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Choosing the right generator size depends on three key factors: your total running load, the starting power required by your largest equipment, and your operating needs. A properly sized generator helps keep essential equipment running during a power outage without paying for more capacity than you need.
Consider these factors when estimating your requirements. A professional load assessment can then help confirm the appropriate generator capacity for your business.
Choosing the right generator size helps protect your equipment, maintain operations during an outage, and avoid unnecessary costs. An undersized unit may struggle to start large motors or handle peak demand, causing overloads, shutdowns, or unstable voltage that can disrupt operations and damage sensitive equipment.
An oversized generator can also create problems. Higher upfront costs, inefficient fuel consumption, and prolonged operation at light loads can increase running costs. For diesel generators, sustained light-load operation may also cause wet stacking, where unburnt fuel deposits build up in the exhaust system.
Getting the capacity right from the start helps you balance reliable performance with long-term operating costs. Resizing or replacing an unsuitable unit later can add further expenses through equipment changes, rewiring, or reinstallation.
In the Philippines, every business runs differently, so no single number suits everyone. A café with a few refrigerators has little in common with a factory full of motors, even if both lose power at the same moment.
Start by listing what must stay on during an outage, then total its running and starting loads.
Separate critical loads from those that can wait. Critical loads often include refrigeration, servers, lighting, security systems, essential air conditioning, and key production machinery. Powering only what matters keeps the generator smaller and cheaper.
Note each item’s rated power in kilowatts (kW). If a label gives amps, convert to kW first. Never add amps directly.
Add your running loads together, then include a modest allowance for growth. Many businesses allow around 20 to 25 per cent, though your plans may justify more or less.
Generators are usually rated in kilovolt-amperes (kVA) rather than kW. Power factor links the two: kW = kVA × power factor. At a typical 0.8, a 100 kW load needs roughly 125 kVA.
For a verified figure, bring your equipment list, recent electricity bills, and any single-line diagrams to a provider. You can also browse our range of generators to see the capacities available.
Once you know your load, match the generator to your site and operation. Four practical considerations follow.
Allow clearance for ventilation, exhaust, cooling airflow, and maintenance access. Hot or cramped enclosures reduce output because high ambient temperatures and restricted airflow derate engines. Noise matters too, and enclosures and careful siting can keep sound within local limits. Confirm permit and installation rules with your local authorities and your provider.
Diesel is widely used for commercial standby power thanks to its efficiency and straightforward on-site storage. Natural gas and propane burn more cleanly but depend on supply availability. Consider how many hours you need to run without refuelling, since longer runtimes mean larger tanks or more frequent deliveries.
Single-phase suits many small premises with modest loads. Three-phase suits larger or motor-heavy operations and delivers power more consistently at higher capacity. If you are unsure which you have, check your switchboard or ask your electrician.
A generator that fails to start has no backup at all, so plan for servicing from day one. Regular inspections, load testing, fluid changes, and battery checks keep it ready. Ask about service availability, spare parts, and response times before you buy. Easy access for maintenance also lowers long-term cost.
Alta Maxpower helps you choose a generator based on your actual power requirements, not guesswork. We assess your electrical loads, review your supply requirements, and consider site conditions and fuel needs before recommending a suitable capacity. We also explain the reasoning behind our recommendation and discuss alternatives that fit your budget.
You should have a clear understanding of how the generator size was calculated, what capacity margin is included, and how your operating conditions affect the recommendation. If your business relies on continuous power, uses motor-heavy equipment, or plans to expand, contact Alta Maxpower to request a load assessment.
