www.hondaelectricgenerators.com.au

Welcome to the www.hondaelectricgenerators.com.au petrol generators site, featuring just a small selection from our comprehensive range of Honda petrol powered electric generators available from our Norwest Tool Centre online store. We specialise in the supply and servicing of electric generators.

A small selection of the Honda petrol powered electric generators that we offer are displayed to your left but for a full range of all of the Honda Petrol Generators we stock click here.

Our aim at Norwest Tool Centre is to make shopping for Honda petrol powered electric generators as simple as possible, at a competitive price. Total transparency of price on our website and an immediate delivery quote means that you do not have to waste your valuable time having to make a call to get the prices on your purchase.

Contact us for any kind of Honda petrol powered electric generator needs. Our fully featured, easy to navigate website integrated with secure online payment can streamline your ordering process. We value every customer and make this pledge to respect your privacy.

We supply Nationwide from the click of your mouse. With Customer Service being our top priority, you can rest assured that your order will be dispatched as quickly as possible. Deliveries of all products can be made to any location in Australia. If you have a postcode we can get it to you, no matter how large or small an order. We will ensure you get the best value for your money.

Guaranteed!

We stand behind everything we do. If you're not satisfied, tell us, and we'll make it right. If you are satisfied, tell a friend!

Frequently Asked Questions about Electric Generators

Why do I need a generator?

There are a few reasons why businesses, tradesmen and home owners will make a decision to purchase a generator:
• Mains electricity is not available
• There is insufficient mains power supply to meet requirements
• To protect against the possibility of losing mains power, which could cause economic loss, loss of power, loss of lighting, lose of life support equipment, loss of production, loss of data storage and loss of products, human life or livestock.

What is the difference between an electric or manual recoil generator?

These days recoil start generators are easy to start. It depends on what you would prefer.

Manual Recoil Start Generators are hand operated, whereby you start the generator with a pulling motion on a cord.

Electric Start Generators are key started with a battery attached. Electric start generators are ideal for people who just don’t have the strength or power to start a recoil start generator.

In most cases a recoil only start without electric key start on a portable diesel generating set is not recommended.

What is the difference between a petrol or diesel generator?

It really depends on where you use the generator or how often you use it:
Petrol generators are primarily designed for not running for extended periods of time at maximum load. In addition, petrol generators, because of their simpler design, are less expensive that diesel engines.
Diesel generators are primary designed to operate between 60% and 100% load for extended periods of time and are more fuel efficient.

Why should I buy a Powerlite generator?

From their 1966 inception Powerlite continues to be one of the power generation market leaders in Australia. Being 100% Australian owned, Powerlite offers the highest Australian content currently available.

Not all Generating Sets are the same … please examine the Powerlite difference.

Manufactured in Sydney, Powerlite Generators are only powered by the most reputable brands which include B&S Vanguard, Honda, Yanmar & Hatz engines mounted in heavy duty frames with angle anti vibration mounts. By utilizing the latest innovative alternator design technology, Powerlite offers a superior power to weight ratio with savings up to 25 kgs in weight which is an important factor with the current Workcover lifting regulations. The complete Powerlite Product Range is Australian Standard compliant which includes IP23 to IP66 weather protection, plus market leading electrical quality resulting in low harmonic distortion sign wave power.

What makes up a standard portable generating set?

Powerlite Portable Generators comprise of the following parts:
Engine
Alternator
Heavy Duty Frame
Anti Vibration Mounts

Options include
Wheel & Handle Roll Frame
Earth Leakage Protection
Workcover Spec 4 Gang Protection Module
Workcover Spec 6 Gang Protection Module
Earth Stake Kit
Centre Lift Bar
18 Litre Fuel Tank – extended operation
Dry Battery
Welding Cable Kits

What do you need to know if you are installing a standby / prime power generating set or a portable generating set to a fixed location?

Location: should be easily accessible for service and maintenance. If a generator is located outside, it will need to be fully enclosed, so the weather can’t affect it anyway. Canopies are ideal for generators outside.

Mounting: Generators needed to be placed on a level base, preferably concrete and should have anti vibration mounts fitted. If a generator is being installed on soil or on a roof you should consult a civil engineer.

Ventilation & Cooling: A generator should only be used in a well ventilated area to ensure the generator stays cool and to remove excess heat produced through engine combustion.

Exhaust: Where installed internally, the exhaust must be piped external to the building as exhaust fumes are toxic and dangerous.

Can a generator be wired into my home electrical system, so when the mains power is cut off the generator will cut straight in?

Yes, generators can be wired into your home electrical system, so when the mains power is cut, the generator automatically kicks in. This is possible with the use of an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS). Wiring a generator should only be done by a qualified electrician. Manual Transfer Switch (MTS) can also be used, this is where you need to manually start the generator after the mains power has been cut off then switch the power supply from mains to generator supply. The reverse will need to happen when a stable mains power supply has been returned.

How long will a generator run for on a tank of fuel?

This depends on several things - the engine size of the generating set plus what load the generating set is operating at to determine the engines fuel consumption. Then divide this into the fuel tank capacity to give you the anticipated run time between refueling.

What is the warranty cover on our generators?

All Powerlite Portable Generators come with a 24 month (from the date of original sale) warranty and the Alternator comes with a 12 month (from the date of original sale) warranty.

FG Wilson Generators come with a 24 month (from the date of original sale) standby application warranty.

These warranties are subject to inspection by Powerlite, authorised service agent or the manufacturer.

Where can I get warranty work done on my generator if needed?

We have a very comprehensive service department located at our store in Castle Hill or we can advise you of the closest service agent to where you are located.

What happens if I overload a generator?

Generating sets should never be overloaded, but are designed to take an overload condition of a very short time during start up of large element motors. If a set is running for long periods of time with an overload (that is a rating above the maximum rating of the set) there are various things that may occur:
• Overheating of the engine
• Overheating of the alternator windings & components
• Oil viscosity (thickness) breakdown, which results in low oil pressure and most probable costly engine failure
• A shortening of the working life of the generator

What happens if I underload a generator?

Engines are designed to operate under varying load, which ranges from maximum to minimum. In relation to diesel generators it is recommended they run at a minimum of 60% load, this insures the engine runs at maximum efficiency. A diesel engine that operates on a light load for long durations runs the risk of glazing the cylinder bore. Should this occur the engine will not hold high loads, it will use excess oil, and blue smoke will be visible from the exhaust. The engine then may require costly major repairs.

Petrol engines are normally not effected by light load running.

What type of oil does a generator use?

Oil is a major factor effecting the performance and service life of a generator.

Petrol Generators - use 4-stroke automotive detergent oil. Use 4-stroke motor oil that meets or exceeds the requirements for API service classification SJ or later. Always check the API service label on the oil container to be sure it includes the letters SJ or later. SAE 10W is recommended.

Diesel Generators - use API service classification CD or higher ... please refer to your engine operation manual for engine oil viscosity.

Running a generator with low oil level can cause engine damage and this damage is not covered by warranty.

Change the engine oil regularly - your generator oil should be changed after 20 hours of initial operation or at the end of the first month and every 3 months or 100 hours thereafter. When changing your oil, drain the oil while the engine is warm, as later it may be difficult to drain the oil completely.
Please Note:

Only use the engine oil specified. Other engine oils may affect warranty coverage, cause internal engine components to seize, or shorten engine life on the generator.
Prevent dirt and debris from contaminating the engine oil. Carefully clean the oil cap / dipstick and the surrounding area before you remove the cap.
Never mix different types of engine oil. This may adversely affect the lubricating properties of the engine oil.
Never overfill.
Always refer to the operation manual of the engine, supplied with the generator for the correct oil type required.

What type of petrol does a generator use?

Petrol generators use regular unleaded petrol containing no more than 10% ethanol (E10) or 5% methanol.

If you use fuels with content of ethanol or methanol greater than shown above this may cause starting and/or performance problems. It may also damage metal, rubber and plastic parts of the fuel system. Engine damage or performance problems that result from using a fuel with percentages of ethanol or methanol greater than shown above are not covered under warranty.

How much power do I need?

Home applications
To determine your basic home power needs, start with these three questions:

Do you use city or bore water?
Bore/Well pumps require a larger 240 volt generator (3800 watts or above).
Is your heating system electric, heat pump, or gas or oil forced air?
Gas or oil forced air systems can get by with a very small generator – as little as 2500 watts. The power needed is based on the size of the furnace fan motor. See below for details.
Electric furnaces and heat pumps typically need 15,000 watts or more to run and
Is your hot water heater electric, gas, or oil fired?
Gas or oil fired heaters use less power – as little as 2500 watts.
Electric heaters often require at least 4500 watts.

Homeowners can often power most household appliances using between 3000 and 6500 watts.

If your home has a smaller furnace and city water, you can generally expect that 3000-5000 watts will cover your needs. If you have a larger furnace and/or a well pump, you will likely need a 5000 to 6500 watt generator.

Recreational applications

Off Roaders:
The primary factor you need to consider is the size of your AC unit(s).

The AC’s needs may vary based on many factors, including the ambient temperature and the efficiency of your model. Our staff at Norwest Tool Centre can help you to select the best generator for your individual situation.

Campers, Tailgaters, and Boaters:

Usually 1000-2000 watts will handle most needs.
Check the power requirement of your blender, coffee pot or other appliances you want to use.

Industrial applications

Industrial power needs range widely, based on what kind of tools you are using. To determine your power needs, start with an estimate of the wattage you require. Simply choose the tools you will be using and add up the wattage.

Keep in mind that wattage required for starting a tool or appliance with a motor will be much higher than the watts required to run the device.

If you need the wattage on a specific tool, see our section on Determining the power needed by an appliance below.

Determining the power required by an appliance

Most appliances and electric motors list their power requirements in amps. Typical locations include:

A stamp on the bottom or side
The nameplate
A data tag is found on all electric motors.

Keep in mind:

Appliances with electric motors need additional power to start – up to 3 times the amount to run.
Older appliances may require more power than what is listed. This is because they become less efficient over time.

Use an appliance load tester to determine the exact power needed for a variety of tools and appliances.

How do I convert amps to watts?

Appliances frequently list their power requirements in amps. Most generators list their output in watts. Fortunately, it’s easy to convert from one to the other:

Watts = Volts x Amps
Amps = Watts/Volts

Most appliances use 240 volts.

If you have two of the numbers (e.g. volts, amps) then you can find out the other (e.g. watts). This can help you to determine the rated power that you’ll need from your generator.

Starting vs. Running Wattage

Some appliances require extra power to start up, while others maintain the same power requirements constantly.

To calculate your power needs correctly, you need to know which kind of load you are dealing with. (A load is defined as the device that you are powering.) There are two kinds of loads:

Resistive loads

Resistive loads are pretty simple: they require the same amount of power to both start and run the equipment. Many resistive loads are involved in heating or making heat of some kind. Examples of resistive loads include:

Light bulbs
Coffee maker
Toaster

Reactive Loads

Reactive loads contain an electric motor, which requires additional power to start, but significantly less power to run once it gets going. Typically starting power is 3 times the amount of power to run the application. Examples of reactive loads include:

Refrigerators / freezers
Furnace fans
Well pumps
Air conditioners
Bench grinders
Air compressors
Power tools

Some household appliances, like a heater or refrigerator, have internal fans that come on intermittently. Extra wattage/power is needed to start the fan each time. Refrigerators also have a defrost cycle that requires power in addition to the compressor and fans.

Reactive loads may also require additional power when the electric motor begins to work. For example, when a saw begins cutting wood, its power requirement will increase. This is not applicable for most household appliances.

My appliance is a 1000 watt model, but it takes 1600 watts to run it. Why?

Some devices are labelled or promoted with a power number. For example, a hair dryer might say "1000W." This means the hair dryer itself produces 1000 watts of heat energy. But the amount the hair dryer uses from a power outlet is always more than it produces in heat. This is because the device’s energy use is not 100% efficient.

Another example is a microwave oven. It may be marketed as "1100 watt oven" and indeed produce 1100 watts of cooking power, but it will require more than that from a generator.

Translating the data tag:

For some appliances, you can determine the power needed by looking at the data tag supplied by the electric motor manufacturer.

All electrical motors should have a data tag attached to their bodies that give volts, amps, phase, cycles, hp, and sometimes a code.

Volts (V) - The volts must be either 120 (110-120) or 120/240. 120/240 means that the motor can be wired to operate on 120V or 240V. Honda generators are either 120V or 120/240V.
Amps (A) - Indicates the amps required to RUN the electric motor but doesn't consider STARTING or LOADED power requirements.
Phase (PH) - Honda Generators can only power single phase motors.
Horsepower (HP) - Rating of how much work an electric motor can perform.
Code - This isn't always provided on the data tag. It represents the maximum STARTING power required of the electric motor. You can multiply the code (amps) times the Horsepower of motor to determine starting amps.
Cycles (Hz) - All Australian electrical appliances run at 50 cycles per second.

To determine the wattage needed, use
Amps x Volts = Watts

Maximum vs. Rated Power

Generators are often advertised at the maximum wattage they can produce. But you’ll also see the “rated power” listed.

Maximum power = the maximum output that a generator can produce. Maximum power is usually available for up to 30 minutes.
Rated power - the power that a generator can produce for long periods of time. Typically 90% of the maximum power.

In general, use rated power to determine if a generator will be able to adequately power your applications continuously.

For the full range of all of the Honda petrol powered electric generators we stock click here

Honda Electric Generators - Australia Wide Delivery