By RR
Given the current situation in the island with over 7 hours’ worth of power cuts per day, it’s been a frustrating couple of weeks, to say the least. While ranting about the government is our coping mechanism of choice, investing in a generator might definitely be the smarter decision.
To speed things up, we went ahead and compiled a quick guide to getting your own generator along with a list of 5 spots to buy one from.
There is a wide range of generators available with regards to multiple aspects like its model, maximum output, fuel type and so on. In this article, we focus only on the key aspects in choosing the right generator for your requirements, followed by a list of ideal stores to make your purchase.
Factors to be considered before you buy a generator
1.The amount of power required (The Capacity)
This would be listed on the specification in Watts or kVA. The required power output varies depending on your household or workplace and the appliances available. For example, a house with A/Cs would require a generator with a higher power output than if otherwise. A typical diesel generator for residential uses in homes would normally be under 6kVA.
2. Type of fuel used (Petrol vs Diesel)
Petrol generators are smaller and cheaper in comparison to their diesel counterparts. For low power requirements,petrol generators are ideal while diesel generators satisfy larger power requirements. Also, for temporary or occasional use, petrol generators are a better option. However, not only do diesel generators have a greater power output, they are also considered to be more fuel efficient.
3. Silent-Type vs Open-Type
A silent-type generator is present within a metallic enclosure which minimises the sound produced to a certain degree compared to open-type generators. In addition, the enclosure in a silent-type generator protects it from environmental factors.
4. Electric Start vs Coil Start
A coil start has to be operated manually and might be difficult for some whereas a battery start just requires the turn of a key to power it up. However, generators with a battery-operated-start need to be maintained by running it at least once a month to ensure the battery is charged. While it’s possible to automate the starting-up process in case of a power-cut, it’s significantly expensive and you are considerably better off starting the generator yourself.
5. Portability
Look out for models that have wheels. These are portable, in case that’s a requirement for you.
Now that we have covered the basic features to be considered when making your purchase, here’s a list of 5 places to buy a generator from and product information for a few typical generators for residential use.
1. Hayleys Aventura
Type: Petrol Generator (Silent type)
Capacity: 3kVA
Price: LKR 180, 000
Warranty: 1 year
Type: Diesel Generator (Silent type)
Capacity: 7.5kVA
Price: LKR 1,200,000
Warranty: 1 year
Contact Details
Contact No: 011 799 9777
Address: No 25, Foster Lane, Colombo 10
Website: www.hayleysaventura.com
You could also visit them on Facebook and Instagram
2. Brown & Company PLC
Type: Petrol Generator (Open type)
Capacity: 2.4kVA
Price: LKR 140, 000
Warranty: 6 months
Type: Diesel Generator (Silent type)
Capacity: 5kVA
Price: LKR 290,000
Warranty: 6 months
Contact Details
Contact No: 077 267 4195
Address: No 34, Sir Mohomed Macan Markar Mawatha, Colombo 03.
Website: www.brownsgroup.com
You could also visit them on Facebook and Instagram.
3. Takas.lk
Type: Diesel Generator
Capacity: 5kVA
Price: LKR 620, 000
Warranty: 2 years
Contact Details
Contact No: 011 778 2527
Website: takas.lk
You could also visit them on Facebook and Instagram.
4. DBL
Type: Petrol Generator (Open type)
Capacity: 2kVA
Price: LKR 87,500
Warranty: 6 months
Type: Petrol Generator (Open type)
Capacity: 3kVA
Price: LKR 100,000
Warranty: 6 months
Contact Details
Contact No: 077 375 7575
Address:
- 219, New Tangalle Road, Kotuwegoda, Matara (Head Office)
- 551, Sri Sangaraja Mawatha, Colombo-10 (Showroom)
- 48, Nandana Gardens, Facing Duplication Road, Colombo 04 (Showroom)
Website: dbl.lk
You could also visit them on Facebook and Instagram.
5.Green Power Technology
Type: Diesel Generator (Silent type)
Capacity: 6kVA
Price: Within the range of LKR 300,000 to LKR 325,000
Warranty: 1 year
Contact Details
Contact No: 011 263 2234/011 480 8855
Address: No.27, Kaldemulla Road,Kaldemulla,Moratuwa.
Website: greenpowertechnology.lk
You could also visit them on Facebook and Instagram.
Conclusion
Apart from the 5 mentioned above, you can also check Abans, Dinapala Group and Stafford Motor Company. If you are interested in renting generators, check out www.generators.lk
There’s an expensive alternative to generators that you might have heard of before: Inverters. Instead of fuel, they are powered by batteries. They produce absolutely no noise and start automatically in case of a power cut.
So, there you have it: The highlights on generators and where to buy them. Regardless of how long the next power cut lasts, you are good to go!
*Disclaimer: These prices are as at 1 March 2022
