My Thermocool Smallie generator experience

Posted by Felix Okoli on Saturday October 5, 2019 at 22:59:50:

I've been using a big Thermocool generator in the past but recently, I decided to get a smaller generator for a number of reasons. One reason was to save money on fuel by powering only few of my electronics when there is no power from the power company and another reason was because I figured a smaller generator would make less noise.

I did a lot of research in finding something like a batter pass my neighbour since the government has banned import on such small generators and I didn't want to buy a used one. I wanted to go green by using less fuel and having an efficient power source. I already had an inverter battery system but that always needed to be charged before being used and at times, electricity supply can be disappointing. I finally decided to settle with a Thermocool generator since I had been using their brand for over 3 years without disappointment. I initially did not know that they had a small generator like this one and it really saves fuel.

The Thermocool Smallie generator is what I bought and it cost me less than N60,000 in 2019. It is a 1kVA/0.8kW manual start generator that can conveniently power a few basic things at your home or office. Don't try using it to power an electric iron, microwave, washing machine or your fridge. I use it only to power things like light bulbs, fans and my TV with cable tv. The total sum of things you should connect it to should not be up to 800 Watts as the specification states. You can actually save fuel and make it last loner by connecting less electronics to it like keeping it under 500 watts.

I enjoy using it especially on days like Saturdays and Sundays to chill at home such that it allows me to have electricity whenever I want it. For safety reasons, it's good to install the generator in a place not too close to your home or office so as to really enjoy it and avoid noise or air pollution which can be bad for your health. So, the farther the generator is away from you, the better for you.

When you've used the Smallie generator for a while, like say 1 or 2 months, It's recommended that you service it by changing the engine oil and cleaning the air filter and body. The old engine oil will be removed while a new one should be put in and this will help prolong the life of the generator. Servicing time will depend on how often it is used as you;d need to do it more often if it;s used regularly. You can do it yourself to get a technician to do it.

One thing that really amazes me about this generator is how long I can use it without it running out of fuel since I only connected it to a few devices. I've used it on several days and noticed that mine can run up to 9 hrs on a full tank without having to run out of fuel. It may not run for that long if you used up to 800 watts capacity as I normally use it mostly on half load or less.

Since the Smallie generator cannot power all the stuff in my home, I had to switch off major appliances lie the fridges, electric iron and boiler. However, if you are living with other people, they may mistakenly switch on some appliances mistaken the light for normal power and this would cause your generator to misbehave. To solve that problem, I've resolved to install a different socket and wire that would only power the basic things that are within it's recommended capacity of 800 watts and my TV plus fan would be included.

To start the generator, it doesn't come with a battery so it switching the power button to on, closing the choke and then pulling the pull cord attached to the generator such that it starts before putting back the choke to open. To switch it of, you just have to return back the power switch to off.

I know about different Generators being sold by Thermocool such as the Odogwu, Igwe max, Big boy and Hustler but the Smallie generator is the one I've seen that has the lowest power output, makes the least noise and uses the least amount fuel. With just 5 litres, you are good to go.

Some Thermocool Smallie Specs:
Tank Capacity : L 5.0