£6,551 Ex Works + VAT
£6,551 Ex Works + VAT
The Grupel PL16D5 is a compact 16 kVA silent diesel generator delivering dependable three-phase power for standby and prime applications. Built in Europe with a UK-built Perkins engine, Leroy Somer alternator and Deep Sea controller, it combines proven components, low-noise operation and straightforward automatic mains-failure capability.
The PL16D5 produces 16 kVA / 13 kW standby power for emergency use and 15 kVA / 12 kW prime power for applications requiring longer operating periods. Its 400V three-phase output supplies up to 23 amps per phase, making it suitable for smaller commercial, industrial, agricultural and property backup installations.
Standby power is intended for supplying variable electrical loads during a mains failure, while the prime rating supports variable-load operation for an unlimited number of hours within the manufacturer’s operating and maintenance conditions. This flexibility makes the PL16D5 equally useful as a dedicated standby generator or as a primary power source at sites without a reliable utility connection.
Key specifications include:
At the heart of the PL16D5 enclosed generator is the UK Perkins 403A-15G2, a naturally aspirated three-cylinder diesel engine with a 1.496-litre displacement. This established industrial engine uses a simple mechanical governing system and indirect fuel injection, helping to provide dependable performance without unnecessary electronic complexity.
The four-stroke engine operates at 1500rpm for stable 50Hz generation. Its closed-circuit water-cooling system uses coolant and antifreeze to manage engine temperature during extended operation, while a 12V electric starting system supports dependable automatic and manual starting.
The UK-built Perkins engine delivers 14 kWm gross mechanical power at the prime rating and 15.4 kWm at the standby rating. Its compact in-line cylinder arrangement also helps Grupel keep the complete generator set relatively small, making the PL16D5 easier to position where installation space is limited.
Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for any diesel generator, particularly where the set may operate for several hours during an outage. At full prime load, the PL16D5 consumes approximately 4.3 litres of diesel per hour. Its 45-litre daily fuel tank therefore provides around 10.5 hours of operation at 100% prime load before refuelling is required.
Consumption decreases as the electrical load falls:
Actual runtime will vary with loading, ambient conditions, fuel quality and the condition of the generator. In practice, sites operating below maximum output may achieve longer periods between refuelling than the full-load figure suggests.
The PL16D5 silent generator is supplied in a sound-attenuated canopy designed to reduce operating noise and protect the internal components. Acoustic pressure is rated at approximately 79 dB(A) at 1m and 71 dB(A) at 7m.
This makes the generator better suited than an open set to locations where noise must be managed, including commercial premises, workshops, farms, hospitality sites and properties close to neighbouring buildings. Correct positioning remains important, as perceived noise can be influenced by nearby walls, enclosed spaces and reflective surfaces.
The robust canopy also shields the engine, alternator and control equipment from routine external contact. Suitable foundations, ventilation clearances and exhaust arrangements should always be considered when planning a permanent installation.
Measuring 1620mm long, 725mm wide and 1120mm high, the PL16D5 canopied generator delivers useful three-phase output from a compact footprint. Its dry weight of 570kg makes it manageable for transport and placement using correctly rated lifting and handling equipment.
The compact dimensions are particularly valuable in plant rooms, service yards and restricted compounds where a larger generator could be difficult to accommodate. Despite its size, the unit contains an integrated fuel tank, cooling system, acoustic enclosure and automatic generator controller within a complete packaged set.
For indoor installation, the room must provide sufficient combustion and cooling airflow. The generator requires approximately 41.4m³/min of cooling airflow at 50Hz, in addition to appropriate provisions for hot-air discharge and exhaust-gas removal.
Electrical output is produced by a Leroy Somer TAL040D three-phase alternator. Leroy Somer alternators are widely used across professional power-generation equipment and are designed to provide stable performance in demanding standby and prime-power installations.
The alternator features Class H insulation, IP23 protection and a single-bearing construction coupled to the engine using flexible discs. Standard SHUNT excitation works with an R120 automatic voltage regulator to maintain voltage regulation within approximately ±1%.
Low waveform distortion helps the PL16D5 provide consistent electricity for a broad range of conventional electrical loads. Waveform distortion is specified at less than 3.5% with no load and below 5% with a balanced linear load.
Optional AREP+ excitation and an R180 AVR may be available where the application requires enhanced voltage regulation or stronger short-circuit performance.
The PL16D5 uses a Deep Sea 4520 control panel for generator monitoring, protection and automatic operation. The controller can operate the set manually, respond to a remote-start signal or start automatically when it detects a mains electricity failure.
When connected to a suitable automatic transfer switch, the generator can form part of an automatic backup power system. During a power cut, the controller initiates the generator start sequence so that the transfer equipment can move the electrical load from the failed mains supply to the generator. Once mains power returns and stabilises, the system can transfer the load back and stop the engine after its programmed cooling period.
The controller displays key operating information, including:
PIN protection, a real-time clock and storage for up to 15 registered events assist with secure operation and fault diagnosis.
The Deep Sea control system continuously supervises the PL16D5 and can issue warnings or shut the generator down when potentially damaging conditions are detected. Standard protection functions include low oil pressure, high engine temperature, overspeed, underspeed, overload and abnormal generator voltage or frequency.
The panel also monitors starting and stopping failures, battery voltage, charging-system faults, low fuel level and scheduled maintenance intervals. These protections help prevent a developing issue from causing avoidable engine or alternator damage.
Optional communication modules can provide Ethernet, 4G LTE, GPS or SNMP connectivity for installations requiring enhanced remote monitoring. Available functionality depends on the selected controller accessories and communications hardware.
The PL16D5 is well suited to smaller three-phase installations where reliability, manageable noise levels and compact dimensions are priorities. Typical uses include:
Before selecting a 15 kVA prime generator or 16 kVA standby generator, the expected running load and the starting current of motors, pumps, compressors and other inductive equipment should be assessed. Equipment with a high starting demand may require additional generator capacity even when its normal running consumption appears to fall within the PL16D5’s rating.
The Grupel PL16D5 brings together a European-built soundproof enclosure and generator package with recognised components from UK Perkins, Leroy Somer and Deep Sea Electronics. Its practical combination of 16 kVA standby output, economical diesel operation, automatic mains-failure capability and compact construction makes it a strong choice for dependable small-scale three-phase power.
For buyers requiring a silent UK-built Perkins generator that is suitable for UK delivery or worldwide export, the PL16D5 offers a well-balanced solution for both emergency backup and variable-load prime applications.
* at 100% prime rated load
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