| Size | Real power | Current at 400 V | Approx. diesel use | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 kVA | 16 kW | 29 A | ≈ 3.2 L/h | rest houses, small and mid-size camps, shops, light towers |
| 30 kVA | 24 kW | 43 A | ≈ 4.9 L/h | rest houses, small and mid-size camps, shops, light towers |
| 60 kVA | 48 kW | 87 A | ≈ 9.7 L/h | commercial camps, villas, site offices, small farms, small events |
| 100 kVA | 80 kW | 144 A | ≈ 16.2 L/h | commercial camps, villas, site offices, small farms, small events |
| 150 kVA | 120 kW | 217 A | ≈ 24.3 L/h | mid-size construction sites, apartment buildings, halls, irrigation pumps |
| 250 kVA | 200 kW | 361 A | ≈ 40.5 L/h | mid-size construction sites, apartment buildings, halls, irrigation pumps |
| 500 kVA | 400 kW | 722 A | ≈ 81 L/h | commercial centres, workshops and plants, large events, tower cranes |
| 1000 kVA | 800 kW | 1443 A | ≈ 162 L/h | major projects, labour accommodation, standby for large facilities |
Real power at a 0.8 power factor. Fuel use is an estimate at 75% load (about 0.27 L per kWh) and varies with engine and load.
How to work out your own use
Multiply the actual load in kW by 0.27 for litres per hour, then by running hours. Example: a 20 kW load for 10 hours ≈ 54 litres.
Five ways to cut consumption
- Pick the right size: a big unit on a small load wastes fuel
- Switch off loads you do not need, especially AC in empty tents
- Keep to the service schedule: clean filters mean better combustion
- Keep the unit shaded and well ventilated
- For large sites: two units of different sizes run to match the load
Common questions
How much does a 100 kVA generator use per hour?
About 16 litres an hour at 75% load.