Connect a fixed or portable generator through a correctly rated changeover or interlocked inlet — never with double male leads into a wall socket. Earthing, neutral bonding and cable sizing must follow SANS 10142-1. Hire a registered person; a CoC protects your household and your insurer.
Why this decision matters
Connect a fixed or portable generator through a correctly rated changeover or interlocked inlet — never with double male leads into a wall socket. Earthing, neutral bonding and cable sizing must follow SANS 10142-1. Hire a registered person; a CoC protects your household and your insurer. Buyers who skip structured sizing or compliance checks pay twice: once for the wrong unit, and again for downtime, fuel waste or a failed insurance claim.
AGP Generators engineers treat every enquiry as a load and site problem first, a product second. The notes below are the same framework we use on commercial RFQs across South Africa and SADC.
Practical method
Step-by-step
Start with a written load list: running watts, starting watts, duty cycle and which loads are truly critical. Convert watts to kVA using power factor (0.8 is the commercial default unless you know otherwise).
Apply site factors next — altitude derate, ambient temperature, fuel quality and whether the set will see prime hours or true standby. Only then shortlist engine brands and canopy types.
Validate with our Sizing calculator and a specialist review before you issue a purchase order. Catalogue pages for the 10 kVA single-phase silent and 22 kVA single-phase silent show real price bands excl. VAT to sanity-check budgets.
- Record running and starting loads separately for motors and compressors.
- Separate essential vs shedable circuits so you do not oversize the set.
- Confirm phase (single vs three) against the DB and utility supply.
- Document who owns installation, CoC and first service.
Reference data
Use the table as an indicative planning aid, not a substitute for a site assessment. Prices and fuel figures move with diesel wholesale rates and exchange rates — we re-verify commercial quotes at order stage. Last updated 2026-06-01.
Common mistakes
Copying the kVA of a failed set without measuring today’s load. Ignoring motor starting. Buying open-frame units for estate boundaries. Skipping changeover and earthing design. Assuming “silent” means inaudible indoors.
How AGP helps
We size, supply, install and maintain diesel and petrol generators from 2.2 kVA to 1000+ kVA. Request a quote with your load list, or call +27 41 007 0618. For hybrid and long-hour sites, ask about diesel-solar controllers that keep engines in an efficient band.
Data table
Connection methods
| Method | Safe? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manual changeover switch | Yes if rated | Common for homes |
| AMF automatic panel | Yes | Commercial default |
| Interlocked inlet socket | Yes | Portable sets |
| Double-male wall feed | Never | Illegal / lethal risk |
Figures are indicative. Last updated 1 June 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is a changeover DIY-friendly?
No — use a registered installer for fixed wiring.
What cable size?
Depends on amps and run length; the installer calculates per SANS 10142-1.
Neutral bonding?
Follow the specified earthing arrangement for your changeover design — do not guess.
Can I power neighbours?
Not via informal taps; overload and legal risk are high.
Portable inlet kits?
Good when correctly interlocked and rated for the set.
Related tools: Sizing calculator · All insights
Related sizes, categories and services: 10 kVA generators, petrol generators and single phase generators.
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