Choosing the right generator capacity for household & construction needs

In today’s fast-paced world, uninterrupted power supply is essential, whether for household comforts or construction site operations. With a plethora of generator options available, selecting the right capacity is crucial to ensure seamless functionality and protection for your sensitive equipment. This guide will walk you through several key considerations for hiring the ideal generator capacity based on power requirements for various household and construction items.

Understanding Generator Capacities:

Generators come in different capacities, measured in kilowatts (kW) or kilovolt-amperes (kVA), indicating the amount of power they can produce. To determine the appropriate generator capacity, it’s essential to assess the total power consumption of the appliances and tools you intend to power simultaneously.

What size generator do I need?

“WHAT SIZE GENERATOR DO I NEED?”…this is the most commonly asked portable generator question and can sometimes seem like quite a technical, challenging task. But for most applications, it’s actually pretty simple and straightforward – here we try and make it easy for you.

First follow these four simple steps;

1. Get the power information for your appliances – both running and starting power (if applicable)
2. Make sure the power information is represented in Watts
3. Work out how many appliances you’ll be running at any one time
4. Go to https://www.mygenerator.com.au/power-calculator add your info to the table and calculate your perfect generator size.

 

Don’t know what wattage your item is?
A good rule of thumb is that the amperage (amps) of the item, multiplied by its power supply is equal to its wattage. eg. an item with a 5 amp motor that runs on 240v power (5 amps x 240v = approximately 1200 watts) would require a generator that has a capacity higher than 1200 watts.

Don’t know how many KVA you need?
A good rule of thumb is that 1KVA is equal to 1000 watts.
eg. a power tool that requires approximately 2300 watts will require a generator that has a capacity higher than 2300 watts.

Please note: Some items such as air compressors require more watts on start-up than when they are running, hence increasing the overall power requirement. This must also be considered when determining generator capacity. Remember, too much capacity is always better than not enough capacity.

2000 Watt Inverter Generator:

For sensitive electronic equipment like laptops, smartphones, and medical devices, a 2000 watt inverter generator is the ideal choice. Its pure sine wave energy output ensures clean and stable power, safeguarding delicate electronics from potential damage due to power surges or fluctuations. This type of generator is also lightweight and portable, making it suitable for outdoor activities and camping trips.

4.5kVA Generator:

When powering household appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners or power tools on a construction site, a 4.5kVA generator offers sufficient capacity. Its regulated energy supply provides stable power output, preventing voltage spikes that could harm electronic devices like computers, televisions, and modern tool battery chargers. This generator size strikes a balance between power output and portability.

6kVA Generator:

For larger households or construction sites with increased power demands, a 6kVA generator provides ample capacity to run multiple appliances simultaneously. This generator size is suitable for powering heavy-duty equipment like electric water pumps, circular saws, and concrete mixers. Its regulated energy supply ensures consistent power delivery, minimizing the risk of equipment malfunction or damage.

8kVA Generator:

When powering large construction sites or facilities with high power requirements, an 8kVA generator is the optimal choice. This generator size can handle the simultaneous operation of multiple heavy-duty machinery, such as welders, industrial compressors, and small floor grinders. Its regulated energy supply is crucial for maintaining the integrity of sensitive electronic components within these machines, ensuring smooth operation without disruptions.

Now that you’ve got your power sorted, here’s a few other items that you may need to consider hiring as well.

Earth Leakage Unit

Hiring an earth leakage unit, also known as a residual current device (RCD), is a critical safety measure for both residential and commercial settings – especially when using a Generator. These devices are designed to detect any imbalance in electrical currents, such as those caused by faulty wiring or electrical leakage, and swiftly cut off power to prevent electric shocks or fires. An Earth Leakage Unit adds an extra layer of protection against electrical hazards, ensuring the safety of occupants and minimizing the risk of property damage.

Additionally, in construction sites where electrical tools and equipment are used extensively, the use of earth leakage units is often mandated by safety regulations to maintain a secure working environment. Investing in the hire of an earth leakage unit is a proactive step towards safeguarding lives and property from the unpredictable dangers of electrical faults.

Firefighters Pump

Got no power, and don’t want to hire a generator, but need to pump water somewhere? We’ve got you! The Firefighter’s pump is a great alternative to an electric submersible pump for times when power isn’t available. A Fire Fighters Pump is often used for sucking water from one area and moving it to another such as from a dam into a water storage container.

This pump has a single suction hose but has been configured with 3 different outlet fittings to suit a variety of applications.  These are a 38mm layflat hose, a garden hose (13mm or 19mm) or a 19mm Air Hose hose with claw fittings.

3000PSI Water Pressure Cleaner

Need to clean up a big area, but don’t want to be tethered to a power point or a generator? The 3000PSI Water Pressure Cleaner will make light work of your task. Powered by a petrol engine, this water pressure cleaner is often preferred by painters and roof restoration contractors as it is easy to move around and has penetrating water pressure for lifting flaking paint as well as removing in ground dirt build up. A combination of high pressure and high water volume creates superior cleaning performance.

Area Heater

On a different note, after you’ve finished all your jobs and it’s time to take a break, our Area Heater is just what you need to take the chill off the crisp Autumn air. Perfect for BBQs and family gatherings. A 9kg LPG bottle will fuel the heater for approximately 8 hours … no electrical power supply required.

Selecting the right generator capacity is essential for meeting the power needs of both household and construction applications. Whether you require clean and stable power for sensitive electronics or robust energy supply for heavy-duty machinery, choosing the appropriate generator size ensures reliable performance and equipment protection. By understanding the power requirements of your appliances and tools, you can make an informed decision to invest in the ideal generator capacity for your needs.

For more information and assistance in choosing the right generator for your specific requirements, feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable team. We’re here to help you find the perfect power solution tailored to your needs.