Diesel Generator Q&A

30, Jun. 2025

 

Diesel Generator Q&A

Welcome to our Generator FAQ section. Here, you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about generators. If you have a question that isn’t covered here, please leave a comment below, and we will do our best to address it. Alternatively, you can contact us directly for a private response.

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Diesel generators have undergone significant transformations. In the past, they were primarily used in farming, construction, and transportation industries, known for being loud and dirty. However, due to their superior fuel efficiency and longevity, often outlasting other types of generators by a ratio of 20:1, they were the preferred choice. Today, with the introduction of stringent emissions regulations, new “clean diesel” engine options are available, making them ideal for home power generation. These modern engines are smoke-free, odorless, and much quieter. They offer substantial fuel and cost savings and can run continuously for weeks. Additionally, they now come in compact designs, making them perfect for home use and various other applications.

The short answer? A diesel generator can run 24/7 for up to three weeks non-stop. This means you and your family can have reliable power when you need it most. Diesel-powered engines are designed to operate for extended periods, often up to 500 hours between oil and filter changes, and they outlast any other type of engine at a fraction of the operating cost.

A diesel generator provides peace of mind. Unlike natural gas, propane, and gasoline engines, which are not designed for long-term use, diesel engines are built for endurance. Like lawnmower or snow thrower engines, other engines consume a significant amount of fuel, are air-cooled, and run at high speeds, resulting in noise and reduced power output. Diesel generators, on the other hand, offer efficient and sustained performance.

Great question. If you adhere to a regular maintenance schedule, our warranty has no restrictions. You’re covered whether you’re using the generator for portable power, at the cottage, at a camp, or in an off-grid environment. Unlike many companies that limit their engine warranties to emergency standby use, which is common with natural gas, propane, and gasoline-powered generators, our warranty offers comprehensive coverage for all applications.

They say that many great products come into existence out of necessity. That’s what happened with us. During the Northeast Blackout of , our family bought a generator from a big box store, and it failed us – right when we needed it most. We wanted a product we could count on for safety, convenience and value. So, we started designing diesel generators for home, off-grid, and industrial use. Aurora Generators is privately owned and focused on customers – not shareholders.

A generator is a device for locally producing electrical energy on demand. This is mainly used as a backup to the main electrical supply. Some can automatically start and provide electricity for as long as the outage lasts. Other applications include commercial, construction, off-grid backup, and even prime. A generator consists of a mechanical engine and an electrical alternator.

Air-cooled systems work by forcing air to the engine’s metal fins around the engine cylinder only. Liquid-cooling systems, on the other hand, have a radiator and a water pump. The pump cycles the thermostatically controlled liquid coolant to the engine block through hoses, and the heat from the engine is transferred to the coolant. The heated liquid then goes to the radiator, where the air cools it. Diesel generator engines commonly use liquid-cooling, but you will find all portable and most liquid propane and natural gas generators are air-cooled engine models only.

In the event of a natural disaster, utility companies or the government usually shut down gas and propane lines to prevent further destruction, leaving customers who have a natural gas or propane generator with a useless unit. Diesel is readily available from your local gas station, and therefore, your diesel generator will operate without any restrictions. This scenario alone has influenced many customers to purchase a diesel generator.

A diesel generator will last approximately 22,000 – 25,000 hours compared to a natural gas or propane generator, which will last approximately 1,500 hours. The extra money you spend on a diesel generator is justified.

Thanks to Rudolf Diesel for his invention, the diesel engine has proved to be extremely efficient and cost effective. Diesel fuel is priced somewhat the same as gasoline but diesel has a higher energy density, i.e. more energy can be extracted from diesel as compared with the same volume of gasoline. Therefore, diesel engines provide better fuel economy, making it an obvious choice for heavy-duty transportation and equipment such as generators.

Diesel is heavier and oilier compared with gasoline and has a boiling point higher than that of water. Diesel engines are attracting greater attention due to higher efficiency.In today’s world, where fuel prices are increasing as a consequence of spiralling demand and diminishing supply, you need to choose a cost effective fuel to meet your needs.

You could perform the simpler site preparation steps and have a professional make the electrical panel and fuel connections, or you could complete the entire installation yourself. However, for safety reasons and to ensure adherence to all local, state and national electrical codes, particularly for non pre-wired or larger systems, we recommend you use a licensed contractor since this will ensure your warranty will be valid

The generator unit should be mounted on a flat, solid foundation, such as a cement slab. The minimum thickness should be 4”. If you have a 100-gallon sub-base fuel tank, the platform it sits on should be 5”-6” in thickness. Speak to an authorized Aurora Generator dealer, or call us directly for more detailed information regarding slab requirements.

7 Frequently Asked Questions about Diesel Generators

Have you considered purchasing or upgrading an industrial diesel generator? Whether to be used as a primary power source or a backup in case of emergency, diesel generators provide excellent off-grid, mobile, or dedicated power sources. However, finding information to help decide what generator is best suited for your business can be difficult and time-consuming. With 40 years of experience working with these products, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help make finding the information you need simple.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Diesel Generator Supplier.

Here are 7 Frequently Asked Questions about Industrial Diesel Generators.

How do industrial diesel generators work?

Within a typical diesel generator, you will find a diesel internal combustion engine that is used to drive an electric generator, commonly referred to as an alternator, to produce electrical energy. The alternator creates power by turning mechanical energy into electrical energy, by rotating magnets surrounding a coil. As these magnets spin, they create an alternating current around the coil which is then transformed into usable electrical power by an internal rectifier.

What types of Industrial Diesel Generators are there?

The most common models are either stationary or mobile. They can be further split into the following categories:

  • Open generators – Open-Set Generators are built without any form of canopy surrounding them. They do not incorporate any soundproofing elements at the time of purchase. These generators can typically be installed in pre-designated locations, such as a basement or maintenance building, which uses the building itself to help with noise reduction. Alternatively, the generators are designed to be lightweight, small, and portable, without a casing to cause extra weight.
  • Canopy generators – Canopy Generators are self-contained generators, commonly seen in construction, agriculture, and other industrial applications. Used to power construction equipment or as a backup generator, they incorporate more soundproofing elements which makes them often visible in public places. Their canopy can also help provide more weather and dust protection, although adhering to manufacturers’ guidelines about working capabilities should always be followed.
  • Container generators – These are generators housed within large containers which often supply primary power outputs and are fixed in position. Their size allows them to supply greater power outputs when compared to smaller Canopy-Set generators, although this comes at the cost of mobility.
  • Specialist rental range – Rental Generators are generators that have been designed with the Rental or Hire market in mind. They are often designed with the intent of being moved from one location to another, to supply a temporary power solution. They have several forks and lifting points and are often built with features to help with transporting.

What are industrial diesel generators used for?

Industrial diesel generators are versatile sources of power that can function as both primary and backup sources in industrial and commercial environments. They can also be crucial sources of power in off-grid and remote locations, or where a stable power connection is difficult to obtain. Generators can also be used as a fallback during emergencies, such as flooding, heavy snow, or other weather conditions which may disrupt the mains power supply.

What is important when choosing an industrial diesel generator?

Although there are many things which are important when choosing an industrial generator, there are some stand-out factors which will help inform your choice.

Understanding the power output required should be a top priority, as this will ensure the generator output meets the requirements of your equipment. Additionally, selecting a generator which has a record for reliability and ease of maintenance is also important. Some generators such as the JCB RS Rental Range are designed with large opening doors which make routine maintenance as straightforward as possible.

It is also crucial to consider where your generator will be placed, as this can create added requirements for soundproofing or weather resistance if the generator is planned to be placed outside. Of course, considering any safety features installed to improve operational safety, along with any regulations which need to be met is also important when selecting your generator.

How long do industrial generators last?

Diesel generators are renowned for their robustness and durability, and with proper maintenance by trained professionals using genuine parts, they can run for several years. The lifespan of a diesel generator can typically range from 10 to 30 years, depending on the model, how often the machine is used, and what preventative maintenance has been used during the machine’s lifetime.

Are diesel generators loud?

The average noise range for a diesel generator in operation can be around 70-85dB depending on the type of machine and where it is placed. Much of the noise created by diesel generators is caused by internal vibrations when the engine is in operation. In recent years, there has been a significant effort from manufacturers to reduce the levels by incorporating sound-dampening materials, especially within Canopy-Set and Container-Set generators.

Some generators such as the JCB RS Range can run with noise levels as low as 63dB, around as loud as a normal conversation from 1m. This makes these machines ideal for operation in areas where noise considerations or restrictions may exist.

Are diesel generators efficient?

One of the greatest advantages of diesel generators is their high efficiency when compared to other power sources. The high energy density of diesel is one of the key reasons for this when compared to gas and petrol power sources. It means in typical operational levels; Diesel generators can run for longer with less fuel needed. When combined with maintenance and part availability costs, this can make diesel generators more efficient to fit your requirements.

If you would like to find more information about the range of diesel generators available from SIA Compressors and Generators, visit our generators page here to view our full range, or contact one of our team today about stock and availability.

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