S&A Generators Blog
Interesting Generator News & Information
If you’re reading this, you’re at least a little interested in generators. Welcome to the club! To share our passion for generators and electricity conservation, we’ve established this blog page. We’re discussing all things electricity, standby power, generators, and more. Keep checking in to browse and enjoy our latest articles!
The Role of Diesel Generators in Hybrid Energy Systems
If you've followed energy news in South Africa over the past decade, you'll know that loadshedding isn't going away soon. This reality has highlighted the urgent need for reliable and sustainable energy solutions. Enter hybrid energy systems! These innovative setups...
First-Time Buyers’ Guide For Generators
With the ongoing challenges of load shedding in South Africa, many business owners are considering purchasing a backup generator to keep operations running during power outages. If you're a first-time buyer, the process can seem...
A Break in Load Shedding Is The Perfect Time To Service Your Generator
South Africans are a resilient bunch, but we're also realistic. Load shedding might have been suspended for now, but the numbers forecast that we should brace for roll-outs until 2027. If you're one of the savvy businesses with a backup generator to help you power...
Can You Convert Your Generator to Run on Natural Gas?
If you own a diesel or petrol generator, you may wonder if it's possible to convert it to run on natural gas instead. The short answer is yes; switching a generator's fuel source from diesel or petrol to natural gas is possible. This fuel conversion process can...
Why Are SA Small Businesses Especially Vulnerable to Load Shedding?
“We’re losing big time.” - Nazeema Bieding, small business owner in Observatory Load shedding is causing immense disruption to businesses in South Africa, and it’s costing them a lot of money. No industry or company is off the hook. For instance, the latest South...
Understanding and Troubleshooting the “Failed to Stop” Alarm on Your Generator
The "Failed to Stop" alarm on your generator is a critical indicator that your generator did not shut down properly after receiving the stop command. This alarm, often accompanied by flashing lights or audible alerts, demands immediate attention to prevent potential...
How To Soundproof A Diesel Generator
Are you looking to make your generator less noisy, or soundproof it completely? Where would your diesel generator score in the “Noisy Generator Olympics?” We’re guessing it would take a podium spot, and the reality is that generators are by no means quiet things when...
Empowering Your Home: The Synergy of Solar Panels and Generators
Eskom has unfortunately proven its unreliability over the past twenty-plus years. Their current situation holds a heap of challenges. With backlogged maintenance system failures and power stations that are years behind schedule, Eskom simply cannot produce the load of...
Top 10 Generator Maintenance Tips for 2024
As 2024 draws closer, you're probably working on plans to ensure the new year is successful. One item that should be at the top of your list is your generator's health! Eskom recently announced that loadshedding is projected to be worse than it has ever been in the...
Can a diesel generator run on biodiesel?
Here’s a crazy fact: the first diesel engine was designed to run on peanut oil. Nuts, right? Since then, it has become more economical to fuel diesel engines with fossil-fuel diesel, available at your nearest petrol station for a cost just under that of petroleum...
5 Crucial Safety Tips for Generator Use Over The Holiday Season
The festive season is a time of joy, laughter, and togetherness. Some would say it's the most crucial time of the year to keep the lights shining! If you haven't invested in a generator, now is a great time to purchase one – especially if you expect people over. If...
The Grim Prognosis of Load Shedding in South Africa
In a disheartening update from South Africa's electricity minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, delivered a sobering message to the nation: there will be no quick fix to the ongoing issue of load shedding. As the country grapples with Stage 6 power cuts, a prognosis for...
Which Generator Brand Should I Choose?
Choosing the right generator brand can be a daunting task, especially with the multitude of options available in the market. Whether you're preparing for power outages, looking to support your business operations, or planning for outdoor adventures, selecting a...
Decoding the Signs: Is It Time to Replace Your Generator?
In a country where loadshedding is often topped with more unpredictable power outages having a reliable generator is a must for homeowners and property owners. Generators can be your saving grace, ensuring the lights stay on and essential appliances keep running. But...
How Important Are Generators For The Industrial Sector?
South Africa's industrial sector is the backbone of the nation's economy, driving growth and providing employment opportunities. However, it faces numerous challenges, including frequent power outages due to load shedding, unpredictable weather conditions, as well as...
Can Generators Cause Damage to Electronics?
Living in South Africa comes with its own set of challenges, but we're a resilient bunch. As the country battles with frequent load shedding, South Africans have grown accustomed to using alternative power sources like generators to get on with life. But because we...
Can You Run A Generator Continuously?
Loadshedding has become a frustrating reality that's here to stay for the foreseeable future. But it's not just a matter of being without power - it can also be incredibly disruptive and pose risks to our electronic devices and appliances. Without a backup power...
Is It Safe To Run A Generator In The Rain?
Can I run a generator in the rain? It's a question that many South Africans have asked themselves during power outages caused by inclement weather or load shedding. While the answer is not a straightforward "yes" or "no," there are important safety precautions to...
GENERATOR PLACEMENT GUIDELINES FOR DIESEL AND PETROL UNITS
In South Africa, resilience is key, especially with Eskom's unpredictable load shedding. Finding the right generator placement for backup electricity, including diesel or petrol generators, becomes crucial. These generators, affectionately known as 'gennies,' are...
Can You Fill A Generator While It’s Running?
Backup diesel or petrol generators come in many shapes and sizes, but one common thread that runs through all of them is that, from time to time, they will need their fuel tanks to be refilled. Yes, you can fill a generator while it’s running, but the real question is...