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:

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

300 kVA and above: an 80% 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.

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, border clearance, permits, duties, import requirements, off-loading and cargo insurance are for the Customer unless agreed otherwise. VAT treatment will follow applicable South African tax law and required export 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 and availability. GenTech SA manufactures and supplies generators with different canopy designs and configurations. The exact canopy design, access-door arrangement, ventilation layout and external appearance may vary according to generator size, application, manufacturing configuration and available stock. Product photographs are representative, and the generator supplied may differ slightly in appearance while maintaining the required generator specification and functionality.

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. Engine warranty

Unless otherwise specified for a particular generator, engine or quotation, the standard engine warranty is 1 year or 1,000 operating hours, whichever occurs first, from the applicable collection or delivery date, subject to the applicable engine manufacturer's warranty terms and conditions, together with these GenTech SA warranty and servicing conditions.

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. Failure to service or maintain the generator in accordance with the applicable requirements may affect warranty coverage where the failure is caused or contributed to by inadequate or incorrect maintenance.

14A. Electrical and electronic components

GenTech SA's standard generator warranty primarily covers qualifying mechanical defects, subject to the applicable warranty terms and any statutory rights that cannot lawfully be excluded. Electrical and electronic components require separate consideration because they can be damaged by electrical conditions originating outside the generator and outside GenTech SA's control.

These components 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 and associated electrical accessories.

Electrical or electronic failures will not be covered by GenTech SA's express warranty to the extent that the failure or damage was 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 occurring after delivery, misuse, abuse or operation outside the applicable manufacturer or GenTech SA requirements.

Where an electrical or electronic component fails, GenTech SA may require inspection, testing or diagnostic assessment before an express warranty claim is accepted. If the assessment establishes that the failure resulted from an excluded external cause, incorrect installation, misuse, third-party damage or another non-warranty condition, or that no warrantable defect exists, the Customer will be responsible for reasonable investigation costs. These may include call-out charges, travel, accommodation where required, labour, diagnostic testing, removal, transport and return of components.

Where the assessment establishes a valid warranty defect, warranty-related costs will be dealt with in accordance with the applicable manufacturer warranty, GenTech SA warranty and any statutory rights that cannot lawfully be excluded. Where a component is covered by a separate supplier or manufacturer's warranty, it may be submitted to that supplier or manufacturer for technical assessment before the claim is determined.

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. Service and call-outs

Routine servicing is a payable service and may include travel, call-out, labour, filters, oils, coolant, consumables and parts. Service, travel and call-out charges will be confirmed on the applicable quotation, estimate or booking before the work proceeds, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

17. Warranty call-outs and unauthorised work

A component warranty does not necessarily include travel, call-out, removal, transport, accommodation or labour where these are not covered by applicable law or the relevant warranty. Electrical and electronic diagnostic costs are further dealt with in clause 14A above. 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.

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, images and specifications

GenTech SA supplies locally manufactured and imported canopy configurations. Dimensions, construction, finish and features may vary. Website photographs may be representative. Where a particular engine, alternator, controller, colour, dimension or feature is material, it should be confirmed on the quotation/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.

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.