Commercial Generator Sizing Calculator

Building Size (Square Feet)	Estimated Load Range (kW)
1,000 sq ft	20-30 kW
2,000 sq ft	40-60 kW
3,000 sq ft	60-90 kW
4,000 sq ft	80-120 kW
5,000 sq ft	100-150 kW
10,000 sq ft	200-300 kW
20,000 sq ft	400-600 kW
50,000 sq ft	1,000-1,500 kW
100,000 sq ft	2,000-3,000 kW

FAQs

How do you size a generator for a commercial building? Sizing a generator for a commercial building depends on various factors like the electrical load, the types of equipment you need to power, and your backup duration needs. You'll typically need an electrician or an engineer to perform load calculations. For a rough estimate, commercial buildings often require generators ranging from 100 kW to 1 MW or more, depending on their size and usage.

How do I know what size generator I need for my business? To determine the size of the generator for your business, calculate the total electrical load by adding up the wattage of all essential equipment and systems you want to power during an outage. For a small business, a 10-30 kW generator may suffice, while larger businesses may require 100 kW or more.

How do you calculate the load of a commercial generator? Calculate the load by summing the wattage of all critical devices, HVAC systems, lighting, and other electrical loads. A rough estimate is typically 20-30 watts per square foot for office spaces and 50-60 watts per square foot for restaurants or retail. Add surge capacity for starting loads.

How big a generator do I need for 1000 square feet? For a 1000 square feet space, a generator in the range of 20-30 kW should be sufficient.

What size generator do I need for 3000 square feet? For a 3000 square feet space, you may require a generator in the range of 60-90 kW.

How large is a 100 kW generator? A 100 kW generator is roughly the size of a large refrigerator or small car and can weigh around 2000-3000 pounds.

What size generator do I need for a 2500 square foot house? For a 2500 square foot house, you might need a generator in the range of 50-75 kW.

What size generator do I need for a 2000 square foot house? For a 2000 square foot house, a generator in the range of 40-60 kW should be adequate.

How much can I run on a 7500 watt generator? A 7500-watt generator can power essential appliances in a home, such as a refrigerator, sump pump, lights, and a few smaller appliances. It may also handle a small window air conditioner.

How much can a 12000 watt generator run? A 12,000-watt generator can run most of the essential systems in a home, including lighting, HVAC, refrigerator, and some additional appliances, but not all at once.

How do I calculate what size generator I need for my electric bill? Your electric bill won't directly help determine generator size. Calculate your generator size based on the specific electrical load requirements of the appliances and systems you want to power during an outage.

What is the formula for calculating a generator? There's no one-size-fits-all formula for calculating generator size. It depends on the electrical load you want to support. The general principle is to sum the wattage of all devices and appliances you need to run simultaneously, accounting for surge/start-up power requirements.

What size generator do I need for a 200 amp service? For a 200-amp service, you might require a generator in the range of 30-50 kW or more, depending on your specific load requirements.

How many square feet will a 22 kW generator run? A 22 kW generator can typically cover a home ranging from 2500 to 3500 square feet, depending on the electrical load.

How many kW to run a 3000 sq ft house? To run a 3000 square foot house, you might need a generator in the range of 60-90 kW, depending on the load.

What size generator do I need for a construction site? The size of the generator for a construction site depends on the equipment you need to power. Smaller sites may use generators in the range of 20-50 kW, while larger construction sites could require generators over 100 kW.

Is a 22 kW generator big? A 22 kW generator is considered a mid-sized residential generator. It's not extremely large but can power most essentials in a home.

How long will the 20 kW generator run at full capacity load with a full tank? A 20 kW generator with a full tank can run for approximately 8-12 hours at full capacity, but this can vary based on the generator's efficiency and load.

How big is a 22 kW generator? A 22 kW generator is roughly the size of a large refrigerator and weighs around 400-600 pounds.

How many HP does it take to run a 100 kW generator? The horsepower (HP) required to run a 100 kW generator can vary depending on the generator's make and model, but it's typically in the range of 130-160 HP.

How many kW do I need for a whole house generator? The size of a whole house generator depends on the specific load of your home, but it's often in the range of 20 kW to 60 kW.

What size generator will run a whole house? A generator in the range of 20 kW to 60 kW is typically sufficient to power most or all systems in a whole house, depending on its size and the electrical load.

How big of a house will a 30 kW generator run? A 30 kW generator can run a moderately sized house, ranging from 3000 to 4500 square feet, depending on the load.

Is a Kohler or Generac generator better? Both Kohler and Generac make reputable generators. The choice between them depends on your specific needs, budget, and personal preferences. It's advisable to compare models and consult with professionals.

How big is a 2000 kW generator? A 2000 kW generator is quite large and often used for industrial or commercial purposes. It can be the size of a small building or larger.

Can a generator be too big for a house? Yes, a generator can be too big for a house. Oversizing a generator can lead to inefficient operation and increased fuel consumption.

What happens if a generator is too big? An oversized generator may consume more fuel than necessary, leading to increased operating costs. It can also run less efficiently at lower loads, potentially causing maintenance issues.

What happens if you max out a generator? If you exceed a generator's rated capacity, it can overload and trip its circuit breakers or fuses. This can potentially damage the generator and connected appliances.

Will a 7000 watt generator run central air? A 7000-watt generator may run a smaller central air conditioning unit, but it may not be sufficient for larger or high-efficiency models.

Will a 12000 watt generator run central air? A 12,000-watt generator should be able to run a central air conditioning unit, but it's essential to check the unit's specific wattage requirements.

Can I run my generator for 12 hours? Running a generator for 12 hours continuously is possible, but it depends on the generator's fuel capacity and load. Make sure you have enough fuel and follow safety guidelines.

What size generator do I need to run a 12000 BTU AC? A 12,000 BTU air conditioner typically requires a generator in the range of 2000-3000 watts to start and around 1000-2000 watts to run continuously.

Can a backup generator be too big? Yes, a backup generator can be too big if it significantly exceeds the electrical load of your home or business. This can lead to inefficiency and higher costs.

What size generator do I need for a 100 amp service? For a 100-amp electrical service, you might need a generator in the range of 20-30 kW or more, depending on your specific load.

What does 24 kW mean? A 24 kW generator can produce 24,000 watts of electrical power.

How many amps does a 500 kW generator produce? A 500 kW generator can produce approximately 2083 amps at 240 volts, or the specific amperage may vary depending on the voltage used.

How do you calculate surge watts? Surge watts are typically calculated by multiplying the starting amperage or power requirement of an appliance or device by a factor of 2 to 3 times to account for the surge or startup load.

How many amps does a 10,000 watt generator produce? A 10,000-watt generator can produce approximately 41.67 amps at 240 volts, or the specific amperage may vary depending on the voltage used.

How many amps can a 2200 watt generator run? A 2200-watt generator can produce approximately 9.17 amps at 240 volts, or the specific amperage may vary depending on the voltage used.

How many watts can a 200 amp service handle? A 200-amp electrical service can handle a maximum load of 48,000 watts (48 kW) at 240 volts.

What will a 200 amp service run? A 200-amp electrical service can power most residential loads, including lighting, appliances, HVAC systems, and more.

How many kW is a 200 amp service? A 200-amp service is equivalent to 48,000 watts or 48 kW at 240 volts.

What is the difference between a 22KW and a 24KW generator? The primary difference is the power output. A 22 kW generator can produce 22,000 watts of electrical power, while a 24 kW generator can produce 24,000 watts.

How much does it cost to install a Generac 22KW? The cost of installing a Generac 22 kW generator can vary widely depending on factors like location, installation complexity, and additional features. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, it could range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more.

How much does it cost to run a 22KW generator? The cost to run a 22 kW generator depends on fuel type (natural gas, propane, diesel) and local fuel prices. On average, it may cost around $2-4 per hour to operate.

What size generator do I need for a 3500 square foot house? For a 3500 square foot house, you might need a generator in the range of 75-100 kW, depending on the electrical load.

What size generator do I need for a 2500 square foot house? For a 2500 square foot house, you might need a generator in the range of 50-75 kW, depending on the electrical load.

How many kW do I need for a 2500 square foot house? A 2500 square foot house may require a generator in the range of 50-75 kW, depending on the specific load.

What size generator do I need for 3000 square feet? For a 3000 square foot space, you may require a generator in the range of 60-90 kW, depending on the load.

Is a whole house generator tax deductible? The tax deductibility of a whole house generator installation may vary by location and individual tax laws. Consult a tax professional for guidance.

Will a 3000 watt generator run an air conditioner? A 3000-watt generator might run a small window air conditioner, but it's unlikely to handle larger central air conditioning units.

What can you power with a 2000 kW generator? A 2000 kW generator is an industrial-scale generator and can power large facilities, manufacturing plants, or provide backup power to critical infrastructure.

How many amps does a Honda 3000 generator produce? A Honda 3000-watt generator can produce approximately 25 amps at 120 volts.

Which generator is best for construction? The choice of a generator for construction depends on the site's power needs. Portable generators (5-20 kW) are often used for smaller construction sites, while larger sites may require towable generators (30-100 kW) or even larger units.

What size generator do I need to run an office trailer? The size of the generator for an office trailer depends on the trailer's electrical load. A generator in the range of 5-15 kW may suffice for most office trailers.

Will a 24 kW generator burn less fuel than a 22 kW? Generally, a 24 kW generator may consume slightly more fuel than a 22 kW generator because it has a higher power output. However, the fuel consumption also depends on the specific generator model and load conditions.