WHAT SIZE GENERATOR DO I NEED?
Whatever size you need, Powerlite has your ideal generator
The Ideal generator size is one that is correctly matched to power all the things you want to run at the same time.
If it is too big, not only will it be more expensive to purchase, but it will not necessarily run as efficiently as the correctly matched size. If it is too small, some of your equipment may not give its maximum output, and at times its lifespan may be reduced.
Here’s all you do-
All electrical appliances and motors, should have (by law), an electrical rating plate with the power and electrical requirements shown on it.
1. If the appliance has a rating plate showing: Watts – If this is shown as kW multiply x 1000 which = Watts HP-To return this old measure to Watts multiply x 746 = Watts
2. If there is no rating plate showing the power, please refer to the ‘Average Watts Table’ below, showing typical appillances that you can compare to yours and select and ‘Average Watts’ figure.
For standard Industrial Electric Motors, the power shown on the motor rating plate does not take into account the motor efficiency or starting load, and therefore – Look up the chart below for Electric Motors and use the ‘Average Watts’ figure shown for the particular standard size motor indicated.
Therefore, for example a PH080 (Honda Engine) or PB080 (Briggs & Stratton, Vanguard Engine), which has a ‘Real Power’ capacity of 6,800 Watts would be Ideal, and it even has an additional 6% extra capacity.
Now all you have to do is Add up!
Just add up all the ‘Average Watts’ for every appliance or motor that you are going to run at any one time, and choose the biggest combination of loads
Then… just pick a Generating Set with watts equal to or slightly greater than your total ‘Average Watts.
If you are not very technically minded, and do not have confidence in your choice, either from our Master Chart, or from these calculators, do not hesitate to ring us and we will be happy to work it out for you.
Please note: a generator should never be operated at its maximum wattage capacity for more than 30 minutes. If you need to operate a generator for more than 30 minutes, it is recommended you use only 90% of the maximum wattage. Generators at all times need to be in a well ventilated area and powerpoints should never be overloaded
Average Watts Table
*To power welders, we reccomend a minimum size set of 6.0kW for general field use.
Electric Motors
The average Watts that have be used to size a generating set takes into account the power lost within the electric motor, the extra power required by the motor each time it is started and the additional power that the generator can provide above its normal rating.
The Watts shown here assume that the motor will, once started, be required to operate at its full output power continuously.
What size generator for a house?
You can run the most critical household equipment with a generator rated at 5,000 to 7,500 watts. These include things like a refrigerator and freezer and lighting circuits. A generator with around 7500 running watts can run all these appliances at once.
Most modern homes run very energy efficient, but if you want to run AC or hot water heaters it changes things. Give us a call 1300 436 738 and we can discuss your needs ensuring that you can make a truly educated decision with regards to your needs.
For a Caravan or Motor home, a 3000 – 5000-watt Generator would be ideal.
Small Portable Genset
The ideal generator size is one that is correctly matched to power all the things you want to run at the same time. If it is too big, not only will it be more expensive to purchase, but it will not necessarily run as efficiently as the correctly matched size. If it is too small, some of your equipment may not give it maximum output, and consequently its lifespan may be reduced. We recommend using the calculator below to find out your ideal generator size. If you would like further information into how we calculate the right small 240v generator, please refer to the wattage worksheet below. Please note that the below wattages are simply a guide. For correct wattages, please check the specific power tool or appliance.
Larger Industrial Genset.
Selecting a generator in Australia that can handle all your power generation needs is one of the most important aspects of the purchasing decision. Whether you are interested in prime, temporary or standby power, if your new generator can’t meet your specific requirements then it simply won’t be doing you any good because it can put undue stress on the Generator and even damage some of the equipment connected to it. Unfortunately, determining exactly what size of generator to purchase is often exceedingly difficult and involves a number of factors and considerations.
Making a choice amongst single phase, three phase, kW, KVA, welder, standby or motor starting generators can be confusing. To prevent such confusion, Powerlite has written this article to 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 electrician, which we always suggest talking to before Purchasing (Powerlite can assist you here), but it should provide you with enough information to get an understanding of some of the key factors that are involved.
Generator Size Variations:
With the latest advancements in the field of power generation, Powerlite supplied and built generators are now available in a wide range of sizes. Powerlite Generators with power supply capacities of 1Kva to 80Kva are readily available for the home use, while Australian industrial generators are anywhere from 50Kva to over 3 Megawatts. Powerlite can build multi set applications where up to 32 generators can be synchronized to work as 1 (96 Megawatts). Portable Generators are available for homes, caravans and small offices, but larger businesses, data centers, buildings, and mining applications need to use a much larger sized Diesel generator / generators to meet their power requirements.
Generator Sizing :
Many people believe smaller generators can be used for standby power because they are not running all the time. This is not only wrong but can be very damaging. Unfortunately, generator under sizing is one of the most common mistakes committed by purchasers. Not only does it involve the risks of damaging your new generator, but it can also damage other assets connected to it, create hazardous situations, and even limit the overall efficiency 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.
How to Determine the Right Generator:
While there is no substitute for the services of a qualified electrician (Powerlite can assist you here) the following information will allow you to make a more qualified decision with a better understanding for choosing the right generator for your application:
Know You’re Requirements:
Going to an auction site or a dealer and buying the cheapest or the best (so they say) is not the option.
– Make a list of the items that need to be powered by the generator
– Make a note of the starting and running Current of the respective items
– Calculate the total power requirements in Watts or KW
– Phone or Email Powerlite and one of our technical representatives will be able to assist you.
How to Find the Starting and Running Current:
Getting the right starting and running current of the devise you require to run is very important, these can be found on the manufacturer’s plate or in the hand book provided with the item. If these cannot be found call Powerlite and we will be able to assist you.
Power Requirement Charting:
It often happens that you lose the owner’s manual or for some reason cannot find the power requirement specification of the tools and/or other electrical devices you’re running. See our sample power consumption chart.
Different ways of Calculating:
Depending on the number of items to be run by the generator, the starting sequence, and the type of item (motor start, multiple motor starts, UPS, heaters or lights).
All the above needs to be considered to make the correct selection for your needs.
Advantages of choosing the right size generator:
Now that you have an idea on how to choose the appropriate size of generator to suit your needs, here is just a few of the benefits obtained by going through that process:
– No unexpected system failures
– No shutdowns due to capacity overload
– Increased longevity of the generator
– Guaranteed performance
– Smoother hassle-free maintenance
– Increased system life span
– Assured personal safety
– Much smaller chance of asset damage
Where to Buy a generator or power solution package:
Since you are not only purchasing an asset that is costly, you have taken into consideration the implications to your home or business of selecting
(A) the wrong size (B) from the wrong supplier.
The people at Powerlite have been in the business for over 50 years.
Here are just a few of the reasons why you should always consider Powerlite. as your first stop for all your power generation and servicing needs:
- 50+ years of industry experience
Full service from multiple locations – Sydney and surrounds
Highly qualified technicians
Testing equipment and installation tools
Helpful support and knowledgeable staff
We test all our products prior to dispatch
Always competitively priced!
There are obviously numerous considerations to account for when selecting the appropriate generator in Australia for your needs. If you are having a difficult time with it or would like more specific suggestions and recommendations for your situation, Contact Powerlite today 1300 436 738 and one of our knowledgeable staff will be more than happy to assist.
Other Options to consider …
Is Electric or Manual Recoil Start Needed?
These days recoil start generators are easy to start. It depends on your own preference.
Manual Recoil Start Generators are hand operated, whereby you start the generator with a pulling motion on a cord.
Electric Start Generators are key started with a battery attached. Electric start generators are ideal for people who just do not have the strength or power to start a recoil start generator.
Petrol or Diesel?
It really depends on where you use the generator or how often you use it. Petrol generators are primarily designed for not running for extended periods of time at maximum load. In addition, petrol generators, because of their simpler design, are less expensive than diesel engines.
Diesel generators are primary designed to operate near or at full power for extended periods of time.
Just a Word of Caution
The above explanations and calculations have been simplified and generally cover most commonly encountered domestic and light trade requirements. Because of the varying nature of many electric motor driven devices, we would recommend that you contact us if you feel that your circumstances may be different.