How quiet is a 5 kw Northern Lights genset

[ARE]

Engine speed is NO direct indicator of wear out, concerns were also centered around the drive system as it was departure from direct drive, as in previous post and over ten years on as per previous post, concerns regarding reliability durability including mine I might add, have proved incorrect.

Onan did not get to become member of the top of the heap club by building 'soft' products.

ARE would I expect give you a view.

The simple answer is a 4/5kW 2800rpm Onan will do 9000hrs if serviced correctly, We use the same engine/alternator configuration in a vehicle mounted generator (radiator cooled) and we are seeing unit with 15,000 to 17,000hrs with no major issues.

The belt drive assembly between the engine and alternator has a 5000hrs serviceable life and then needs replacement, parts cost to replace the drive would be around £400. You would also need to replace the main rotor bearings at around 10,000hrs with a parts cost of £40, however there unless you DIY there would be labour costs on top.

A 1500/1800 rpm generator is always going to quieter than a 2400/2800 rpm unit, however its a balance between size and weight. with 1500/1800 rpm bigger and heavier. Also you should consider the exhaust system very carefully, a poor exhaust system will cause noise issues.

I can't find any NL sound levels, but I would guess they are similar to Onan & Kohler.

Ultimately if you are looking for minimum noise and maximum life expectancy then 1500/1800 rpm unit is the way to go.

Anthony

 

[MapisM]

Turns out the pricing I was looking at online wasn't accurate. The Onan is about the same cost as the Northern Lights, which makes sense.

Thanks for relieving the envy that your previous $3,300 number created among those of us this side of the Pond!

 

[Delfin]

Thanks for relieving the envy that your previous $3,300 number created among those of us this side of the Pond!

Could have set up an export business!