Understanding Generator Load Requirements When Hiring a Generator
Whether it’s for commercial or residential use, it’s important that your generator can handle the load you require. A generator’s loading capacity is an essential consideration both for the sake of the generator and for its connected devices. Along with factors like output voltage and fuel type, it’s one of the main things to consider when generator shopping. It makes operating your generator safer and more efficient.
A generator can provide your business with a reliable source of electricity when you’re working a long way from the main power grid. It can also provide backup power in case of a blackout, allowing you to continue operating. Backup generators are absolutely vital for industries such as healthcare and data, in which power failures pose a significant risk to safety and security. Yet all kinds of businesses can benefit from the addition of a generator.
Calculating a generator’s load can be complicated. Overloading the engine can cause it to overheat and damage the components, while underloading burns fuel inefficiently and risks carbon build-up.
Fortunately, Total Generators can draw on over 25 years of experience to provide you with the generator you need. Here’s the Total Generators guide to understanding generator loading requirements, including safety issues and other factors to consider.
Generator Load Requirements Explained
A generator’s load is the sum of all its power requirements. In a commercial or industrial setting, this may involve lighting, motors, fans, alarms, heaters, freezers or any number of other appliances. For a household generator, it would include the usual requirements like lights, fridges and air conditioning units.
A generator’s “load capacity” refers to the maximum amount of power a generator can provide at any given time. This is usually measured in kilowatts (kW) or kilovolt-amperes (kVA). Every device or system requires a particular amount of power in order to operate efficiently. A generator’s loading capacity determines how many machines or systems it can simultaneously support.
There are two main components of a generator’s load capacity: running (continuous) watts and starting (surge) watts. Running watts are the basic units of energy consumption required to keep devices and systems running under regular operating conditions. Some devices require additional power to start up, particularly those with heating elements or electric motors, and that’s where surge watts come into play. Failing to provide wattage for these temporary power surges can lead to an overloaded generator, an unstable power performance or unexpected shutdowns.
There are also different types of load capacity to consider. A generator’s standby load capacity is how much power it provides during an outage, which may not measure up to requirements during continuous operation. Prime load capacity refers to the maximum load size a generator can support under normal operating conditions and is designed for regular, long-term use. Continuous load is used for remote areas and heavy industrial applications that require a generator to run nonstop without interruptions in power demand.
A generator’s load capacity matters for a number of reasons. An incorrectly sized generator can lead to power fluctuations and failures, with potentially dangerous consequences in high-stakes industries such as hospitals and data centres. An excess of power fluctuations can damage sensitive electronic equipment and shorten the lifespan of electrical gear in general, leading to more replacements and higher running costs. An appropriately sized generator is the safest option to use, helps you get the most out of your fuel capacity, and extends the generator’s lifespan. Finding the right generator loading capacity gives you peace of mind.
Calculating the Generator Load Requirement
Calculating generator load begins by adding up all the equipment you need to power with your generator. This will depend on the kind of business you’re in and can include lights, telecommunication, refrigeration and other systems. Make sure you consider the capacity for surge (or reserve) power.
You’ll need to provide your generator supplier with the total electrical load of all the equipment you’ll be using in amps, voltage, watts or kilowatts. An online power calculator can help with this part.
To calculate the total generator load requirement, add up the running watts of all appliances, including the highest starting wattage of each. For safety, choose a generator that exceeds the highest surge demand, leaving a buffer of 20-30%.
Some methods for uncovering the full load requirement include:
Review your power bill
Find the highest peak demand over the previous 12 months and then add at least 25% for reserve capacity.
Measure by square foot
In most commercial environments, the best formula is 50 kW plus five watts per square foot.
Measure in real-time
Use an instrument such as an ammeter on every leg of the electrical service and add all measurements together to calculate the total amperage required. For three-phase current (the kind typically used for commercial generators), multiply by the voltage and then again by 1,000 for the kW.
Things to Consider When Calculating Load Requirements
There are other considerations to keep in mind when calculating generator load besides the total wattage of the load. Some other factors to think about include:
Load type
Resistive loads (e.g., heaters) require consistent power, while inductive loads (e.g., refrigerators) require extra power at start-up. Resistive loads have a more direct relationship between voltage and current, while inductive loads use a phase shift. It’s important to understand the difference. A generator only rated for resistive loads may be undersized for inductive loads, which require more power for the same work.
Generator usage
Will you be running the generator continuously or just when you need backup power? A generator that’s going to be constantly in use requires higher load capacity and durability.
Climate and environmental conditions
Both high altitudes and high temperatures can reduce a generator’s efficiency. So you may need to choose a more robust generator with a higher load capacity in an environment like the outback.
Fuel type
Diesel and petrol are both very reliable and very common generator fuel sources. But you can also choose from other kinds like propane, natural gas and solar. Different fuels affect performance and efficiency, as well as how generators respond to load spikes, in different ways.
Hire Your Generator from Total Generators
No matter what kind of generator loading capacity you need, Total Generators can provide it. We’re the first choice for diesel generators among many of Australia’s strictest safety-focused industries, including mines, energy stations, defence and more. When you come to us for power generator hire, we work with you to understand your specific needs and provide a generator that suits your requirements. All of our equipment compliance standards have been developed in conjunction with our Global Client Partners to exceed Australian Electrical Standards.
You can count on us when you need experts in generator load bank testing. Our electrical technicians in Brisbane, Cloncurry, Moranbah and the Northern Territory are specialists in working with our load banks and perform plant commissioning and equipment testing. All generators between 10kVA and 2,600kVA are within our realm of expertise, and we can deliver your chosen resistive load banks to various areas throughout Queensland.
With Total Generators on your side, generator loading has never been easier. We offer remote monitoring, 24/7 emergency support and the latest in generator technology.
To get started, call 1800 064 766 or contact the Total Generators team online to get a free quote.
