Simplifying Generator Set Ratings

By Armen Kludjian
Peterson Power, Inc., San Leandro, CA 94577

Choosing a generator for your facility can be a confusing journey. Information about various units’ horsepower ratings and power outputs can make for a dizzying array of choices. How can you be sure you picked the correctly rated unit for your specific need?

Generally, the more horsepower generated, the higher the heat generated resulting in shorter service intervals and increased wear.

While at first glance generator set ratings can appear confusing, a few simple techniques will be presented next that will make it much easier to understand. Let’s start with some basic terminology.