Terms and Conditions

Terms & Conditions of Sale, Supply & Service

These Terms and Conditions apply to quotations, sales, manufacture, supply, delivery, collection, installation, commissioning, servicing, repairs and other goods or services supplied by GenTech SA (Pty) Ltd (“GenTech SA”) to a customer (“the Customer”). They are subject to applicable South African law and any rights that cannot lawfully be excluded.

1. Quotations and pricing

Quotations are valid for 7 calendar days or while stock remains available, whichever occurs first, unless otherwise stated in writing. Prices may change after expiry of the quotation period. Unless specifically included, pricing excludes delivery, off-loading, installation, electrical work, civil work, fuel, rigging and other work not expressly stated in the quotation.

2. Payment terms

Unless otherwise stated in the written quotation or agreed by GenTech SA in writing, the following payment terms apply to generator orders:

15 kVA to 250 kVA: a 50% non-refundable deposit is payable on order confirmation, with the remaining 50% balance payable before loading, collection or delivery.

300 kVA and above: an 80% non-refundable deposit is payable on order confirmation, with the remaining 20% balance payable before loading, collection or delivery.

All amounts must be received as cleared funds before goods are released. Special, custom-built or project-specific orders may be subject to different payment terms where stated in the applicable quotation.

3. Deposits, custom orders and cancellation

Payment of the deposit enables GenTech SA to procure or allocate engines, alternators, controllers, electronics, steel, acoustic materials and other components and to reserve manufacturing capacity. Deposits are non-refundable, subject to rights that cannot lawfully be excluded. If a Customer cancels, abandons an order or fails to pay the outstanding balance, GenTech SA reserves its rights under the agreement and applicable law, which may include stopping work, retaining or reallocating components, completing or remarketing the generator and recovering reasonable losses, costs and expenses.

4. Ownership

Ownership of goods remains with GenTech SA until the full purchase price and all amounts due for the relevant transaction have been paid in full and cleared.

4A. Banking details, payment verification and fraud prevention

Generator fraud, impersonation and invoice-interception scams are a known risk. Fraudsters may copy, alter or imitate GenTech SA quotations, invoices, emails, WhatsApp messages, advertisements or other communications, including by changing banking details or sending false proof of payment.

Before making any payment, the Customer must telephone GenTech SA directly and verify the banking details shown on the quotation or invoice received, using the contact details published on gentechsa.co.za. The Customer must not rely solely on banking details received by email, WhatsApp, Facebook or other electronic communication where there is any uncertainty.

Payment is regarded as received only once cleared funds reflect in GenTech SA (Pty) Ltd's verified bank account. A proof of payment, payment notification or screenshot is not confirmation that cleared funds have been received. If there is any doubt regarding a quotation, invoice, salesperson, advertisement, payment instruction or banking details, the Customer must contact GenTech SA directly before making payment.

5. Manufacturing and lead times

Normal estimated build time is approximately 14–21 working days unless otherwise advised. During high production demand this may extend to approximately 4–6 weeks. Where components are awaiting stock or importation, lead times may extend to approximately 6–9 weeks or longer. Lead times are estimates unless expressly guaranteed in writing.

6. Testing and completion

Generators manufactured or assembled by GenTech SA undergo applicable inspections and testing before release. Where applicable, load-bank or factory acceptance testing will be carried out using a test method considered suitable by GenTech SA for the generator's applicable rating, engine and alternator capability, test equipment, power factor, ambient conditions and safe operating procedure.

Standard generator testing is intended to verify operation and performance under the applicable test conditions and does not mean that every generator must be held continuously at its maximum published rating. Customer-requested non-standard tests, including sustained high-load testing, special power-factor testing or extended test durations, must be agreed with GenTech SA in advance. GenTech SA may refuse, stop or modify any requested test that it reasonably considers unsafe, outside the applicable manufacturer limits, unsuitable for the test equipment or inconsistent with the generator's intended rating or duty.

Where a Customer requests a non-standard witnessed test, the agreed test method, load, duration and any additional testing charges may be recorded in writing before testing proceeds. The Customer will be notified when the generator is ready and the outstanding balance must be paid before release.

7. Collection and storage

Completed generators should be collected within 5 working days after notification unless otherwise agreed. Where storage charges apply, the applicable rate will be communicated or agreed with the Customer and may be reflected in the quotation, invoice or other written communication.

8. Customer collection and transport

Where the Customer collects or appoints a transporter, the Customer is responsible for suitable transport, securing, insurance and safe handling from the agreed point of handover. GenTech SA is not responsible for damage caused by improper securing, transport, off-loading or handling by the Customer or its appointed third party.

9. Delivery and cross-border supply

Delivery is quoted separately unless included. The Customer must ensure suitable site access and off-loading facilities. For cross-border transactions, cargo insurance, border and customs clearance, permits, duties, import requirements, off-loading facilities and related border expenses are for the Customer's account unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing. Where GenTech SA arranges and completes qualifying cross-border delivery, VAT treatment will follow applicable South African tax law and the required export documentation. Where the Customer collects the generator in South Africa or appoints its own transporter, South African VAT may be charged as required by law and any refund or zero-rating will depend on the applicable tax rules and supporting documentation.

10. Installation

Installation must be performed by appropriately qualified and competent persons. Where the Customer appoints its own electrician or contractor, GenTech SA is not responsible for defects, damage or malfunction to the extent caused by incorrect third-party installation, wiring, configuration, commissioning or workmanship.

11. Generator Operating, Rating & Technical Conditions

Prime Power (PRP). Prime Power is intended for applications where the generator may operate for long periods or unlimited hours while the electrical load varies during operation. Typical examples include factories, offices, homes, farms, workshops, commercial buildings and general backup or off-grid power systems, where equipment starts and stops and the total load changes over time. Prime Power should not be interpreted as meaning that a generator should routinely be held at or near its maximum published Prime rating under a constant sustained load.

Continuous / Base Load Power (COP). Continuous or Base Load Power applies where the generator carries a steady or substantially constant electrical load for long periods or unlimited hours. Examples may include resistive load-bank operation, battery or solar charging systems, pumps and other continuous-duty applications. Because these loads can impose a sustained real-power demand on the engine and cooling system, additional generator capacity may be required depending on the application, power factor, site conditions and manufacturer rating.

Actual power available and site conditions. Generator and engine ratings are published under defined reference conditions. The power and cooling margin available at the actual installation site can be affected by altitude above sea level, ambient temperature, ventilation and cooling airflow, power factor, the type of connected electrical load and whether that load is varying or continuously sustained. A generator operating at higher altitude, in high ambient temperatures or under a heavy constant load may therefore have less usable power and less cooling margin than the published reference rating suggests.

Power factor. Unless otherwise specified for the particular generator and alternator, GenTech SA generator ratings are generally based on a 0.8 power factor. Generator selection must consider both kVA and kW, as well as the actual power factor of the connected load. Resistive or near-unity-power-factor loads can place a high real-kW demand on the engine even where the displayed kVA percentage appears lower than expected. Motors, pumps, compressors and other reactive or starting loads also require allowance for starting current and transient demand.

Altitude and generator rating. Generator ratings are approximate and are generally stated at sea-level or manufacturer reference conditions. Engine performance and cooling capability may reduce with increasing altitude and the generator may require derating for the installation location. As a general preliminary GenTech SA guide, allow approximately 1% derating for every 100 metres above sea level. For example, a generator rated at 20 kVA at sea level may have approximately 18 kVA available at 1,000 metres above sea level. This is a rough sizing guide only; final sizing should consider the specific engine manufacturer's altitude and temperature derating data and the actual site conditions.

Heavy sustained loads. For applications involving a high, steady real-power demand, including load-bank operation and certain battery or solar charging duties, GenTech SA normally recommends additional capacity rather than routinely operating the generator close to its maximum published rating. As a practical preliminary sizing guideline, GenTech SA may design around approximately 60% to 65% loading for sustained PF 1.0-type applications, unless the specific engine, alternator, cooling system and application have been assessed for a higher continuous load. This is a GenTech SA practical sizing guideline and is not represented as a universal ISO requirement.

Applying electrical load. A generator should not automatically be expected to accept its entire rated load in a single step. Where the application allows, load should be introduced progressively. Approximately 50% may be applied initially, with additional load introduced progressively as the engine reaches normal operating temperature. Motors, pumps, compressors, refrigeration equipment and other loads with high starting currents require particular attention because their starting demand can be substantially higher than their normal running load.

Low-load operation. Prolonged operation at very light load should also be avoided where practical because extended low-load running can contribute to carbon build-up, wet stacking, cylinder glazing and other engine-related problems. The suitable minimum load depends on the engine, duty cycle and manufacturer requirements.

Canopy design, fuel tanks and availability. GenTech SA manufactures and supplies generators with different canopy designs and configurations. The exact canopy design, access-door arrangement, ventilation layout, external appearance and fuel-tank capacity may vary according to generator size, application, manufacturing configuration and available stock. Product photographs are representative. Fuel-tank capacities, dimensions and similar details shown on the website, quotations or specification sheets are estimated or typical values unless specifically confirmed in writing for the individual generator supplied.

Generator sizing assistance. GenTech SA can assist using the connected load, starting requirements, power factor, installation altitude, ambient conditions and intended operating duty. Manufacturer instructions and the final written GenTech SA quotation or approved specification remain applicable to the supplied generator.

12. Automatic operation

ATS/AMF start delays, warm-up, cool-down and transfer settings vary by application, controller and site requirements. Automatic operation must be configured and used in accordance with the applicable generator, controller and installation requirements.

13. Standard generator warranty

Unless otherwise specified in writing for a particular generator or manufacturer, GenTech SA's standard generator warranty is 1 year or 1,000 operating hours, whichever occurs first, from the applicable collection or delivery date. The standard GenTech SA express warranty applies to qualifying mechanical defects and remains subject to the applicable manufacturer warranty terms, these GenTech SA warranty and servicing conditions, and any statutory rights that cannot lawfully be excluded.

14. Warranty and servicing conditions

Warranty depends on correct operation, installation, servicing and maintenance. During the warranty period, servicing must be performed by GenTech SA or a suitably qualified and competent technician approved by GenTech SA, using suitable OEM or GenTech SA-approved quality parts, filters, oils, coolant and consumables. Customers must retain service records, invoices and other reasonable evidence confirming that the required servicing has been performed. Warranty coverage is conditional on the prescribed service schedule being maintained. Failure to service or maintain the generator in accordance with the applicable requirements may invalidate GenTech SA's express warranty where the failure or damage is caused or contributed to by missed, late, inadequate or incorrect servicing or maintenance.

14A. Electrical and electronic products and components

Electrical and electronic products and components are excluded from GenTech SA's standard express generator warranty, subject always to any statutory rights that cannot lawfully be excluded and any separate manufacturer or supplier warranty that may apply.

Electrical and electronic items include, but are not limited to, generator controllers, ATS / automatic changeover equipment, battery chargers, AVR and alternator electrical or electronic components, relays and contactors, oil-pressure and temperature sensors or switches, electronic engine-management components, wiring, control circuits, batteries and associated electrical accessories.

GenTech SA's standard express warranty does not cover electrical or electronic failures or damage. Where a separate manufacturer or supplier warranty applies to an electrical or electronic item, GenTech SA may assist with submitting the component for assessment, but acceptance, repair or replacement remains subject to that manufacturer or supplier's warranty process and conditions.

Electrical or electronic failures caused or contributed to by lightning, electrical surges or voltage spikes, mains or generator feedback, back-feeding, incorrect wiring or connection, incorrect voltage, phase or frequency, external short circuits, unstable or abnormal mains supply, incorrect ATS/changeover installation or configuration, inadequate earthing or protection, unauthorised modification, water or moisture ingress after delivery, misuse, abuse or operation outside applicable requirements are not covered by GenTech SA's express warranty.

Where GenTech SA is requested to inspect or diagnose an electrical or electronic fault, the Customer is responsible for the applicable diagnostic, call-out, travel, accommodation, labour, removal, transport and return costs unless GenTech SA expressly agrees otherwise in writing or applicable law requires otherwise.

15. General service schedule

Unless the applicable engine manufacturer prescribes an earlier interval: first service at 50 operating hours or 3 months, whichever occurs first; second service at 200 operating hours or 6 months, whichever occurs first; third service at 550 operating hours or 12 months, whichever occurs first; thereafter at least annually or at the applicable engine manufacturer's prescribed operating-hour interval, whichever occurs first. Operating conditions may require more frequent servicing.

16. Services, repairs, parts and call-outs

Except for the purchase of a generator, services, repairs, parts, diagnostics and call-outs are payable in full before GenTech SA orders parts or dispatches a technician, unless GenTech SA expressly agrees otherwise in writing. Charges may include travel, call-out, labour, filters, oils, coolant, consumables, parts, transport, toll fees and accommodation where required. The applicable charges will be stated or confirmed on the quotation, estimate, invoice or booking.

17. Warranty claims, site costs and unauthorised work

For an approved claim under GenTech SA's standard mechanical warranty, covered replacement parts and the labour required to carry out the covered mechanical repair will be supplied at no charge. Travel to and from site, mileage, toll fees, accommodation, transport and other site-related expenses are not included in the standard warranty and remain for the Customer's account unless GenTech SA agrees otherwise in writing or applicable law requires otherwise. Electrical and electronic diagnostic costs are dealt with in clause 14A below. GenTech SA is not responsible for damage or subsequent failure to the extent caused or contributed to by unauthorised repairs, modifications or third-party work.

17A. Parts availability and repair delays

Repairs may depend on the availability of the correct engine, alternator, controller, electrical, cooling, fuel-system or other parts. Where a required part is unavailable, out of stock, discontinued, delayed by a supplier or importer, or cannot reasonably be sourced within the Customer's required timeframe, GenTech SA will keep the Customer informed where practical but cannot guarantee a repair-completion date. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, GenTech SA will not be responsible for downtime, loss of production, loss of income, loss of profit, loss of business or other indirect or consequential loss arising solely from a delay caused by the unavailability of a required part or component outside GenTech SA's reasonable control.

17B. Customer-purchased and third-party supplied parts

Where GenTech SA does not have a required part or component in stock, or where a Customer elects for any reason to purchase, source or supply a part, component, consumable or equipment from another company, supplier or third party, the Customer does so entirely at their own cost and risk.

GenTech SA has no obligation to purchase, reimburse, refund or contribute towards the cost of any part, component or equipment purchased or sourced by the Customer from a third party. GenTech SA will furthermore not be responsible for, nor reimburse or contribute towards, labour charges, installation costs, removal or refitting costs, call-out fees, travelling costs, transport or courier charges, diagnostic costs, accommodation costs, third-party repair charges or other expenses incurred by the Customer in connection with such parts or repairs.

This applies whether the Customer purchases or sources the part independently, at the recommendation of another party, or because GenTech SA does not have the required part available or is unable to source it within the Customer's required timeframe. Any third-party purchase, repair or work arranged by the Customer is a separate transaction between the Customer and that third party, and GenTech SA is not responsible for amounts charged by that third party.

GenTech SA accepts no responsibility under its express warranty for the quality, suitability, compatibility, specification, performance, reliability or warranty of a Customer-supplied or third-party supplied part or component. Any additional work required because a Customer-supplied part is incorrect, incompatible, defective or fails will be quoted and charged separately. Any GenTech SA workmanship warranty does not constitute a warranty on a part, component or equipment purchased or supplied by the Customer or a third party.

18. Warranty exclusions

Subject to applicable law and manufacturer warranty terms, warranty may not cover failures caused by accident, abuse, misuse, neglect, inadequate maintenance, incorrect installation or wiring, overloading, unsuitable low-load operation, contaminated fuel, incorrect fluids, water ingress, external electrical faults, unauthorised modification, normal wear, consumables or external events.

19. Warranty remedies

Where a valid claim is accepted, the remedy will be determined in accordance with the applicable manufacturer warranty, GenTech SA express warranty and any statutory rights that cannot lawfully be excluded. Depending on the applicable warranty and law, the remedy may include repair or replacement of a defective component or another remedy required by law. An express warranty claim does not automatically entitle the Customer to replacement of the complete generator.

20. Canopies, fuel tanks, images and specifications

GenTech SA supplies locally manufactured and imported canopy configurations. Dimensions, construction, finish, layout, features and fuel-tank capacity may vary between canopy designs and production configurations. Website photographs may be representative. Fuel-tank capacities and dimensions displayed on the website, quotation or specification sheet are estimated or typical values unless specifically confirmed in writing for the generator supplied. Where a particular engine, alternator, controller, colour, dimension, tank capacity or feature is material, it must be confirmed on the quotation or order.

21. Force majeure

Subject to applicable law, GenTech SA will not be responsible for delays caused by circumstances reasonably beyond its control, including supplier shortages, import or shipping delays, industrial action, severe weather, fire, flooding, government restrictions or similar events.

22. Limitation of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, GenTech SA will not be liable for indirect, special or consequential loss arising from causes for which GenTech SA is not legally responsible. Nothing in these terms excludes liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

23. Customer responsibilities

The Customer is responsible for accurate load and site information, suitable installation conditions, correct operation, fuel and fluid quality, routine checks, prescribed servicing, service records, adequate ventilation and exhaust arrangements, and preventing unauthorised modification.

Customer-selected generator size. GenTech SA can provide generator-sizing guidance based on the information supplied by the Customer. Where the Customer provides incomplete or inaccurate load information, declines GenTech SA's written sizing recommendation, or elects to purchase a generator that is smaller or larger than the size recommended for the stated application, the final selection is made at the Customer's risk. To the extent permitted by applicable law, GenTech SA is not responsible for performance, overload, inefficient operation, excessive low-load operation or other issues caused by the Customer's selected generator being unsuitable for the actual connected load or duty.

24. Website information

Website information is intended as general product guidance and does not replace a final written quotation, approved specification, site assessment or manufacturer documentation. The written quotation/order specification takes precedence where there is a discrepancy.

25. Personal information

Customer information may be processed for quotations, orders, delivery, servicing, warranties, accounts and communication in accordance with applicable South African data-protection requirements, including POPIA where applicable. See our Privacy Policy.

26. Applicable law and acceptance

These terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Payment of a deposit, written acceptance of a quotation, placing an order, instructing GenTech SA to proceed or accepting goods or services constitutes acceptance to the extent permitted by law. Variations must be agreed by GenTech SA in writing.