Small silent diesel generators from 5 to 15 kVA: comparing Bison and Brux models

Our air-cooled silent diesel generators cover 5 to 15 kVA across 9 models. Bison offers three single-phase models of 5, 6.5 and 8 kVA. Brux offers one single-phase model of 5.75 kVA and five three-phase models from 5.75 to 15 kVA, all with remote start and an ATS socket. Choose the number of phases first, then the power, with a margin.

Single-phase or three-phase: where do you start?

The number of phases narrows the choice straight away. For a single-phase 220 V installation, four models fit: the three Bison sets and the Brux BX6500DSE. For a three-phase 220/380 V installation, or to run a three-phase motor, five models fit: the Brux DSE3-3D sets.

To find out which system you have and what difference it makes, read our guide to choosing a single-phase or three-phase generator.

What do the 9 air-cooled models offer?

The values come from each model's datasheet. "Not stated" means the datasheet does not give the value.

All run at 50 Hz. The Bison datasheets describe a single-cylinder, 4-stroke engine and give the dimensions: 95 × 57 × 85 cm for the BS7500DSE, 95 × 57 × 105 cm for the BS9500DSE and 114 × 71 × 95 cm for the BS11000DSE. The Brux datasheets also give the power in kW: from 4.6 kW for the BX6500 models to 12 kW for the BX16000DSE3-3D.

Size the generator on its rated power. Maximum power can only be sustained briefly, for example while a motor starts. See all 9 models on the silent diesel generators page, and each range on the Bison and Brux brand pages.

Which model for which need?

The method takes three steps:

1. Check whether your installation is single-phase or three-phase.
2. Work out your need in kVA, including a reserve and motor start-up. Our finder does this calculation: it adds a 25% reserve and checks that the largest motor can start.
3. Pick a model for that system whose rated power covers your need.

A few worked examples:

• 6 kVA need on single-phase. The BS9500DSE (6.5 kVA) and the BS11000DSE (8 kVA) cover it. The BS7500DSE (5 kVA) and the BX6500DSE (5.75 kVA) fall short.
• 9 kVA need on three-phase. The BX11000DSE3-3D (9.4 kVA) covers it, provided the single-phase loads are spread well (see the next section).
• 12 kVA need on three-phase. The BX15000DSE3-3D (11.9 kVA) falls just below. The BX16000DSE3-3D (15 kVA) covers it. Water-cooled, our soundproof 13 kVA generator with a Perkins 403A-15G1 engine also covers it.
• Single-phase need above 8 kVA. Our silent single-phase range stops at 8 kVA. On single-phase, the Brux BX11000DE gives 9.4 kVA rated, but it is an open-frame model that must stand in a sheltered, ventilated room. A three-phase set only works if an electrician spreads the circuits across the three phases: each phase gives only about one third of the power, at most 5 kVA on the BX16000DSE3-3D.

What does "balanced power" mean?

The three-phase Brux datasheets state "three-phase (balanced power)". The set splits its power equally across its three phases. Each phase therefore carries about one third of the rated power.

A 220 V appliance, connected between one phase and neutral, can only use the power of its own phase. This matters for a large single-phase appliance. The direct start of a 1.5 kW air conditioner needs about 5.6 kVA, according to the calculation in our guide on generator size for a house. On the BX11000DSE3-3D, that exceeds the 3.1 kVA of one phase. Even the BX16000DSE3-3D, at about 5.0 kVA per phase, falls short. The single-phase BS11000DSE, by contrast, delivers its full 8 kVA on a single circuit.

Single-phase loads must therefore be spread across the three phases. Leave this work to a qualified electrician; our installation and commissioning service can handle it.

Remote start and ATS socket: what are they for?

The six Brux sets have push-button and remote electric start. The remote lets you start the set without walking up to it, for example when it stands outdoors, away from living areas. The three Bison sets have electric start; their datasheets mention neither a remote control nor an ATS socket.

The ATS socket is for connecting an automatic transfer switch, a device separate from the generator. Typically, the switch monitors the grid, moves the supply to the generator during a power cut, then switches back when grid power returns.

Before you buy a transfer switch, check that it is compatible with the chosen model. Have a qualified electrician make the connection. Mention it to our team when you ask for a quote.

What should you choose above 15 kVA?

The BX16000DSE3-3D (15 kVA) is the most powerful of our air-cooled generators. Above that, our generators are water-cooled, with Perkins engines, and all three-phase.

The first step up is our 20 kVA generator with a Perkins 404A-22G1 engine: 20 kVA (16 kW) prime power and 22.3 kVA standby power. In its soundproof version it measures 198 × 95 × 132 cm, weighs 950 kg and has a 55 L tank.

A water-cooled generator is built for long running hours. Between 13 and 15 kVA, our range offers both technologies: our guide air-cooled or water-cooled generator compares them.

Frequently asked questions

Which silent diesel generator should I choose for 10 kVA?

For a 10 kVA three-phase need, choose the BX15000DSE3-3D (11.9 kVA rated). Water-cooled, the soundproof 13 kVA set with a Perkins 403A-15G1 engine also covers it. The BX11000DSE3-3D reaches 10 kVA only at maximum power; its rated power is 9.4 kVA. On single-phase, none of our diesel sets reaches 10 kVA rated: the silent range stops at 8 kVA and the open-frame BX11000DE gives 9.4 kVA.

Is there an air-cooled, silent 15 kVA three-phase diesel generator?

Yes: the Brux BX16000DSE3-3D, 15 kVA rated and 16 kVA maximum, at 220/380 V. It has a 2V98FD engine, a 45 Ah battery, a 5-in-1 display and an ATS socket. For long running hours, see also our 15 kVA generator with a Perkins 403A-15G2 engine, which is water-cooled.

Is the ATS socket enough for automatic switchover?

No. The socket lets you connect an automatic transfer switch, which is a separate device. You need a compatible switch, connected by a qualified electrician.

How do I work out the power I need?

List your appliances and their power, then use our finder to work out your generator size. It allows for simultaneous use, the reserve and the start-up of the largest motor.

You can visit our showroom at No. 26, Av. des Huileries, Gombe, Kinshasa; we also deliver to other DRC provinces.

Price on request. For a quote, message us on WhatsApp at +243 903 005 060 with the model you are interested in, or your need: single-phase or three-phase system, appliances to run and delivery location.

Sources: Bison and Brux generator datasheets, datasheets of our Perkins-engine generators, MK Energies & Services finder calculation method.