Understanding Generator Capacity: What You Need to Know Before Renting

When it comes to generator hire, one of the most important factors to consider is generator capacity. Generator capacity refers to the amount of power that a generator can produce, and it is an essential consideration when renting a generator for your event or project. In this blog, we will discuss what you need to know about generator capacity before renting a generator.

What is Generator Capacity?

Generator capacity is the amount of power that a generator can produce, and it is measured in watts. The capacity of a generator is determined by its engine size and its alternator size, and it is important to choose a generator with the right capacity for your specific needs.

How to Calculate Your Generator Capacity Requirements

Before renting a generator, it is important to calculate your power requirements to ensure that you choose a generator with the right capacity. To calculate your power requirements, you will need to determine the wattage of the equipment that you need to power. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Make a list of all the equipment that you need to power, including lights, sound systems, and other electrical devices.

Step 2: Determine the wattage of each piece of equipment by looking at the manufacturer's specifications or by using a wattage meter.

Step 3: Add up the wattage of all the equipment to determine the total power requirements.

Step 4: Add an additional 20% to the total power requirements to account for power surges and other unexpected events.

Once you have calculated your power requirements, you can choose a generator with the right capacity to meet your needs.

Types of Generators and Their Capacities

There are several types of generators, each with different capacities and uses. Here is an overview of the most common types of generators and their capacities:

Portable Generators: Portable generators are small and compact, making them ideal for powering small appliances, tools, and lights. They typically have a capacity of between 1,000 and 10,000 watts.

Inverter Generators: Inverter generators are similar to portable generators but use advanced electronics to produce a cleaner and more stable power output. They typically have a capacity of between 1,000 and 5,000 watts.

Standby Generators: Standby generators are designed to provide backup power to homes and businesses in the event of a power outage. They are larger than portable generators and typically have a capacity of between 10,000 and 50,000 watts.

Towable Generators: Towable generators are designed for larger events and construction sites. They are mounted on trailers and can be moved from one location to another. They typically have a capacity of between 50,000 and 2,000,000 watts.

Factors That Affect Generator Capacity

There are several factors that can affect the capacity of a generator, including the following:

Altitude: The higher the altitude, the lower the air pressure, which can affect the performance of a generator. As a result, generators have lower capacities at higher altitudes.

Temperature: Generators are designed to operate in specific temperature ranges, and extreme temperatures can affect their capacity. In general, generators have lower capacities in cold temperatures and higher capacities in warm temperatures.

Load: The amount of power that is being drawn from a generator can affect its capacity. Generators have a maximum load capacity, and exceeding this capacity can cause the generator to fail.

Fuel Type: Different types of fuel can affect the capacity of a generator. For example, diesel generators typically have a higher capacity than gasoline generators.

Generator Hire - Speak to the Experts

Understanding generator capacity is essential when renting a generator for your event or project. If you have any questions or would like to hire a generator you can contact us and we’ll be happy to help.