Power generator accessories

Power generator accessories — what to buy for safe and long-lasting operation

The generator alone is not enough to safely power your home or construction site. Proper installation, operation and extended lifespan require accessories: ATS/SZR automation for automatic start during power outage, service kits with filters and oil for replacement every 100-200 engine hours, exhaust hoses with adapters to vent fumes outside the building, welding cables 35-50 mm² for generators with welding module, plus residual current protection (RCD), earthing kits and transport sets.

Types of accessories for power generators

1. ATS/SZR Automation — automatic generator start

ATS automation (Automatic Transfer Switch, Polish abbreviation SZR — Samoczynny Załącznik Rezerwy) detects mains voltage loss and within 5-15 seconds starts the generator and switches the load from mains to generator. When mains returns, automation switches back and stops the generator. Essential equipment for generators used as backup power for homes, server rooms, medical practices, farms or small businesses.

FOGO automations are dedicated to specific generator models — they differ by voltage type (230V 1-phase / 400V 3-phase), nominal current (16A / 32A / 63A) and control plug matched to the engine (Honda GX, Rato, Vanguard, inverter). All FOGO models compatible with automation have letter A in the designation (e.g. F7001TRA, FH9000TRA, FV20000TRA).

2. Service kits — filter and oil replacement

Every internal combustion engine requires air filter, oil filter (if present), spark plug and engine oil replacement every 100 engine hours (carburetor engines Honda GX, Rato) or 200 engine hours (Vanguard engines with electronic fuel injection). FOGO service kits contain all wearing parts matched to a specific engine — buying individual parts separately is 30-50% more expensive and risks ordering the wrong filter.

3. Exhaust hoses and adapters

Exhaust hoses route generator fumes from generators operating in halls, garages or enclosed spaces to outside the building. Standard hose has diameter 50 mm and length 2.5 m, ending with a connector matched to a specific engine muffler — Honda GX200/GX270/GX390 has different adapter than Rato R210 or Vanguard engines. Without the proper adapter, the hose detaches under exhaust pressure. Hose withstands temperature up to 600°C.

4. Welding cables (for W-series generators)

FOGO welding generators (designation W in model name — F8220W, FH9220TW, FV11300TWE) require welding cables with electrode holder and earth clamp. Available in cross-sections 35 mm² (up to 220 A) and 50 mm² (up to 300 A), lengths 3 m, 6.8 m and 10 m. Cross-section choice depends on welding current — for long electrodes (4 mm and larger) and currents above 200 A always use 50 mm².

5. Protection, earthing and transport accessories

Residual current device (RCD) protects user from electric shock when insulation damage causes current leakage to earth — legally required when powering domestic circuits. Earthing kit (5 m cable / 16 mm² + earthing pylon 0.5 m) is essential when operating the generator off-grid — without earthing, RCD protection will not function correctly. Transport sets (wheels + handle) enable single-person transport of generators weighing 60-130 kg.

Which automation for which FOGO model — selection table

Note: if the distance between generator and automation exceeds 20 m, add the signal amplifier module (part no. 37339) — without it, control operates unstably.

Service kits by engine — what to buy for your generator

Frequently asked questions — power generator accessories

What is ATS/SZR automation for a generator and when do I need it?

ATS automation (Automatic Transfer Switch) is a device that detects mains voltage loss and within 5-15 seconds starts the generator and switches the load from mains to generator. You need it when the generator serves as backup power for a home, server room, medical practice, farm or business — anywhere a power outage is unacceptable and you don't want to run to the generator manually during every storm. The generator must have letter A in its designation (e.g. F7001TRA), and the automation must be matched to the model — see table above.

How long does a service kit last in a Honda GX390 engine?

The service kit for Honda GX390 (air filter, oil filter, spark plug) lasts 100 engine hours of generator operation, which under intensive use (8 h/day, 5 days/week) means about 2.5-3 months. Engine oil 10W-30 is changed every 100 engine hours, spark plug every 200-300 engine hours. First service is performed after 20 engine hours of new engine break-in (oil change only, no filters). Honda specifies GX390 lifespan at 3,000-5,000 engine hours with regular kit replacement.

Can I vent generator exhaust outside the hall with an exhaust hose?

Yes, an exhaust hose 2.5 m / 50 mm lets you route exhaust fumes from a generator operating in a hall, garage or container outside the building. The hose withstands temperature up to 600°C and ends with a connector matched to a specific engine muffler — Honda GX200, GX270, GX390, GX390 VKER, Rato R210 and inverter engines have different connector diameters. You must purchase the correct adapter (175 PLN net per piece) — without it the hose won't stay on the muffler under exhaust pressure. Installation takes 30-60 minutes, can be done by yourself or by service (100 PLN net).

Which welding cables for FOGO welding generators?

For FOGO welding generators (W-letter models: F8220W, FH8220TW, FV11300TWE) use welding cables with cross-section 35 mm² (up to 220 A current) or 50 mm² (up to 300 A). Choice depends on welding current — F/FH series 8220W/9220W generators have 40-220 A range, so 35 mm² is enough. Model FV11300TWE with 35-300 A range requires 50 mm². Length: 3 m close to generator, 6.8 m and 10 m standard for workshops and construction sites. A complete set is electrode holder + earth clamp — sold in pairs.

Do I need a residual current device (RCD) for a generator?

Yes — residual current device RCD is required by law (PN-IEC 60364 standard) when powering electrical circuits in homes and public buildings. Protects the user from electric shock when load insulation damage causes current leakage to earth. Standard RCD has sensitivity 30 mA and response time below 30 ms. Device with installation costs 500 PLN net. When operating a generator on a construction site, an earthing kit (300 PLN net) is also essential — without earthing the RCD won't function properly.

Which earthing kit for a power generator?

Standard generator earthing kit contains a copper conductor 5 m / 16 mm² and earthing pylon (galvanized steel rod) 0.5 m long. Drive the pylon into the ground at the generator location, connect cable one end to generator PE terminal, other to the pylon. Without earthing the generator has no reference to ground and RCD won't trip on fault — risk of electric shock when touching a load with damaged insulation. Kit price: 300 PLN net.

What is an engine hour meter and why install one?

Engine hour meter mounted on the generator's ignition coil counts actual engine running hours. Without it you must remember when you last changed oil and filters, which is practically impossible with irregular generator use. The meter costs 64-99 PLN net and lets you accurately plan service intervals (every 100 mh for Honda/Rato, every 200 mh for Vanguard) and document operation history for generator resale. The investment pays back with first avoided unnecessary filter change or with avoided failure from delayed oil change.

Does ATS/SZR automation require a signal amplifier module?

Signal amplifier module (part 37339, 745 PLN net) is required when the cable distance between generator and automation exceeds 20 meters. Standard control cables 11×1.5 mm² (7.5 m included with automation) at greater distances have excessive voltage drop on control signal — automation doesn't correctly detect generator operating states, leading to false starts or no start. When installing generator outside the house and automation in the basement, distance typically exceeds 20 m — amplifier module is then mandatory. For distances up to 20 m the module is not needed.

Can I buy just the exhaust hose adapter without the hose?

Yes — exhaust hose adapters are available separately (175 PLN net per piece) and are matched to specific engine model: Honda GX200, GX270, GX390, GX390 VKER, Rato R210, and inverter generator engines F3001iS/F4001iS/F4001iSE/F5001iSG, F6001iSG/F8001iSG, F12000iSG. The adapter itself doesn't vent exhaust — it mounts on the engine muffler, and only then you connect the exhaust hose 2.5 m / 50 mm (507 PLN net) to the adapter. Complete hose + adapter is ~680 PLN net, plus optional service installation (100 PLN net).

Which engine does my FOGO generator have and which service kit fits it?

Check the first letter of the FOGO model: F = Rato engine (Chinese equivalent of Honda, 20-30% cheaper), FH = Honda engine (premium, Japanese), FV = Vanguard engine (Briggs & Stratton, American, top shelf — used in 12-20 kVA and larger generators). Then check the number — FH7001 has Honda GX390 with upper filter and small 6.1 l tank, while FH7001T has Honda GX390 VKER with lower filter and large 45 l tank — different service kits! Full selection table above. Most sold: GX390 VKER (large Honda) and R420 (large Rato). Browse the full FOGO generator range.

Why NORWIT.PL — accessories and spare parts for generators

• 25 years on the market as an authorized distributor of construction machinery — we know which service kits fit which engines
• Own 1200 m² warehouse in Chorzów with spare parts warehouse — immediately available, no waiting for factory delivery
• Same-day shipping for orders before 12:00 — service kit, adapter or automation shipped same day
• 24/7 support — help selecting the right service kit, automation or earthing set for your generator model
• 14-day returns, leasing available for ATS automation