How does Northern Lights stack up against the competition?
Northern Lights Marine Generator Sets (5-20 kW @1800 RPM; 4.5 kW - 16 kW @1500 RPM)
| Northern Lights | Competitor |
|---|---|
| Common service points, including filters, fills and drains are on a single side. In addition to easy access, this permits the generator set to be installed near a wall or bulkhead, saving valuable space. | Service points are often difficult to access and dictate the genset's placement in the engine room. |
| Engine provides high torque at low RPM. | Typically based on higher RPM engines that have a shorter engine life. |
| Experienced engineering and high-quality components reduce belts and hoses to a minimum. | Low-cost, unreliable belts and hoses are used throughout, creating multiple failure points. |
| Single-piece cast iron heat exchanger, expansion tank and exhaust manifold. Resistant to corrosion and electrolysis. | Marinization components are often welded together, and can fail in a marine environment. Heat exchangers use aluminum or plastic intakes. |
| Copper-nickel heat exchangers and cast iron manifolds resist corrosion and electrolysis. They empty of seawater when not in use and don't require zincs. | Copper heat exchangers and aluminum exhaust manifolds are more prone to corrosion and need zinc replacement. |
| Seawater pump is gear driven (no belts) and use mechanical water seals. | Pumps are often difficult to access, belt driven and have rubber lip seals, which are prone to degradation through drying and expansion. |
| Simple DC logic design is reliable, inexpensive and simple to repair. Relays are easy to replace when required. | Electrical system uses printed circuit boards which are more expensive and less reliable. |
| Integrated base frame and enclosure design creates a quiet, clean, compact package. Allows for double isolation mounts. High-grade stainless steel latches. | Sound enclosure has less impressive vibration and sound attenuation. More latches; inferior quality. |
| Auxiliary winding, for 300% short circuit protection. This protects the overall generator, and is required by many classification societies. | Classification compliance through short circuit protection available as an option, not standard. |
| Equipped for the easy installation of shutdown and pre-alarm switches. | Shutdown and pre-alarm switches are not readily available, and are not easily installed. |