Determining the right generator size for industrial and commercial buildings is not just useful – it is downright essential. If your generator is not able to meet the demands of your production line or factory, unexpected system failures, capacity overload, performance issues, safety risks and even asset damage are just some of the potential consequences.

For those doing the ordering, it is often confusing to determine the right size. Aside from wattage, a few other things have to be considered, and often, even wattage can be complicated when different measurements are used in sizing guides.

How do you go about choosing the right generator size for your specific requirements?

Choosing the Right Industrial Generator Size

Some of the most important things to remember when determining ideal size for industrial generators are as follows:

• Size variations. There are many different sizes to choose from, to allow for the many different needs of industrial premises across the world. For home and small business usage, typical generator sizes range from 50kW to over 3 Megawatts. For factories, large companies and bigger premises however, industrial sized generators are required in order to cover a larger floor area as well as a much bigger demand.

• Power usage. What power is used for is another factor to consider. In a home, washing machines, heaters, geysers and other smaller appliances are powered. In a factory however, machinery and tools require a great deal more power, and as many industrial units cannot afford to go even a few hours without power, the demand becomes even higher to ensure long-lasting backups in the event of power shortages. As a general rule of thumb, it is better to over-estimate the demands than under-estimate – more wattage is always better than less wattage, in other words.

• Specific requirements. Knowing exactly what you need is the first step in getting the right generator to cater to those needs. Make a list of all items that will be powered by the generator, find out the starting and running wattage of each item and then calculate the total power requirements in kilowatts or ampules.

• Determining the starting and running wattage. You can find this information in the ID plate of various tools and equipment, or in the manual. Alternatively, you can do an online search to find a handy calculator that breaks down exact wattages for a range of commonly used appliances. Speak to your generator supplier if you are unsure – as experts in the field, they are often the best people to give you a realistic idea of wattage that is needed.

If you would like to learn more about how to determine industrial generator sizing, contact Dedicated Power today and we will be glad to assist however we can.