Generator size calculator
Tick what has to stay on during an outage. The calculator adds the running load, allows for the starting surge of the biggest motor, and tells you which standard size to look at.
kVA to kW converter
kW = kVA x 0.8
FAQ
▸How do I convert kVA to kW?
Multiply kVA by the power factor. Most generators are rated at a power factor of 0.8, so a 10 kVA set delivers about 8 kW. To go the other way, divide kW by 0.8.
▸Why is the recommended size bigger than the total of my appliances?
Because motors draw several times their running power for a moment when they start, and a generator has to carry that surge. A borehole pump or a compressor is usually the load that decides the size, not the lights and the TV.
▸Is this calculator exact?
No. It uses rule-of-thumb starting multipliers and a 0.8 power factor to give a sensible first size. Real motors vary, so we ask for the pump or motor nameplate before confirming a set.