Buying a generator that can meet your power generation needs is a critical aspect of the purchasing decision. Whether you are interested in prime or standby power, if your new generator can’t meet your requirements then it simply won’t be doing anyone any good instead it can put undue stress on the unit and even damage some of the devices connected to it. Unfortunately, determining exactly what size of generator to get is often very difficult and involves a number of factors and considerations.
Making a choice between single-phase, three-phase, standby or prime, manual, or auto-start generators can be confusing. This will help you get a better idea of how the sizing process works and some key things to keep in mind. This is not a substitute for a certified Generator specialist, which we always suggest talking to before buying, but it should provide you with enough information to get a solid understanding of some of the key things that are involved.
Generator Size Variations: With the latest advancements in the field of electrical engineering, generators are now available in a wide range of sizes. Generators with power supply capacities of 1kW to 50kW are readily available in the home use markets, while industrial generators are anywhere from 50kW to over 5 MVA.
People believe smaller generators can be used for standby electric power because they are not running all the time. This is not only a myth but can actually be very detrimental. Unfortunately, generator undersizing is one of the most common mistakes made by buyers. Not only does it involve the risks of damaging your new asset (the generator), but it can also damage other assets connected to it, create hazardous situations, and even limit the overall productivity of the unit and/or the business relying on it. If nothing else, the key thing to remember here is that more is always better than less.
While there is no substitute for having a certified generator technician perform an inspection and calculate everything for you, these guidelines do offer a starting point:
Getting the right starting and running wattage of the devices you intend to power is crucial for calculating the accurate power requirements. Normally, you will find these in the identification plate or the owner’s manual in the buyer’s kit of each respective device, tool, appliance, or other electrical equipment. Alternatively, you can look at our Power Usage Chart The chart is simply provided as an example to demonstrate how starting and running wattages differ, and how each device has specific consumption needs. If you have questions about any particular items you can contact the manufacturer, consult an electrician, or contact us.
For a quotation on the installation of your generator please contact our technical department.
For the servicing or to ensure that your existing diesel generator system is fully compliant, and for monitoring quotes our maintenance and repairs department will gladly assist you.
Goodall Power systems carry the full range of spare parts for all our diesel generators, for any spare parts contact our spares department.
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