction.

All above wattage consumptions are averages and should be used as a guide only. Refer to the handbooks of your appliances for accurate power consumption.

Service & maintenance intervals

Note – Old fuel in the tank is a common cause of generator starting problems. If a generator is unlikely to be used for a long period of time, it is advisable to empty the fuel tank and carburettor either by using the drain (on some models) or run the generator until it is out of fuel.

Note – This schedule is based on the assumption that your generator will be used for its designed purpose. Sustained high-load, high-temperature operation or use in wet or dusty conditions will necessitate more frequent servicing.

Service more frequently when used in dusty or wet areas.
For commercial use, log hours of operation to determine proper maintenance intervals.
If not used frequently, recharge the battery every 3 months.
A major service is recommended every year or every 300 hours.
Do not use a generator in unventilated areas.

Item performed at every indicated month or hour interval, whichever comes first.		Before Each Use	First 20 Hours	Every 3 Months or 50 Hours	Every 6 Months or 100 Hours
Engine Oil	Check	X
Engine Oil	Change		X	X
Air Cleaner	Check	X
Air Cleaner	Clean			X
Spark Plug	Clean/Adjust				X
Fuel Tank and Fitter	Clean			X

Please read the provided operators and warranty manuals carefully prior to using your generator. Make particular reference to the Service and Maintenance Table supplied.

Product Comparison Chart

Make & Model	RYOBI RG-950	RYOBI RG-1200	RYOBI RG-2100I	RYOBI RG-2600I	RYOBI RG-3200I	RYOBI RG-2700	RYOBI RG-6900K	GRIP SRGE6500E	RYOBI RG-7000K	RYOBI RG-7900K	GRIP SRGE8500E	RYOBI RG-10kVA
Maximum Power	950 W	2.1 kW	2 100 W	2 600 W	3 200 W	2.5 kW	5.5 kW	5.5 kW/5.5 kVA	6.5 kW	7.5 kW	7.5 kW/7.5 kVA	11.0 kW
Rated Power	650 W	1.0 kW	1 750 W	2 200 W	2 800 W	2.0 kW	5.0 kW	5.0 kW/5 kVA	6.0 kW	6.8 kW	7.0 kW/7 kVA	10.0 kW
Rated Current	2.8 A	4.35 A	7.6 A	9.6 A	12.2 A	8.7 A	23.9 A	21.75 A	26 A	29.5 A	30.43 A	43.5 A
DC Voltage	12 V	12 V	12 V	USB 5 V	12 V	12 V	12 V	12 V	12 V	12 V	12 V	12 V
Fuel	Unleaded	Unleaded	Unleaded	Unleaded	Unleaded	Unleaded	Unleaded	Unleaded	Unleaded	Unleaded	Unleaded	Unleaded
Fuel Tank (Liters)	4	6.5	4	5	10.5	12	25	25	25	25	25	25
Engine Type	2-stroke, air-cooled	Vertical OHV, 4-stroke, forced air-cooled, single cylinder	4-stroke, forced air-cooled	4-stroke, forced air-cooled	4-stroke, forced air-cooled	4-stroke, air-cooled	4-stroke, air-cooled	4-stroke, air-cooled	4-stroke, air-cooled	4-stroke, air-cooled	4-stroke, air-cooled	4-stroke, air-cooled
Displacement	63 cc	100 cc	80 cc	196 cc	207 cc	196 cc	389 cc	390 cc	460 cc	460 cc	445 cc	614 cc
Start System	Recoil pull start	Recoil pull start	Recoil pull start	Recoil pull start	Remote and key start	Push-button start	Push-button electric start	Push-button start	Push-button start	Push-button start	Push-button electric start	Key start
Estimated Runtime	6 hours	8 hours	3.5 hours	5 hours	7 hours	10 hours	8 hours	8 hours	7 hours	7 hours	7 hours	9 hours
Weight	20.5 kg	25 kg	42 kg	26 kg	42 kg	41.5 kg	87 kg	85 kg	88 kg	90 kg	90 kg	160 kg
Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR)	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes