What is the heating element power rating I need for my generator set?

It depends on the engine displacement and the minimum ambient temperature. As a reference: engines up to 4 liters, between 500 and 1,000 W; from 4 to 8 liters, between 1,000 and 2,000 W; over 8 liters, from 2,000 to 4,000 W.

What is the difference between an immersion heater and a forced-circulation heater?

The immersion heater is screwed into the engine block and heats the coolant by thermosiphon, without a pump. It is the most common and economical type. The forced-circulation type incorporates a pump that distributes the hot coolant more quickly and evenly, making it more suitable for large-displacement engines.

Heating resistors

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Heating Elements for Generator Sets

The heating resistors They maintain the generator set’s engine at operating temperature when the unit is idle, so it can start immediately at any time. They are essential for emergency generator sets, units installed outdoors or in cold environments, and any equipment where startup time is critical. Without a preheating resistor, a cold engine takes longer to reach operating temperature and may experience premature wear during the first few starts.

At Sorilux, we carry more than 30 models of heating elements from the industry's leading brands, with power ratings ranging from 350 W to 4,000 W and for voltages of 120 V and 240 V. Express shipping (24–48 hours).

Types of heating elements

Immersion in a cooling circuit: The heating element is screwed directly into the engine block or the cooling system. Heat is transferred to the coolant, which distributes it throughout the engine block. This is the most common type. Product references: Hotstart TPS series, Zerostart, and ELCOS RA series.
Forced circulation (built-in pump): Higher-capacity units with a built-in circulation pump to heat the coolant more quickly and evenly. Recommended for high-displacement engines. Models include the Hotstart CB, CL, and CTM series, as well as the Carlor Topstart and Flowstart.
Carter type: The heating element is installed in the engine crankcase and heats the oil directly. This is useful when access to the cooling system is difficult or when you want to preheat the oil further. See ELCOS RO series and HCM crankcase heating elements.

Available brands

Hotstart: A U.S. brand that is a global leader in heating elements for generator sets. Complete range from 500 W to 4,000 W in compact format (TPS series) and forced-circulation units (CB, CL, CTM, and PF series). 240 V and 120 V for the U.S. market.
Phillips & Temro: An American group that manufactures the Zerostart, Topstart, and Flowstart brands. Zerostart: compact immersion heaters ranging from 750 to 2,250 W. Topstart: forced-circulation units rated at 2,000 and 3,000 W. Flowstart: in-line units for installation in cooling pipes.
ELCOS: Italian manufacturer. RA Series: immersion heaters for coolant with 1/2 BSP threads, ranging from 500 to 2,500 W at 230 V. RO Series: oil sump heaters. Also includes a CRA-36W circulation pump for forced-circulation systems.
Calderin: Generic 500 W and 1,000 W immersion heaters rated at 230 V, for standard installations.
Iveco FPT: Original Iveco heating elements for 8000 series engines and other FPT series engines used in generator sets.
Carter type: 350 W HCM magnetic resistance for direct installation on the engine crankcase.

In this section, you'll also find the installation accessories Items needed to install the heating elements: hot water hoses (15 mm and 19 mm, up to 120 °C and 20 bar) and clamps for the circuit connections.

How much power do I need?

The power of the heating element depends on the engine displacement and the minimum ambient temperature at the installation site. As a general guideline: engines with a displacement of up to 4 liters, between 500 and 1,000 W; from 4 to 8 liters, between 1,000 and 2,000 W; large-displacement engines over 8 liters: 2,000 to 4,000 W. If you have questions about which model corresponds to your unit, contact us at.