Generator Category and Capacity
Our generators have 1001 uses, including heating, cooling, illuminating, rotating, pumping, computing etc.
NB 1: Amps x Volts = Watts.
To estimate the generator capacity needed, apply the following formulae:
In a 1 phase installation:
1 kw = 1.25 kva; 1 kva = 4 amps (10 kw = 12.5 kva = 50 amps)
Kva x 4 = maximum amps @ 230 v in a single phase installation
In a 3 phase installation:
1 kw = 1.25 kva (10 kw = 12.5 kva = 18-20 amps)
Kva x 1.5 = maximum amps @ 400 v in a 3 phase installation
NB 2: Most permanent generator installations for domestic use are between 2.5 kw – 20 kw on a single phase (230 volts AC 50hz)
Table to calculate estimated power required (1 kw = 1000 watt):
KW = kilowatt
KVA = kilo volts per ampere
V = volt
I = amperes
PF = power factor (0.8 or 1)
| FORMULAE | ||||||
| SINGLE PHASE | THREE PHASE | |||||
| KW |
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| KVA |
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| Amperes |
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| Amperes |
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| Starting up | Running | |
| Light bulb |
60 w |
60 w |
| Refrigeration |
1 000 w |
350 w |
| Freezer |
1 000 w |
350 w |
| Kettle |
1 500 w |
1 500 w |
| Stove plate/frying pan |
1 500 w |
1 500 w |
| Microwave oven |
900 w |
650 w |
| TV |
100 w |
100 w |
| Decoder |
60 w |
60 w |
| PC + Monitor |
700 w |
700 w |
| Printer |
500 w |
500 w |
| Fax |
600 w |
600 w |
| Geyser |
3 000 w |
3 000 w |
Fan |
150 w |
150 w |
NB: Recommended not to exceed 70% of generator capacity
Indication of size generator required:
| ? | 3 - 5 kw: Suitable for Private Individuals, Households, Small business enterprises |
| ? | 10 - 50 kw: Suitable for concerns such as Merchants; Manufacturers; Essential and Financial Service Providers, Light Industrial, the Tourism Industry, Construction Firms, Safari Operators, Maintenance Services, etc |
| ? | 60 – 100 kw: Suitable for Butcheries, Guest Houses, Ice Cream Factories, Farms, etc |
| ? | 150 – 300 kw: Suitable for Lager Supermarkets, Laboratories, Clinics, Lodges, Larger Factories, Banks, Residential Complexes etc – capable of keeping all essential systems operating |
| ? | 300+ kw: Suitable for Large Projects, Facilities and Institutions like Hospitals, Jails, Large Shopping Centres, etc – can even supply power for an entire town |
