Fogo Generators

Fogo is one of the largest Polish manufacturers of power generators, active since the 1990s, with assembly and service in the country. The brand is valued for durable alternators and a wide output range — from about 2 kW in inverter models to several dozen kVA in three-phase and PTO-driven units. Fogo generators deliver stable 230 V (single-phase) and 400 V (three-phase) voltage, and R versions with AVR automatics hold their parameters under changing load.

Fogo generators are made by the Polish company FOGO from the Greater Poland region (a plant near Leszno), on the market since the 1990s. The brand assembles its units in Poland from components by established suppliers: Honda and Rato engines in petrol units, Baudouin engines in diesel sets and Linz alternators. Polish origin means parts availability, local-language manuals and domestic warranty service. The range covers the full spread — from inverters of about 2 kW to three-phase and PTO-driven sets up to around 27 kVA.

The engine depends on the model and generator type. In single-phase petrol units Fogo most often fits Rato or Honda engines, usually rated from about 5 to 13 HP, driving a 230 V alternator. Larger three-phase and diesel sets use Baudouin engines and Linz alternators built for continuous duty. PTO versions (Agrovolt) have no engine of their own — they take drive from the tractor power take-off at 540 rpm. The exact engine of a given model is stated on the product page.

A Fogo inverter generator (marked iS or iSE) processes the current electronically in an inverter, so the voltage forms a clean sine wave with low distortion (THD usually below 3–5%), safe for sensitive electronics: laptops, measuring gear and controllers. The iS/iSE models run quieter — about 58–68 dB(A) — and more economically, because engine speed adjusts to the load. A classic Fogo generator (e.g. F 3001, F 4001) produces current straight from the alternator at a constant 3000 rpm and copes better with power tools and inductive loads.

A single-phase Fogo generator (F series) delivers 230 V and powers household loads, power tools and lighting — outputs usually from about 2 to 6 kW. A three-phase generator (FH series) supplies 400 V for construction and industrial machines: concrete mixers, cut-off saws, compressors — outputs from about 6 kVA upward. Three-phase units usually also have 230 V sockets, but choose them only when you really need to power 3-phase equipment; for a home alone a single-phase set is enough.

The price of a Fogo generator depends on the type, output and equipment. The cheapest are compact inverter and single-phase models of about 2–4 kW, priced higher are three-phase FH generators from about 6 kVA and Agrovolt PTO sets up to around 27 kVA, while the most expensive are large diesel units for continuous duty. Price is also driven by automatics (R versions with AVR) and enclosure sound-proofing. Current prices are shown on the product pages at NORWIT.PL, because the offer and promotions change.

For a home, as backup power for a boiler, fridge and lighting, a single-phase Fogo generator of 230 V rated about 3–5 kW is enough (F 3001 or F 4001 series), while for sensitive electronics an iS/iSE inverter is better. For a building site with 230 V power tools choose a single-phase unit of about 4–6 kW, and for three-phase machines an FH 400 V generator from about 6 kVA. On a farm the Agrovolt PTO version works well. Always sum the load and add a reserve of about 20–30% for start-up.

In Fogo names the letter F marks a single-phase 230 V petrol generator, while FH marks a larger, usually three-phase 400 V unit. The number (e.g. 3001, 4001) corresponds roughly to the output: 3001 is about 3 kW and 4001 about 4 kW. The letter R indicates electric start and/or an automatic voltage regulator (AVR); iS and iSE are inverter generators (quiet, clean sine wave — iSE additionally with electric start), and the AV abbreviation (Agrovolt) means drive from the tractor PTO.

Honda mainly makes its own inverter and portable generators with reputable engines, but across a narrower output range — usually up to about 7 kVA. Fogo is a Polish manufacturer with a much wider line-up: from inverters of about 2 kW to PTO sets up to around 27 kVA and diesels. Importantly, some Fogo generators are powered by Honda engines, so this is not an either–or choice. Fogo wins on availability of 400 V output, domestic service and price, while Honda wins with compact, quiet portable units.

Fogo offers a full range of specialised generators. The Agrovolt line (marked AV, e.g. AV 18 R, AV 27 R AVR) are generators driven by the tractor power take-off at 540 rpm — with no engine of their own, for backup power on a farm up to about 27 kVA. The offer also includes welding generators that combine a power source and a welder, and durable diesel units for continuous duty covering home, building site and agriculture.