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What Can a 500kVA Generator Power?

A 500kVA generator supplies about 400 kW of real power, which suits a large commercial building, bank headquarters or medium plant.

Industrial diesel generator set in an outdoor enclosure
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Do not size a generator by adding up nameplates alone. Add the loads that run together, then leave about 30 percent headroom, because motors draw several times their running current when they start.

If you are unsure, send us your equipment list and we will help check the size before you commit.

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  1. List of equipment and their kW or hp ratings
  2. Single-phase or three-phase supply
  3. Largest motor you need to start
  4. Whether loads run at the same time
  5. Delivery location and required date

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Typical Loads for a 500kVA Generator

  • About 200 x 1.5 hp split air conditioners (about 1.4 kW each running)
  • About 1400 x office workstations with monitors (about 0.2 kW each running)
  • About 75 x 5 hp three-phase borehole pumps (about 3.7 kW each running)
  • About 37 x 10 hp three-phase motors (about 7.5 kW each running)
  • About 12 x 30 hp three-phase motors (about 22 kW each running)
  • About 3 x 100 hp three-phase motors (about 75 kW each running)

Sizing Rules of Thumb

  • Add up loads that run at the same time, then multiply by 1.25 to 1.3
  • Start your biggest motor first, then the smaller ones
  • Three-phase motors start more smoothly on a generator than large single-phase loads
  • Allow for future growth if you expect to add equipment

When to Size Up

  • Large motors starting direct-on-line without a soft starter
  • Welding machines and compressors that cycle on and off
  • Sensitive electronics that need a clean, stable supply
  • Loads that will grow within a couple of years

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 500kVA generator run my whole building?

It depends on the connected load. At about 400 kW with 30 percent headroom, it can carry about 280 kW of simultaneous load. Send us your equipment list and we will check.

Is 500kVA the same as 500 kW?

No. At a 0.8 power factor, 500kVA is about 400 kW of real power.

What current does a 500kVA generator supply?

About 696 amps per phase at 415 V three-phase.

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