A commercial generator plays a critical role in your business continuity plan. By providing backup or emergency power to your building during a power outage, commercial standby generators enable critical facilities like elevators and security systems to continue operating. Standby generators also minimize business and data losses that arise from computer system failures.
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However, determining how to properly size a generator depends on a number of factors. Before you proceed with your commercial generator purchase, you'll need to consider the needs of your business and the technical constraints of your building first.
Commercial backup generators provide power to a number of critical safety systems that operate during an emergency, including fire alarms, fire pumps, security systems, and emergency lighting. Different buildings require different levels of backup power to keep these life-saving systems operational in the event of a blackout.
This is why most large-scale commercial generator installations require an engineering plan and an engineer's supervision to ensure compliance with National Electrical Code (NEC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements in the United States. Beyond regulatory compliance, not knowing how to properly size a generator can also lead to a host of other problems.
Let's look at what you need to know about estimating the right sized generator for your business.
Start with making a list of everything that you plan to power with your backup generator. This varies widely depending on what type of business you operate, so don't make the mistake of glossing over this step too quickly.
Some factors for sizing a commercial generator include selecting single- or three-phase power, voltage selection and total power output. Be aware that most commercial applications require a reserve or surge capability, especially for large motors operated by several units independently.
Once you know which items you need to power with your generator, you will need to estimate your business's power consumption at peak usage. Depending on the type of business and your power needs, there are a variety of methods you can use to determine your full load capacity.
Full load kW = Total amps x supply voltage / 1,000
Reserve capacity = Full load kW x 0.25
For 100 percent power, generator size = Full load kW + reserve capacity
Utilize your utility company's billing system to find your maximum power usage.
The square footage sizing method is commonly used for retail locations such as grocery stores, restaurants and convenience stores.
Retail application: 50 kW + 10 watts per square foot
Other commercial application: 50 kW + 5 watts per square foot
In addition to estimating your total power needs, it is critical to determine the starting load and running load for each item.
For backup use, you can calculate the load on a staggered start for multiple units to spread out the load. Use the highest Locked Rotor (LR) rating from of all the items you want to run.
If you can't determine the running watts of an item, use the formula of watts = volts x amperes. Only motor-driven items have an additional starting voltage requirement. Remember: For accurate sizing, convert all amps to kilowatts.
Once you have calculated the amount of power you will need from a commercial backup generator, the next step is to identify a generator unit that will meet your needs. To help guide your selection, manufacturers offer performance charts for each product they sell.
First, look for a unit with the necessary power rating to run each of your selected items. Generators are usually rated in kilowatts and come in a wide variety of capacities. If your needs fall between common ratings, choose the next highest capacity.
To avoid the pitfalls that come with not knowing how to size a generator, consider seeking out the assistance of a backup power expert. General Power is here to help you find the right generator for your specific needs.
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What Size Generator Do I Need?
When your home or business experiences a blackout, it can create a serious safety issue. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average American experiences around 7 hours of blackouts every year, almost twice as many as a decade ago. Buying a generator is a great way to prepare for these increasing outages. If you are planning to purchase a generator, you have probably wondered, 'How big of a generator do I need?' To answer that question, you must first have an idea of how much electricity your home or business requires, which will help you choose the proper generator size.
Ideally, you will hire a certified electrician to visit your home or business and determine your generator wattage requirements. Every appliance or electronic device you use contributes to your home or business' total power consumption. By figuring out how much power each piece of equipment uses, you can get a more accurate picture of your needs.
If you need to calculate your power requirement on your own, this article will help you. Let's take a look at how to determine what generator size you need and how Americas Generators can help you find the right mobile generators for your needs.
Generator power output is measured in watts in the US. Most devices indicate how many watts they use on the device itself or in the user's manual. However, there are two different types of power output figures you need to be aware of when buying a generator, and both are essential to determining the correct generator size you need:
For example, most refrigerators use 1,200 watts of power when they are starting up, but only draw about 200 watts when they are running. You need to make sure your generator is strong enough to run all of your essential appliances and also has the surge power to start them up.
If you are asking, 'How many watts do I need for a generator?', you can calculate your home or business electrical needs by adding up the consumption of your individual appliances or devices.
Most devices will list the wattage somewhere on the device or in the documents that come with the appliance or device. If the device or the appliance does not indicate its wattage, there are other options for determining it. You can buy a measuring device, such as the Kill A Watt. Simply plug the device into the wattage-measuring tool and watch for the reading.
For purposes of buying a backup generator, compute only the devices that you cannot do without. During power outages, you can disconnect appliances or devices that aren't absolutely necessary for maintaining the health, comfort and security of your family and employees.
By adding up the wattage consumption of the essential machines, you will come up with the total number of watts you need for your generator. Essential items likely include your:
If you are buying a generator for a business, you may need to consider other items, like computers and other necessary equipment.
The United States measures generator power with kilowatts (kW). The rest of the world uses kilovolt-ampere (kVA) when they talk about generating power. You can calculate the kW consumption of your house by converting the total watts of usage you have calculated. There are 1,000 watts in a kW, so divide your wattage total by 1,000 to arrive at your home's kW consumption. As an example, if your devices and appliances consume a total of 35,000 watts, your consumption is 35 kW.
The kW rating of a generator is based on the horsepower of the engine. To determine kilowatts, multiply the horsepower rating of the generator's engine by .746. For example, a 500-horsepower generator engine has a kW rating of 373. If your house consumption is 350 kW of electricity, you will need at least a 500-horsepower generator with a kW rating of 373.
If you are unsure or feel you might be missing some equipment, it is always best to consult with a certified electrician who can provide a more accurate picture of your power needs.
Another factor to consider when buying a generator is the Hz (Hertz). The Hertz frequency represents the number of cycles per second that an electrical system operates at. In most regions, including the United States, the standard frequency is 60 Hz. However, some countries and applications may require a different frequency, such as 50 Hz.
Why does the Hz matter? Well, it directly affects the performance and compatibility of your electrical equipment. Many sensitive devices, such as computers, medical equipment, and industrial machinery, rely on a stable and accurate power supply with the correct Hertz frequency to function optimally. Deviations from the required frequency can lead to malfunctions, reduced efficiency, or even equipment damage.
When selecting a generator and choosing the right generator size, it's essential to match the frequency of the generator to the frequency required by your equipment. Running your sensitive devices on a generator with the wrong frequency can have serious consequences. This is why Americas Generators offers a range of generators with different frequencies to accommodate various applications and ensure seamless compatibility.
When determining what size generator you need, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind:
If you have questions about what generator size you need for your home or business, Americas Generators has you covered. We offer a wide range of portable generator sizes so you can find one that best meets your needs. Whether you are looking for a standard diesel generators or more efficient Tier 4 generators, we are here to help you. Contact our experts today and discover the difference the right generators can make.
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