27/02/2017 Standbyvs.Primevs.ContinuousGeneratorPower:WhichGeneratorEngineRatingisRightforYourApplication?

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The Importance of Rating a Generator Engine Correctly

When looking to purchase a generator
(http://www.dieselserviceandsupply.com/Used-Generators/) the rst thing to
consider is the intended use. It may seem obvious what power rating is required for an application but
there are a number of factors to consider before purchasing a generator. The guidelines set forth in this
article will better explain the proper application of generator drive engines in AC Generator Set
installations.

Standby Power Rating

Standby power rated generators arethe most commonly rated generator sets. Their primary application
is to supply emergency power for a limited duration during a power outage. With standby rated
generators there is no overload capability built into the units. It is important to note that standby rated
generators, under no circumstances, should run in conjunction with a public utility source.

Standby power rating should be applied to the unit where public utility power is available. The typical
rating for a standby engine should be sized for a maximum of 80% average load factor and roughly 200

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hours per year. This includes less than

25 hours per year of running time at
the standby rating. Standby power
ratings should never be applied except
in true emergency outage situations.
Predetermined outages with the utility
company, under UL guidelines, are not
considered emergency outages.
Manual load shifts for testing
purposes can be performed with most
automatic transfer switches.

Prime Power Rating

Prime power rated generators should

be used in applications where the user
does not purchase power from a
public utility. Prime power applications
fall under two distinct categories:

Indenite Running Time

The prime power rating (http://www.dieselserviceandsupply.com/Prime_vs_Standby_Power.aspx) is the

maximum power accessible at the variable load for an unlimited number of hours per year in a variable
load setting. It is not advisable that the variable load exceed 70% average of the prime power rating
during any operational period of 250 hours. If the engine is running at 100% prime power, yearly hours
should not exceed 500. Overload situations should be avoided however a 10% overload capability is
available for a 1 hour period within a 12 hour cycle of operation.

Limited Running Time

Prime power is accessible for a limited number of

hours in non-variable load situations. Limited prime
power is intended for circumstances where power
outages are expected, such as a planned utility
power reduction. Engines in generator sets may
operate up to 750 hours per year at power levels
less than the maximum prime power rating. In
these situations it is important tonever exceed the
prime power rating. The end user should be aware
that constant high load use will reduce the life of
any engine. It is recommended that any application
requiring over 750 hours per year that the engine be
continuous power rated.

Continuous Power Rating

Continuous power rating is used in applications

where supplying poweris at a constant 100% load
for an unlimited number of hours each year. Continuous power rated units are most widely used in
applications where the power grid is unreachable. Such applications include mining, agriculture or
military operations.
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Elevations and Temperatures Effect on Power Rating

Elevation and temperature are factors to consider before rating the engine. The engine may be operated
at 3,000 ft. of altitude and at a temperature of 100 F without deration for standby power rating. For
prime power rating the engine may be operated at 5,000 ft. of altitude and at a temperature of 100 F
without power deration. For continuous duty operations at higher altitudes, the engine should be
congured to limit performance by 3% per 1,000 ft. of altitude and 1% per 10 F inlet air temperature.

More information on power ratings is available under guideline ISO 3046

(http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=28330),
specically BS 5514 (http://www.datasheetarchive.com/BS5514*-datasheet.html)and DIN 6271
(http://www.macallisterpowersystems.com/405/generator-set-ratings.htm). It is always best to consult
an electrical contractor or a generator specialist to determine what generator and rating best suits your
specic needs.

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