Ultimate Guide to Sizing Your Perfect Generator

Sizing a generator correctly is vitally important to ensure you can power all your equipment when you do not have mains electricity and also keep your running costs to an optimal level.

In order to get an accurate reading of what size generator you need it is always best to have a qualified electrician do a load test at your premises. If this isn't possible or you're just looking for an indication there are 2 additional methods which can help you determine roughly what size you require.

Have an electrician perform a load test and quote on installation.
-OR-
You can manually add up all the various items which you need to run off the generator.

DOWNLOAD MANUAL SIZING CHART

Sizing a Generator

Have a Load Test performed by an Electrician
Determine what needs to run during an outage
Get a quote on the installation at the same time
Do you need it to turn on Automatically?
De-Rate the generator for altitude
Find a suitable installation location
Try install close to your Distribution board

First Time Buyer? What you should consider.

What size do you need?	1.	Do you require a single or three phase generator?
What size do you need?	2.	What size generator do you need? Do you need to run everything at the same time?
Location of the Generator	3.	Generators need to be de-rated for altitude. For every 100m above sea-level you need to de-rate the output by 1%.
	4.	The generator produces toxic fumes when in operation. Ensure that the location where the generator is to be installed complies with health and safety regulations, laws and by-laws.
	5.	The ambient temperature can affect the generators performance. If the generator will operate at an ambient temp above 35°C consistently you'll need to look at our Industrial range for a more suitable option.
	6.	Do you need the generator to be quiet? Our canopies are specifically designed to allow the correct air-flow to keep the generator running at an optimal level.
	7.	Will the generator be outside or installed in a room? If you install the generator in a plant room you'll need to ensure that the exhaust is extended out of the room and that there is good ventilation to expel the hot air and allow the intake of cool air. We DO NOT recommend that your generator be installed in a garage.
Running Conditions & Cost	8.	Your generator should run at an average load of 70 - 80% load for the best consumption and longevity of your investment.
	9.	Running the generator at very low load (< 40%) can cause damage to the engine over time.
	10.	Consistently overloading the generator or turning large appliances / machinery all on at the same time can cause issues with the generator. It is important to size appropriately for heavy usage.
	11.	Electric motors can use up to 7x running power to start up. You will need to identify the starting method of the electric motor.
	12.	Running everything in your home or business at the same time when there is a power outage costs more money. The more you have on the more diesel or gas the generator will use.
After-care and Maintenance	13.	Are the parts readily available for you generator?
After-care and Maintenance	14.	Does the company offer you backup and support should you need it?

How to Size a Generator

Sizing a Generator

First Time Buyer? What you should consider.